2014 LA Kings Draft Thread

[CNS]

A serious question CSN. Do you live in Russia ? How do you get the scoop on all these Russian players.

You have called some big picks in those later rounds on Russian guys.

Nope. Born and raised in Cali.

But I want to be a scout and working towards that currently so I pay attention to a lot of hockey. A lot.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Bob McKenzie's draft stuff is good. As much as I think Craig Button is an ass hat, he's also a well respected draft guy and has been very successful in that field, so when he does his draft rankings, they are worth paying attention to as well. Does anyone know if he's still doing those this year?

Sportsnet is a waste for draft info though, at least in my opinion.

I actually ment this as a compliment to both cns and tg mostly I think McKenizie is the hockey god(note the lower g) when it comes to prospects. Tg is next to him imo and way more accessable to me so his credibility is higher Cns has hes stated hes more into the kids then the nhl so his opinion is starting to make more of a impression on me ( but shhh don't tell him don't want him to get a ego or anything i joke)

I am not a fan of anything on sportnet maclean and kypreos button etc are mostly talking crap trying to make them selves better then they are and dont really report about kids coming in the few times i watch them.

 

[sinister6000]

A big hard hitting left handed two way defensemen you can pair with Doughty, or Voynov. some one like B. Seabrook, or S. Weber.

 

[Fat Elvis]

I've seen mocks that suggest D Josh Jacobs or D Jack Glover to LA with their 1st round pick. Both play in the USHL. If LA picked one, which is the better pick?

 

[kingsfan]

I've seen mocks that suggest D Josh Jacobs or D Jack Glover to LA with their 1st round pick. Both play in the USHL. If LA picked one, which is the better pick?

Well if you follow Craig Button at all, he would say Jacobs. His most recent rankings came out yesterday and he has Jacobs at 29 and Glover doesn't even make his top 60.

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=49649

 

[David Strorm]

CSS has Glover higher than Jacobs. ISS also has Glover ranked in the top 30, Jacobs is not. Tough call.

 

[Fat Elvis]

CSS has Glover higher than Jacobs. ISS also has Glover ranked in the top 30, Jacobs is not. Tough call.

Kind of why I asked. I know some here know these things or have somewhat educated opinions. I haven't seen either play or even if either is the best pick for LA in the 24-30 range.

 

[NikF]

Limited viewings so far, I plan on really ramping it up in February once I'm done with some other stuff that's been keeping me busy right now.

That said in comparison to 2013 (which I think it was a great draft) it appears quite a bit weaker. The two guys that got the early hype in Reinhart and Ekblad I doubt would go top 5 last year.

IMO where there's been very little question with MacKinnon, Jones, Barkov etc. both Reinhart and Ekblad have some pretty obvious question marks.

Reinhart looks like a huge hockey IQ guy, very very good hockey sense and skill, you always see him around the puck and supporting the play. Obviously I'm not privy to the character stuff that TG brought up in regards to Reinhart, but one concern I have with Reinhart is whether he's capable of really buying in and playing that aggressive game, if he did he would be Toews but so far he appears almost too celebral in his approach in waiting the game to come to him that might not happen at the next level as much.

Ekblad has a bit of an awkward skating style, but other than that he's a very solid D. Good positioning, gets involved in the play in the offensive zone, accurate shot with a quick release, knows how to use his partner. Makes simple, correct plays. The whole thing. However watching him play I don't think he projects to that Keith, Doughty, Pietrangelo, Jones, OEL tier or what have you, strikes me more as a guy who's going to give you solid 20+ minutes but not really dictate the pace of the game. He makes the right plays, but he doesn't really skate with the puck and control the tempo the way those guys do.

Obviously both of those guys are real good players, but I don't think as comparable to some of the other top picks in stronger years at least at this stage. Bit of a question mark whether you're getting just a real good player who's going to slot into your top 6 or top 4 D or whether you're getting a guy that falls into that tier of building your franchise around.

