2014 LA Kings Draft Thread

[hangons]

Great Draft Chart and Robby Fabbri

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2014e.html

I think perhaps the Kings will try and trade up for Robby Fabbri. They must have seen him a bunch of times while watching their three other draft picks out of Guelph.

 

[Ron*]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but the Kings took Tanner Pearson in the 30th overall pick in the 2012 draft and not two years later he is lifting his own Cup.

Who will we take 30th this season and...

 

[King'sPawn]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but the Kings took Tanner Pearson in the 30th overall pick in the 2012 draft and not two years later he is lifting his own Cup.

Who will we take 30th this season and...

Nobody. Devils have 30th pick and they are forbidden from trading it.

 

[kingsfan]

Maybe not this year, but soon, I think the Kings draft a goalie high again. The cupboard is really bare after Jones, and Quick is now 28. By the time a good goalie prospect is ready to take over, he'd be 34-36.

I say they don't do it this year. Since Futa took over the draft in 2007, the Kings have drafted a goalie every second year (2007 Rowatt, 2009 Berube, 2011 Gibson, 2013 Bartosak) and I expect that to continue. But I could see them going high on a goalie in 2015 for sure, likely 2nd or 3rd round.

Center. Seems silly since we have so many centers at the NHL, but we currently have ZERO playing in the CHL or NCAA. Need to restock moving forward.

Probably a goaltender as well. Outside of that it's probably a mix of wings and D.

DL, Futa, Yanetti, etc. will simply follow the best player available method. We have Kopitar, Carter, Richards down the middle and odds are that's our center core for another five years, maybe longer. We have some guys at center on the farm as well like Vey and Shore, so while we might draft a center, I think it'll be because he's the best player available, not to fill a need.

It's so refreshing that I haven't really kept track of the NHL draft in years. I mean, I still know the top 10 guys and whatnot, but I remember from basically 2003-2012 I would study the draft for months and figure out who I wanted us to take in the top 5 or top 10. Don't need to worry about those things anymore hahaha.

You stopped one year to late it would appear

 

[Holden Caulfield]

I say they don't do it this year. Since Futa took over the draft in 2007, the Kings have drafted a goalie every second year (2007 Rowatt, 2009 Berube, 2011 Gibson, 2013 Bartosak) and I expect that to continue. But I could see them going high on a goalie in 2015 for sure, likely 2nd or 3rd round.

I'd be surprised if Kings don't take a goalie at some time during this draft. Right now the Kings have just 4 goalies in the entire system in Quick/Jones at NHL and Berube/Bartosak at AHL level. Bartosak is the youngest at 21 next season.

 

[kingsfan]

I'd be surprised if Kings don't take a goalie at some time during this draft. Right now the Kings have just 4 goalies in the entire system in Quick/Jones at NHL and Berube/Bartosak at AHL level. Bartosak is the youngest at 21 next season.

On the flipside, do they need another one right now? Quick is 28 and signed for I think another 8-9 seasons, so really they are just developing backups right now. Even if Jones, Berube and Bartosak ALL don't pan out, you can get a backup pretty cheap. Look at Scrivens, had NHL leading numbers and only cost the Oilers a 3rd.

I'm not saying they won't grab a goalie, just saying I don't think they will. It wouldn't hurt to have a goalie playing junior hockey since no goalies are at that level, but I can see them passing on netminder altogether. I think the every second year concept is a strategy, not coincidence.

 

[Fat Elvis]

Are there any available FA goalies, kind of like what they did with Jones? Drafting one this draft class may not be the best way to go.

 

[LAKings88]

I can see a goalie for the later rounds.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

Are there any available FA goalies, kind of like what they did with Jones? Drafting one this draft class may not be the best way to go.

For a Jones situation you'd have to wait until after draft (to see who goes undrafted) then invite them to camp to sign them. Remember had the Kings not signed him Jones would have gone back in draft the next year.

