2013 LA Kings Draft Thread

  • Work is still on-going to rebuild the site styling and features. Please report any issues you may experience so we can look into it. Click Here for Updates
Its official, we have put together a jacket on Quinten Shore.

Not surprising really as several teams have too but with everything else going on we must at least think he is worth a mid pick.

If he falls to 4rth (which is possible) then we might take a runner on him.

How hard will that be since we don't have another first rounder to give up? Since you would think Nashville would want a later first round pick+ assets.
 
Got him in the 2nd round of my draft rankings, which I post yearly on the Jets board. He's a smart player with good size, I like him as a reliable middle pairing type of potential guy.

I had seen and wondered why you had him so high, the potential is there, but is it worth the time and risk in the late second? Are there better players that have fallen?

Have you seen him play? Just curious as to why you have him higher than most.
 
Its official, we have put together a jacket on Quinten Shore.

Not surprising really as several teams have too but with everything else going on we must at least think he is worth a mid pick.

If he falls to 4rth (which is possible) then we might take a runner on him.

I feel he'll be there in the fifth round. He is an overager, and did alright in college, and hes not overly big. I feel that if drafted to early, were drafting more for his name.
Glad to see we will take a run at him, but I would hope its in round 5. Ive got my sights set on others for round 4 ;).
 
Any thoughts on these potential draftees? Looking at the stats alone, they seem like decent targets for LA.

Dillon Heatherington D Swift Current WHL
Chance Braid LW Prince Albert
Cole Linaker C Kelowna
Zane Jones LW Calgary

I would love Heatherington. He is a great defensive defenseman, hes got size, and decent offensive output. Depending on whos available, he might be a good pick with our second rounder, but he could be gone earlier due to a strong U18. I would only draft him though if we could acquire a pick in the first or early second, as offense should be a priority with our first pick.

I dont want Braid. He is a 94 (late birthday), in a 95 draft, and only has 27 points.
I doubt Linaker is even close to anybodys radar. No good offensive output on a quality team. Jones is also an overager with decent offensive output, but there will be many players available that are better now, with a higher upside.

Hey Tonelli, do you have any info on Nic Petan?

I dont think that Petan is the type of player were looking at. Definitely a high risk/high reward. Small, plays on a stacked team. If he falls to our pick though, would he be too good to pass up on?
 
I had seen and wondered why you had him so high, the potential is there, but is it worth the time and risk in the late second? Are there better players that have fallen?

Have you seen him play? Just curious as to why you have him higher than most.

Honestly, it's mostly just clips, as with most guys who do not play CHL, Europe top leagues, and NCAA for me. But he has real good frame, really smooth skater, moves the puck real well, got a good shot, but most important I think he has hockey sense. Moreso than alot of the players I see. Combine his potential to be a twoway player (I notoriously rank one way players, either offense or defense) and the hockey sense and he makes for a player I rather like. He most assuredly is a project, he has quite a long way to go though. However with college players you can allow them that time in college, and the Kings don't neccessarily need AHL depth now. Honestly I probably have him too high, he is likely a 3rd/4th rounder, but guys like Madison Bowey with ZERO hockey sense don't interest me at all, so Coulombe slides a little higher on my rankings.
 
The two times the Kings drafted for need in the first round were the years they had multiple 1st rounders (2006 & 2008).

In 2006 they needed a goaltender, no one knew DT had drafted the guy who 7 years later would be arguably the best goalie in the world just the year before in 05. They were staring at the jokes Garon and LaBarbera and nothing in the system, Bernier clearly made the most sense. I would argue Lewis was also a need pick, at the time the Kings had plenty of young forwards who were or were projected as scorers (Kopitar, Cammalleri, Frolov, POS, Brown) and lacked a real lunch pail type center in Lewis. I think Lewis has been ok, probably not quite what they expected when they drafted him, but he is a quality bottom 6 forward.

In 2008, they had the guy everyone knew was going to be a star, so they tried to get cute and instead of taking another great defender they picked for a need and it was a disaster from the first training camp. Things worked out in the long run because the Kings came back and made a wonderful pick in the 2nd round.

The Kings probably have a need at forward more than anything else, but assuming they do move back into round 1 and there is a defenseman they really love in the middle of the round they will take him because he presents the best value.
 
No thanks on Petan. Would not fit well in the Kings' system. A team like the NYI would be perfect for him.
 