Kinda busy now but once February comes around I'll try to watch more of the prospects where the Kings might pick and later rounds.

 

[Zaddy]

If the Kings are looking to restock at G I think Ville Husso would be a very solid option. Didn't have a good WJC but has been one of the best goalies in the finnish league as an 18 yr old this season. Craig has him at 61 so could be available with the 2nd round pick. Can't really go wrong with a finnish goalie. Wouldn't be surprised to see him drafted earlier than 61 by a team that's really lacking goaltending depth.

 

[Vino]

If the Kings are looking to restock at G I think Ville Husso would be a very solid option. ...
Can't really go wrong with a finnish goalie.

Two words. Christopher Gibson.

 

[Fat Elvis]

If the Kings are looking to restock at G I think Ville Husso would be a very solid option. Didn't have a good WJC but has been one of the best goalies in the finnish league as an 18 yr old this season. Craig has him at 61 so could be available with the 2nd round pick. Can't really go wrong with a finnish goalie. Wouldn't be surprised to see him drafted earlier than 61 by a team that's really lacking goaltending depth.

Not sure LA's looking to add a goalie, but you never know. They drafted Bartosak last year. I think they'll look to add defense, they added only 1 last season with seven picks (1 goalie, 1 defenseman, 5 forwards). I doubt they keep all their picks, maybe deal some for 2015. But my guess is they'll add a few dmen here.

 

[Zaddy]

Two words. Christopher Gibson.

I expected that reply. I still think the jury is out on him and either way he wasn't brought up in Finland. He crossed the pond as a 16 year old which pretty much is the most important age in terms of developing so he isn't really a product of the finnish goaltending school. I would honestly be very surprised if Ville Husso didn't become an NHL goalie.

 

[King'sPawn]

Lombardi has only drafted two European goalies. Both times, they were already playing in North America.

I would be very shocked if Husso was on their radar.

 

[kingsfan]

LA won't draft a goalie this year unless one gets dealt out of the system perhaps.

 

[CNS]

Two words. Christopher Gibson.

This has to be a joke, right? Gibson was ALWAYS a terrible pick. Just not a good goalie. So that means no Finnish goalies, who to me are among the best in the world? Ville Husso is a guy I'd take in the early 2nd and be ecstatic about it. The kid is the real ****ing deal. Just amazingly good. And...

LA won't draft a goalie this year unless one gets dealt out of the system perhaps.

We definitely, definitely need a goalie.

Quick
Jones

Berube
Bartosak

That's our goalies at the NHL/AHL level, unless Barto goes to the ECHL but I'm not sure if he will or not. That means we only have 4 goalies in the organization and none in juniors. We definitely need one. To me, you always need four goalies at the pro level and one in juniors.

 

[kingsfan]

We definitely, definitely need a goalie.

Quick
Jones

Berube
Bartosak

That's our goalies at the NHL/AHL level, unless Barto goes to the ECHL but I'm not sure if he will or not. That means we only have 4 goalies in the organization and none in juniors. We definitely need one. To me, you always need four goalies at the pro level and one in juniors.

I'm betting we don't. If you look at our draft history we haven't drafted goalies in back to back years since Futa took over the draft in 2007 (we drafted Bernier in 2006 and then Rowatt in 2007 but only the 2007 draft was done by Futa).

We seem to draft a goalie every second year, and I think that's on purpose. If LA wanted to restock due to Gibson, they would have either drafted two goalies or they would have traded for someone. I think they want to stagger goalies on purpose, for developmental reasons.

Now I'm not saying we won't get a goalie. We could deal for one, or maybe we try the UFA-goalie-from-random-Euro-country-route. I seen it reported someplace we were after Raanta before he came to Chicago, and we were also reportedly in on someone else 3-4 years ago, so there is a chance we could go that route. Frankly it would make more sense than drafting someone since a Euro goalie or a tarded for goalie can step into the pro ranks right away while anyone they draft would have to go back to juniors.