 

[Telos]

Love this time of year so much, especially after being crowned Stanley Cup Champions We got the draft, free agency/trades, and the prospect/training camps all coming up rapid fire. The benefits of playing hockey in June. Our unsigned prospects cupboard is barren, can't wait to see who we select next. Not to mention, how our kids have already developed come training camp. Really looking forward to seeing Zykov during this camp. Though it doesn't have to be this year, I am expecting the Kings to pick up a goaltender at some point in this draft, even if it is a late pick. If not, then for sure next draft and maybe even with a higher pick. Sooner or later in the next few years, they have to find a quality one.

 

[HYORI 1963]

I'd be surprised if Kings don't take a goalie at some time during this draft. Right now the Kings have just 4 goalies in the entire system in Quick/Jones at NHL and Berube/Bartosak at AHL level. Bartosak is the youngest at 21 next season.

I don't know if it's ever been mentioned or not, but were you ever a goalie? I ask because you sure seem to love your goalies.

In regards to having only 4 goalies, I think that's plenty, especially when you figure that all 4 should make it to the nhl. If anything, I see a log jam, not a shortage. I'd be perfectly fine signing an undrafted kid, much like we did with Jones.

 

[saintsnsoldiers]

I'd be surprised if Kings don't take a goalie at some time during this draft. Right now the Kings have just 4 goalies in the entire system in Quick/Jones at NHL and Berube/Bartosak at AHL level. Bartosak is the youngest at 21 next season.

What is the goalie talent pool like this year? Any on the radar.

 

[bmr]

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2014e.html

I think perhaps the Kings will try and trade up for Robby Fabbri. They must have seen him a bunch of times while watching their three other draft picks out of Guelph.

That's not showing us as having a 2nd rounder...don't we have one this year? Guess we gave that one up for Gaborik. But that early 3rd rounder from Edmonton should make up for it.

Man, Anaheim sure has a lot of juicy picks this year.

 

[Reclamation Project]

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but the Kings took Tanner Pearson in the 30th overall pick in the 2012 draft and not two years later he is lifting his own Cup.

Who will we take 30th this season and...

...beat the Islanders to win our third Cup.

 

[etherialone]

I don't know if this is the place for it but I think that he could be moved for a pick or a positional upgrade in the draft but does anyone have any ideas on where Nolan will end up? Sure sounds like he could be on the move before next season starts so if that is the case then I wonder where he will go.

Obvious choice would be Buffalump but he has proven himself to be a valuable agitator and a player who can be a solid bottom 6er for a championship team. If he is to move I am sure that there will be some solid interest.

My list goes up in a day or so. Just waiting to get it back.

 

[Reclamation Project]

He's a solid extra skater. I'd be sad to see him go, but if it were to Buffalo that would be really cool for him and his dad.

 

[Holden Caulfield]

I don't know if it's ever been mentioned or not, but were you ever a goalie? I ask because you sure seem to love your goalies.

In regards to having only 4 goalies, I think that's plenty, especially when you figure that all 4 should make it to the nhl. If anything, I see a log jam, not a shortage. I'd be perfectly fine signing an undrafted kid, much like we did with Jones.

Nah. And in reality in terms of scouting/watching games I'd say by far goaltending is my weakest point. I mostly just wanted the goalies to stop the pucks, and every head coach I've ever coached under has been an ex-goalie so I never deal with goalies haha.

4 is fine signed and in the pro system. However as Lombardi would say you have to stagger age groups and have guys in different parts of development. Kings have no one younger than 21. The guy they took last year Bartosak was passed over twice before drafting so he was 20 already last year. The need to get some talent in there at the young level.

What is the goalie talent pool like this year? Any on the radar.

Well there's 3 guys I like in top 60 in Demko, Nedeljkovic and Husso. Don't think Kings would get a chance at any of them (wouldn't want to use a 1st on a goalie). Mason McDonald is an interesting player, great size, but not as great laterally. True big positional goalie. Likely a late 2nd-3rd type of guy, wouldn't mind him in 3rd. After that it's pretty slim pickings. There's a bunch of maybes could bes, nobody that really stands out. It's not a very strong goalie draft to be honest (doesn't mean goaltenders can't be found though).