Honestly, it's mostly just clips, as with most guys who do not play CHL, Europe top leagues, and NCAA for me. But he has real good frame, really smooth skater, moves the puck real well, got a good shot, but most important I think he has hockey sense. Moreso than alot of the players I see. Combine his potential to be a twoway player (I notoriously rank one way players, either offense or defense) and the hockey sense and he makes for a player I rather like. He most assuredly is a project, he has quite a long way to go though. However with college players you can allow them that time in college, and the Kings don't neccessarily need AHL depth now. Honestly I probably have him too high, he is likely a 3rd/4th rounder, but guys like Madison Bowey with ZERO hockey sense don't interest me at all, so Coulombe slides a little higher on my rankings.

Where can I find your draft rankings? Would love to read them.
 
How hard will that be since we don't have another first rounder to give up? Since you would think Nashville would want a later first round pick+ assets.

I don't understand the question.

I think Quinten Shore will drop to late 3rd early 4rth.

How does that require our having another first rounder to give up or anything to do with Nashville? Just not following the question.

Could you have meant to ask someone else or are you talking about a different player?
 
Thanks for clearing that up Holden. I knew there was something I was missing or misunderstanding regarding the 2 years rule in the CBA (honestly never heard about that) but figured that it was based off of the transfer agreement for the league. Didi know Russia was different though. Thanks again, now back to the discussion.
 
Wondering what people thought of

STEFAN FOURNIER (halifax mooseheads)
6'3 // 210 pounds // RW
--overager (21 years old)

more than a PPG during the season with a staggering 100 PMS

a co-captain that has 16 goals and 27 points in the MC playoffs.. playing 17 games... a goal a game clip for a bruiser.

possibly inflated numbers playing with Mckinnon and Drouin
 
1st pick should be a future replacement for Justin Williams, someone with some speed. 2nd pick should be a center depending on how Lombardi feels about Vey, and Shore, if not a center then a power forward wing. 3rd pick should be speedy left winger that can score. 4th pick Lombardi should try to find a offensive left defensemen, the kings have alot of left defesive defensemen in the system, but not alot of offesive defensemen that play the left side. I would like to see the GM try to find a Cris Neil Type forward in the 5ft round.
 
Where can I find your draft rankings? Would love to read them.

I'll repost them here.

Back due to popular demand...

Holden Caulfield's 2013 NHL Draft List​

Link to 2012 edition
Too early to tell, but I think I did a good job calling Trouba (I had him as #2 D), Frk (many had him out of first round, I had him #20 and he has had a great season), Nieves (had him as a 1st rounder, great season this year), and McCabe (I was a big fan of that guy last year, was a beast this year). Maybe a little high on Faksa (not a great season this year, offensive upside questioned), Collberg (I let popular rankings influence me too much unfortunately), and Sutter (bought the hype too much as well).

I am not going to let the popular ranking effect me so much this year, so I expect many will not like this list. Note this is NOT a mock draft, it is merely a ranking based on future career. Here I go.

Tier 1
1. C Nathan MacKinnon (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL) - Yes, I know Jones has taken over #1 on most lists. However MacKinnon still has the top end skill, and it is much safer to reach his upside. Fast, great hands, this guy is going to be a #1 C in this league for a long long time.

2. D Seth Jones (Portland Winterhawks, WHL) - We all know about this guy, he is big, skates really well, got a cannon, can hit. He can really do it all. This guy has the potential to be the best defenseman in the game no doubt. However we have seen other big tools defensemen not put it all together at the NHL level (Hedman, Victor). Not saying he will be a bust by any means, at worst he will be a hugely valuable player but I went with the "safer" MacKinnon for #1.

3. C Sasha Barkov (Tappara, SML) - I think you all know me by now, that I have a huge weakness for big strong center icemen. Barkov does it all. This guy wins battles, plays 200 feet, got slick hands, good skater, not afraid to be physical, I would absolutely drooling to add a player like this. He has shown dominance in a very strong men's league, something nobody else in this draft can boast. His skating is pretty damn good as well.

4. LW Jonathan Drouin (Halifax Mooseheads, QMJHL) - Dynamic scoring winger, he has Pat Kane type upside. He is masterful in the offensive zone, great skater, has perhaps the highest straight offensive upside in this draft. The guy will bring offense. Slots in at #4 due to the fact that he is a winger and is not as much of a twoway guy as MacKinnon and Barkov.

Tier 2
5. C Valeri Nichushkin (Chelyabinsk, KHL) - Reports are kinda split on this guy, but his talent level simply cannot be denied. This guy skates like the wind, loves to mix it up physically, very good hands a true dynamic player. Consistancy is an issue and well likely fall somewhat due to uncertainaty with regards to coming over to NA, but his skills are as good as anyone in the draft.