 

[CNS]

I'm betting we don't. If you look at our draft history we haven't drafted goalies in back to back years since Futa took over the draft in 2007 (we drafted Bernier in 2006 and then Rowatt in 2007 but only the 2007 draft was done by Futa).

We seem to draft a goalie every second year, and I think that's on purpose. If LA wanted to restock due to Gibson, they would have either drafted two goalies or they would have traded for someone. I think they want to stagger goalies on purpose, for developmental reasons.

Now I'm not saying we won't get a goalie. We could deal for one, or maybe we try the UFA-goalie-from-random-Euro-country-route. I seen it reported someplace we were after Raanta before he came to Chicago, and we were also reportedly in on someone else 3-4 years ago, so there is a chance we could go that route. Frankly it would make more sense than drafting someone since a Euro goalie or a tarded for goalie can step into the pro ranks right away while anyone they draft would have to go back to juniors.

Here's the thing - we just traded a goalie out of our system and didn't get one back. And the last goalie we drafted was a 20 year old. I think that'll have an impact on this draft a lot. And because of those reasons, I see us grabbing someone. When was the last time the Kings had a goalie that wasn't in juniors during a season?

Also, this staff just doesn't seem to be big on Euro goalies unless they play in NA. Gibson did. Quick is American, Bernier Canadian, Berube Canadian, Jones Canadian, Bartosak plays in NA, and you get my point. I want Husso more than any goalie in this draft. The kid will be an NHL starter. He's already the best goalie in the SM-Liiga at 18. If there was ever a year to break the trend, its now.

 

[kingsfan]

Here's the thing - we just traded a goalie out of our system and didn't get one back. And the last goalie we drafted was a 20 year old. I think that'll have an impact on this draft a lot. And because of those reasons, I see us grabbing someone. When was the last time the Kings had a goalie that wasn't in juniors during a season?

Also, this staff just doesn't seem to be big on Euro goalies unless they play in NA. Gibson did. Quick is American, Bernier Canadian, Berube Canadian, Jones Canadian, Bartosak plays in NA, and you get my point. I want Husso more than any goalie in this draft. The kid will be an NHL starter. He's already the best goalie in the SM-Liiga at 18. If there was ever a year to break the trend, its now.

We traded out a guy who was never in the pipline to begin with. We are discussing the pipeline of goalies we had in place, Scrivens had no impact on that. Even if we resigned him and kept him as our backup, Jones was waiver eligible next year anyway and very well could have been gone.

It has been a while since the Kings last didn't have a goalie in juniors, I agree, but I don't think that will factor in here. Berube is just now getting his first taste as a starter in the AHL, Bartosak still hasn't started a pro game. The Kings can easily take a season and see what they have in these two before drafting anyone. Quick is 27, he's around for another 5-8 years minimum barring something completely unforeseen, I doubt LA is to worried about drafting anyone until they get a better grasp on who they have.

Now could LA draft a goalie? Sure they could. I mean if they have someone ranked as a possible 2nd rounder and he's still on the board in round 6, why not? Happened with Prokhorkin, happened with Fasching I'd wager too. But I just don't see it happening in this case.

As for Husso, you like him, that's great, but name a goalie (or player for that matter) drafted in the top three rounds and I'm sure a search around here will turn up someone who said "he will be an NHL starter". Every player has a fanbase, but he's also 18 years old. He could pan out, but hardly a guarantee. If Futa and the crew agree, they'll side with you. I'm on the side that thinks they won't. IF we focus on anything in this draft, my money is on the blueline. I expect BPA though.

 

[Zaddy]

We traded out a guy who was never in the pipline to begin with. We are discussing the pipeline of goalies we had in place, Scrivens had no impact on that. Even if we resigned him and kept him as our backup, Jones was waiver eligible next year anyway and very well could have been gone.

It has been a while since the Kings last didn't have a goalie in juniors, I agree, but I don't think that will factor in here. Berube is just now getting his first taste as a starter in the AHL, Bartosak still hasn't started a pro game. The Kings can easily take a season and see what they have in these two before drafting anyone. Quick is 27, he's around for another 5-8 years minimum barring something completely unforeseen, I doubt LA is to worried about drafting anyone until they get a better grasp on who they have.