As for people wanting a Jones type signing do you realize that it is INCREDIBLY hard to a skater that is a)passed over in draft, b)played in north america, c)worth a contract, d)willing to attend your training camp out of the likely 10-25 offers he has all that offer no guarantees? Nevermind a goalie. A Jones type signing is a super rare thing, as evidenced by the fact Lombardi himself has used that strategy only three times (Jones, Alex Roach and Kurtis MacDermid) in his time as LA's GM and he uses it the most out of anybody in the league.

 

[Fat Elvis]

As for people wanting a Jones type signing do you realize that it is INCREDIBLY hard to a skater that is a)passed over in draft, b)played in north america, c)worth a contract, d)willing to attend your training camp out of the likely 10-25 offers he has all that offer no guarantees? Nevermind a goalie. A Jones type signing is a super rare thing, as evidenced by the fact Lombardi himself has used that strategy only three times (Jones, Colin Miller and Kurtis MacDermid) in his time as LA's GM and he uses it the most out of anybody in the league.

Colin Miller was a 5th round pick in 2012, But good point.

 

[King'sPawn]

As far as goalies, I'd like the Kings to take a chance to nab Keven Bouchard in the later rounds.

As far as mid-late defensemen, Nogier, Haydon, or Lernout could be grabbed. The latter two are meaner, but Nogier could be a steal.

 

[Primakov!]

I don't know if this is the place for it but I think that he could be moved for a pick or a positional upgrade in the draft but does anyone have any ideas on where Nolan will end up? Sure sounds like he could be on the move before next season starts so if that is the case then I wonder where he will go.

Obvious choice would be Buffalump but he has proven himself to be a valuable agitator and a player who can be a solid bottom 6er for a championship team. If he is to move I am sure that there will be some solid interest.

Maybe Boston? They just cut ties with Shawn Thornton so unless they have a candidate in Providence ready to fill a similar role they could pony up a draft pick or two to get an energy/agitator with skill like Jordan Nolan.

What is the goalie talent pool like this year? Any on the radar.

How about an interesting "freak of nature" prospect like Robert McGovern from Thayer Academy?

He made the switch over from football as an offensive lineman to goalie and comes with a Dustin Byfuglien like stature at 6'4" and 245 pounds.

 

[Jason Lewis]

As far as goalies, I'd like the Kings to take a chance to nab Keven Bouchard in the later rounds.
.

I thought about him also for a late round pick up, but I don't know if the Kings really want to go into the Q for another goalie. That's a real gamble to be honest.

If they are going to grab a late round goalie I'd like to see them go after Matt Mancina from Guelph.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

How about an interesting "freak of nature" prospect like Robert McGovern from Thayer Academy?

He made the switch over from football as an offensive lineman to goalie and comes with a Dustin Byfuglien like stature at 6'4" and 245 pounds.

holy cow, what an interesting sport/position swap.

I have a hard time believing he'd be flexible or technically sound enough but hey he's an athlete so sign me up, haha.

 

[Primakov!]

holy cow, what an interesting sport/position swap.

I have a hard time believing he'd be flexible or technically sound enough but hey he's an athlete so sign me up, haha.

This is the only highlight video I've managed to find on him so far.

Link

McGovern is being coached at Thayer Academy by Tony Amonte who says he tries to models his coaching style and philosophy to that of Darryl Sutter.

Link

 

[Scottkmlps]

I've gotta admit, I haven't really paid attention to any of the draft eligible players in this draft. Too focused on the current roster, the playoff run and the players already either drafted by the Kings or in their system.
I have some homework to do....apparently.

 

[CNS]

How about an interesting "freak of nature" prospect like Robert McGovern from Thayer Academy?

Wouldn't pick him in the OHL draft. Woof.