6. C Elias Lindholm (Brynas, SEL) - Not blessed with the natural skill of the forwards rated above him, Lindholm plays a very mature pro style game already. He is a very smart player that plays 200 feet of the rink, should have no trouble adjusting to NA. Very nice playmaker, but some questions might remain with just how high his offensive upside is.

Tier 3
7. D Rasmus Ristolainen (TPS, SML) - Perhaps the first one where people will scratch their heads, but I love the game Ristolainen plays. He is a very smart defenseman, real solid positionally and makes a real smooth first pass. His positioning, skating, and passing are already NHL level. The real question is how high his offensive upside is, and how effective he will be using his size, but he is a safe bet to be a real strong NHL defenseman for a lot of years.

8. C Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67's, OHL) - Mini slide for Monahan here, since I question his offensive upside. Plays a mature NHL game no doubt, has good vision, works hard, however his skating is not top end, and he lacks the top end skill of the other players. Makes up for it with intelligence though, still a real good player to land in this draft.

Tier 4
9. C Frederik Gauthier (Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL) - This tier will be crowded. There are many players starting here at #9 that can slide in here. I went with Gauthier due to his salivating upside. He has more than the size coveted at the NHL position combined with real good skating and smart offensive plays. Plays a twoway game as well and wins board battles. Would like to see more consistancy and use his size more effectively, but that is a common concern with young big forwards.

10. D Ryan Pulock (Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL) - Smooth skating Pulock is an offensive specialist with a surprisingly sound defensive game. He has a great shot, great skater, and moves the puck real well. Still does need work on positioning and defensive play, but it's well ahead of say a Morgan Reilly from last year.

11. LW Anthony Mantha (Val D'Or Foreurs, QMJHL) - Big strong power forward, Mantha has all the tools to be power forward in the NHL. Strong skater, wins battles, great offensive skills. Concerns with consistency as with many young power forwards, but strong upside.

12. D Nikita Zadorov (London Knights, OHL) - I know he is a bit lower here, but I have serious concerns about his offensive game. I would describe him as a physical defenseman right now. Needs work on his defensive game, and his offensive game has not shown a whole lot to date. Unlike Trouba last year, who was much smarter and player a safer game, Zadorov gets caught out of position going for hits. Fantastic upside, but stronger possibility of not reaching that upside.

13. RW Adam Erne (Quebec Ramparts, QMJHL) - Doesn't possess ideal size for a power forward (although not terrible) Erne is a physical guy that loves to mix it up with solid offensive skills to go with it. He is a player I certainly would not mind at #13, that's for sure. Plays a two way game, some character concerns, but as the saying goes I'd rather tame a tiger than paint stripes on a Kitty Cat.

Tier 5
14. RW Valentin Zykov (Baie-Comeau Drakkar, QMJHL) - A player that has come out of nowhere this year after a dissapointing season in MHL in 11-12, Zykov has shown that he is more suited to the small rink. He is a strong physical forward, likes to mix it up, loves playing physical. Concerns about upside though.

15. LW Kerby Rychel (Windsor Spitfires, OHL) - A true goalscoring prospect, Rychel knows how to put the puck in the net. He has a great shot, and great offensive positioning. Wins battles, does the little things right. Probably projects as a complementary goalscoring forward though, not somebody to lead a line.

16. D Mirco Mueller (Everett Silvertips, WHL) - Rangy Swiss defender has very high upside. Smooth skater, very smart positionally, makes a nice first pass. The offense has not materialized just yet, but he has upside as a twoway defender.

17. D Josh Morrissey (Prince Albert Raiders, WHL) - A smart safe player with good skating and passing ability, Morrissey is a traditional puck moving defenseman. Makes good decisions with the puck, and plays a decent positional game away from the puck. Safe pick to be an NHLer, but what is his upside?

18. D Darnell Nurse (Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, OHL) - If anybody is still reading, they probably thought I forgot him. Nope, I just don't like tools only defensemen. That's what Nurse is. He skates real well, hits like a truck, has top end upside. However he is not a smart player, makes gaffes and does not understand the game as well as I would like. For every PK Subban we have so many guys like Ty Wishart, Brian Lee and AJ Thelen that never put the skills together.

19. LW Hunter Shinkaruk (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL) - Small dynamic forward has plenty of offensive upside, but he will be a 2nd line scoring winger ala David Perron or never be an NHL regular, IMO. Has the talent, but does not play a two way game, does not possess any real definable top end skill.

Tier 6
20. LW Alexander Wennberg (Djurgarden, ALK) - Older player, but after a real dissapointing 11-12 had a fanatastic rookie season in the Allsvenskan this year, posting similiar numbers to Filip Forsberg. Smart player with good offensive instincts.