Now could LA draft a goalie? Sure they could. I mean if they have someone ranked as a possible 2nd rounder and he's still on the board in round 6, why not? Happened with Prokhorkin, happened with Fasching I'd wager too. But I just don't see it happening in this case.

As for Husso, you like him, that's great, but name a goalie (or player for that matter) drafted in the top three rounds and I'm sure a search around here will turn up someone who said "he will be an NHL starter". Every player has a fanbase, but he's also 18 years old. He could pan out, but hardly a guarantee. If Futa and the crew agree, they'll side with you. I'm on the side that thinks they won't. IF we focus on anything in this draft, my money is on the blueline. I expect BPA though.

I don't think you can go wrong with picking Husso. Who knows, in 3-4 years maybe Martin Jones has proven himself to the degree that he wants out and get a shot at #1 in another organization. By that time Husso would be ready for backup duties and could even take over for Quick somewhere down the road as well. He's a big talent whom, at the tender age of 18, already has proven himself at the elite level and being one of the best in the league at that.

With all that being said I don't think he'll end up with the Kings unless he somehow is available in the 3rd round or beyond that. Another team will likely take him somewhere in the 2nd round.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I was just about to ask where Husso was projected. Odds are we wouldn't take a goalie with our highest pick (jimo), but he wouldn't be around later anyway, eh?

 

[CNS]

I was just about to ask where Husso was projected. Odds are we wouldn't take a goalie with our highest pick (jimo), but he wouldn't be around later anyway, eh?

Likely a 2nd rounder is my uneducated guess. I would continue taking goalies high. They're the single most important position in sports and Quick's athletic style of play lends itself to a shorter career, rather than in to his very late 30s. NEVER bad to have tons of good goalies in the system and Husso is one.

We traded out a guy who was never in the pipline to begin with. We are discussing the pipeline of goalies we had in place, Scrivens had no impact on that. Even if we resigned him and kept him as our backup, Jones was waiver eligible next year anyway and very well could have been gone.

It has been a while since the Kings last didn't have a goalie in juniors, I agree, but I don't think that will factor in here. Berube is just now getting his first taste as a starter in the AHL, Bartosak still hasn't started a pro game. The Kings can easily take a season and see what they have in these two before drafting anyone. Quick is 27, he's around for another 5-8 years minimum barring something completely unforeseen, I doubt LA is to worried about drafting anyone until they get a better grasp on who they have.

Now could LA draft a goalie? Sure they could. I mean if they have someone ranked as a possible 2nd rounder and he's still on the board in round 6, why not? Happened with Prokhorkin, happened with Fasching I'd wager too. But I just don't see it happening in this case.

As for Husso, you like him, that's great, but name a goalie (or player for that matter) drafted in the top three rounds and I'm sure a search around here will turn up someone who said "he will be an NHL starter". Every player has a fanbase, but he's also 18 years old. He could pan out, but hardly a guarantee. If Futa and the crew agree, they'll side with you. I'm on the side that thinks they won't. IF we focus on anything in this draft, my money is on the blueline. I expect BPA though.

How can you say Scrivens had no impact on the pipeline??? That logic makes no sense. With Scrivens gone, Jones is out of the "pipeline", as he's now an NHL goalie. Thus, Scrivens definitely counts here as his departure takes one out of the development stages and into the NHL ready stage. That means we have one less "in the wings".

The Kings too Gibson in the 2nd round, even when Quick was an established star. Or at least very close to a star.

I fully expect a good amount of blueliners added as well but I also think they need to nab a goalie to start the development and have him in juniors. Or in Husso's case, destroying Europe. I guess we agree to disagree and only time will tell.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Likely a 2nd rounder is my uneducated guess. I would continue taking goalies high. They're the single most important position in sports and Quick's athletic style of play lends itself to a shorter career, rather than in to his very late 30s. NEVER bad to have tons of good goalies in the system and Husso is one.

Totally agree.

Maybe a good follow up question--where is he ranked in relation to other G prospects? It always seems like the first 3-4 are off the board by the late 2nd, but if he's behind those...

Edit: plus, we know DL isn't averse to picking Euro goalies. I know recent history outside of Bartosak may beg to differ, but let's not forget his SJ tenure

 

[kingsfan]

I don't think you can go wrong with picking Husso. Who knows, in 3-4 years maybe Martin Jones has proven himself to the degree that he wants out and get a shot at #1 in another organization. By that time Husso would be ready for backup duties and could even take over for Quick somewhere down the road as well. He's a big talent whom, at the tender age of 18, already has proven himself at the elite level and being one of the best in the league at that.

With all that being said I don't think he'll end up with the Kings unless he somehow is available in the 3rd round or beyond that. Another team will likely take him somewhere in the 2nd round.

I don';t think it's 'wrong' to draft Husso either, just saying I don't expect it and explaining why. If the guy falls hard, I can see LA grabbing him, like the did with Fasching who was pegged as a 2nd rounder but LA got him in the 4th.

How can you say Scrivens had no impact on the pipeline??? That logic makes no sense. With Scrivens gone, Jones is out of the "pipeline", as he's now an NHL goalie. Thus, Scrivens definitely counts here as his departure takes one out of the development stages and into the NHL ready stage. That means we have one less "in the wings".

We are talking about the draft in this thread, so by the time the 2014 draft rolls around, the current season is over and one of two things has happened. A) LA has resigns Scrivens and thus has deemed Jones expendable or at the least he will be heading back to Manchester, where he is no longer waiver exempt and could be claimed. Odds are, he'll be gone from the system. B) Scrivens isn't resigned (or in the current case, traded) and Jones moves up to the backup spot. In both cases, unless he goes unclaimed on waivers, Jones is 'out of the pipeline' after this season. Scrivens would have no affect on the pipeline.

The Kings too Gibson in the 2nd round, even when Quick was an established star. Or at least very close to a star.

Two years after they grabbed Berube, and I've said all along I expect them to grab a goalie every two years (hence no goalie this year).

 

[kingsfan]

Edit: plus, we know DL isn't averse to picking Euro goalies. I know recent history outside of Bartosak may beg to differ, but let's not forget his SJ tenure

Actually this is incorrect as well, and I'd assume stems from the pipeline that had Kipprusoff, Nabokov and Toskala in it.

All three were drafted by SJ in 1994 or 1995 and DL didn't become GM of the Sharks until 1996. He was GM until 2003 when he was releived of his duties prior to the end of the season. I'm not sure if he was in place for the 1996 draft or not, and even if he was I'm not sure it was his draft crew that made the picks (as you will recall DL did the 2006 draft with Dave Taylor's former draft crew before firing all/most of them and bringing in Futa and the gang) but lets assume DL and his squad did the drafting in 1996.

From 1996 to 2002, the Sharks grabbed Terry Friesen and Michel Laroque in 1996, Nolan Schaefer in 2000 and Dmitri Paetzold in 2001. Only Paetzold was a European born and/or trained goalie. Friesen was from the OHL, the other two from college.

 

[CNS]

Totally agree.

Maybe a good follow up question--where is he ranked in relation to other G prospects? It always seems like the first 3-4 are off the board by the late 2nd, but if he's behind those...

Edit: plus, we know DL isn't averse to picking Euro goalies. I know recent history outside of Bartosak may beg to differ, but let's not forget his SJ tenure

Lombardi took over late in the 95-96 season. Nabokov drafted in 94. Toskala in 95. Kiprusoff in 95. Patzold in 01 is the only goalie Lombardi drafted directly from Europe in his time in SJ. He has never drafted one while in LA. I love our scouting staff but I've always felt we lacked in the Scandinavian scouting. Dean LOVES his Ontario kids.