21. RW Ryan Hartman (Plymouth Whalers, OHL) - Really love the way this guys plays hockey. His motor never stops, works his ass off each and every shift. Likes to mix it up, skates well, wins battles, got good offensive skills. Questions about his offensive upside prevent him from moving higher.

22. C Max Domi (London Knights, OHL) - Been discussed here ad nauseum. Has the offensive skills, and battles hard, but is really small and likely projects to the wing at the NHL level. His skills are solid, but he will need to adjust to play in NHL at his size.

23. D Robert Hagg (MoDo, SEL) - A true defensive defenseman with little to no offensive upside, Hagg is a real smart player that plays real solid positional game. Needs more development, but could be a shutdown defender.

24. C Bo Horvat (London Knights, OHL) - A strong twoway player, he has serious concerns about offensive upside. His skating is not top notch, and his offensive skills are not top notch.

25. C JT Compher (USNDTP, USHL) - Showed some top end offensive skills in the USHL this year combined with a strong motor, he is a potential sleeper if he is still available in the last 10 picks of the 1st round. Needs to add strength though.

26. C Connor Hurley (Edina, USHS) - Absolutely dominating Minnesota High School hockey, he has great vision and puck potection, he has high upside. However he is a long term project needing to add strength and play a higher level.

Tier 7
27. LW Arturri Lehkonen (KalPa, SML) - Small elusive forward has plenty of offensive upside. He is a deceptive skater that knows where to go on the ice. Concerns about how he will transition to NA.

28. LW Marko Dano (Slovan Bratislava, KHL) - People will probably make fun of me for this one, but I really like this guy. He is a very deceptive skater, slick slick hands, good shot, and although smaller not afraid to battle for pucks. High end potential.

29. C Jacob de la Rose (Leksand, ALK) - Plays a heavy twoway game, de la Rose is a strong defensive player with concerns about offensive upside. I like his game though, and was solid in a men's league this year.

30. D Shea Theodore (Seattle Thunderbirds, SEA) - Compares to last year's D Derrick Pouliout, Theodore is a very good skater and moves the puck well, but has serious concerns about defensive awareness.

The next 30
31. D Keaton Thompson (USNDTP, USHL)
32. D Ian McCoshen (Waterloo, OPJHL)
33. C Jimmy Lodge (Saginaw, OHL)
34. D Samuel Morin (Rimouski, QMJHL)
35. LW William Carrier (Cape Breton, QMJHL)
36. C Jason Dickinson (Guelph, OHL)
37. G Zachery Fucale (Halifax, QMJHL)
38. C Curtis Lazar (Edmonton, WHL)
39. D Chris Bigras (Owen Sound, OHL)
40. G Tristan Jarry (Edmonton, WHL)
41. C Pavel Buchnevich (Cherepovst 2, MHL)
42. C Lucas Wallmark (Skelleftea, SEL)
43. G Eric Comrie (Tri-City, WHL)
44. D Eric Roy (Brandon, WHL)
45. C Marc-Olivier Roy (Armada, QMJHL)
46. RW Nick Sorenson (Quebec, QMJHL)
47. C Morgan Klimchuk (Regina, WHL)
48. D Alex Coulombe (Stanstead College, CAHS)
49. LW Peter Cehlarik (Lulea, SWE JR)
50. LW Andre Burakowsky (Malmo, SEL)
51. D Thomas Vannelli (USNDTP, USHL)
52. C Nicolas Petan (Portland, WHL)
53. D Dillon Heatherington (Swift Current, WHL)
54. LW Myles Bell (Kelowna, WHL)
55. C Bogdan Yakimov (Nizhnekamsk, MHL)
56. G Spencer Martin (Mississauga, OHL)
57. RW Justin Bailey (Kitchener, OHL)
58. C Laurent Dauphin (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)
59. RW Michael McCarron (USNDTP, USHL)
60. G Patrik Bartosak (Red Deer, WHL)


HM: D Mitchell Wheaton, LW Adam Tambellini, C Martin Reway

There you have it. Flame away people. I welcome all comments, please do respond. Thanks, hope you guys (and gals?) let me know what you think.
 
I hope Hagg falls that far, I could see LA getting a 1st in a deal for Bernier (especially if he's dealt to Calgary, though I doubt it) and would love to get him.

I disagree that he has little offensive upside though. I don't see him being a Paul Coffey, but I figure he's got 25-30 point potential. He's the guy I hope LA gets if they deal Bernier for a 1st.
 

Ad

Upcoming events

Ad