Prospect Info: 2015 Draft Thread

[scramble91]

Our 2nd and 3rd or 4th.

Might be more with the talent in the top 10. Even at 10 I don't think zacha will be there. Some mocks have him going between 7-9. My personal opinion he goes in that same range.

 

[scramble91]

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Mitchell Marner
5. Dylan Strome
6. Pavel Zacha
7. Ivan Provorov
8. Kyle Connor
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Zach Werenski
11. Mathew Barzal
12. Mikko Rantanen
13. Travis Konecny

** likely not going in this order but one of these players will be on the board when we pick - is there anybody in this group you would be unhappy with ? anybody not listed you would prefer ?
obviously the top 5 on this list will be gone - but a chance of any of the others (some more than others)
anybody think somebody here will not be good?

I don't see Connor going that high or crouse that low

Barzal is the question mark, he could go earlier too

 

[Mike Carr]

but whatever order - anybody on that list that wouldn't be good for us at 13 - gonna be one of them left at least

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

but whatever order - anybody on that list that wouldn't be good for us at 13 - gonna be one of them left at least

Exactly, we're getting a good player (hopefully) one way or another. We can all hope for one guy over the next but so long as we don't drop down we're getting a guy that can contribute.

 

[kingsfan]

I hate how Magazines realize different covers in different markets.
Smart I guess on their part, and not sure why it bothers me.

Me too!

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Mitchell Marner
5. Dylan Strome
6. Pavel Zacha
7. Ivan Provorov
8. Kyle Connor
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Zach Werenski
11. Mathew Barzal
12. Mikko Rantanen
13. Travis Konecny

** likely not going in this order but one of these players will be on the board when we pick - is there anybody in this group you would be unhappy with ? anybody not listed you would prefer ?
obviously the top 5 on this list will be gone - but a chance of any of the others (some more than others)
anybody think somebody here will not be good?

Crouse. I don't get it about him. He just seems to slow for my liking on the eye test. Comes across as a Brad Winchester to me. I'd likely take Barzal of any of those who have a realistic chance of falling to us.

 

[KingsOfCali25]

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Mitchell Marner
5. Dylan Strome
6. Pavel Zacha
7. Ivan Provorov
8. Kyle Connor
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Zach Werenskii
11. Mathew Barzal
12. Mikko Rantanen
13. Travis Konecny

** likely not going in this order but one of these players will be on the board when we pick - is there anybody in this group you would be unhappy with ? anybody not listed you would prefer ?
obviously the top 5 on this list will be gone - but a chance of any of the others (some more than others)
anybody think somebody here will not be good?

There are 3 guys that I wouldn't want picked out of that list.

1) Crouse- I just see him as an average big winger that's not going to put up many points but just be a good team guy.

2/3) Connor/Werenskii- going to Michigan won't help them develop much.

I'd be thrilled with any guys in the top 5 but won't happen. So I'm holding out hope with Zacha, Konecny and Barzal in that order.

 

[apadilla]

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Mitchell Marner
5. Dylan Strome
6. Pavel Zacha
7. Ivan Provorov
8. Kyle Connor
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Zach Werenski
11. Mathew Barzal
12. Mikko Rantanen
13. Travis Konecny

** likely not going in this order but one of these players will be on the board when we pick - is there anybody in this group you would be unhappy with ? anybody not listed you would prefer ?
obviously the top 5 on this list will be gone - but a chance of any of the others (some more than others)
anybody think somebody here will not be good?

Nicely done. I can see Mikko Rantanen falling 1 more spot to us.

 

[King'sPawn]

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Mitchell Marner
5. Dylan Strome
6. Pavel Zacha
7. Ivan Provorov
8. Kyle Connor
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Zach Werenski
11. Mathew Barzal
12. Mikko Rantanen
13. Travis Konecny

** likely not going in this order but one of these players will be on the board when we pick - is there anybody in this group you would be unhappy with ? anybody not listed you would prefer ?
obviously the top 5 on this list will be gone - but a chance of any of the others (some more than others)
anybody think somebody here will not be good?

I would be very disappointed if the Kings got Werenski. Crouse is the biggest boom/bust out of that group, so I'd shy away from him.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I would be very disappointed if the Kings got Werenski. Crouse is the biggest boom/bust out of that group, so I'd shy away from him.

Werenski is literally the one guy on that list I'm opposed to and would hope we trade down. If Crouse fell that far, he 'feels' like the DL type, but I'm indifferent to him because he could be everything from Jessiman to Doan.

If Rantanen miraculously fell that far, wow.

I will say it's exciting to see how many lists are so, so different outside of the top 3.

 

[King'sPawn]

Werenski is literally the one guy on that list I'm opposed to and would hope we trade down. If Crouse fell that far, he 'feels' like the DL type, but I'm indifferent to him because he could be everything from Jessiman to Doan.

If Rantanen miraculously fell that far, wow.

I will say it's exciting to see how many lists are so, so different outside of the top 3.

Agreed with all of that, except I'm only slightly less apprehensive about Rantanen as I am about Crouse. I know he has scored a good deal on a bad team in an adult league, but I simply prefer more well rounded players. I have similar apprehensions about Zacha, but since he can be such a competitive sumb***h, I am more excited about him than Rantanen.

The BIGGEST advantage Rantanen has over most of these prospects, which shouldn't be overlooked, is he should be eligible to play in the AHL right away a la Voynov.

But I do think it's exciting to see so many different lists, if anything, because you can imagine how different the lists are for NHL teams, and how a very desirable player could fall to the Kings.

Here's my list of whom I consider "well rounded" players, where there's at least a slim possibility of him falling to the Kings (some are even possibilities to go in the 2nd round and beyond)... I'll pretty much just point out the players I've done video on since those are the ones I watched most closely:
- Travis Konecny
- Mathew Barzal (highly unlikely, but his injury could be a set back and have teams shy away)
- Filip Chlapik
- Ivan Provorov (the least likely, but still...)
- Ryan Pilon
- Kyle Connor
- Jansen Harkins
- Nicolas Meloche
- Noah Juulsen
- Joel Eriksson Ek
- Mitchell Vande Sompel

Any of those players would be very satisfying. More than one would be great. Zacha being drafted would be cool, too, if it's true that the Kings feel he is NHL ready.

 

[LAKings88]

Agreed with all of that, except I'm only slightly less apprehensive about Rantanen as I am about Crouse. I know he has scored a good deal on a bad team in an adult league, but I simply prefer more well rounded players. I have similar apprehensions about Zacha, but since he can be such a competitive sumb***h, I am more excited about him than Rantanen.

The BIGGEST advantage Rantanen has over most of these prospects, which shouldn't be overlooked, is he should be eligible to play in the AHL right away a la Voynov.

But I do think it's exciting to see so many different lists, if anything, because you can imagine how different the lists are for NHL teams, and how a very desirable player could fall to the Kings.

Here's my list of whom I consider "well rounded" players, where there's at least a slim possibility of him falling to the Kings (some are even possibilities to go in the 2nd round and beyond)... I'll pretty much just point out the players I've done video on since those are the ones I watched most closely:
- Travis Konecny
- Mathew Barzal (highly unlikely, but his injury could be a set back and have teams shy away)
- Filip Chlapik
- Ivan Provorov (the least likely, but still...)
- Ryan Pilon
- Kyle Connor
- Jansen Harkins
- Nicolas Meloche
- Noah Juulsen
- Joel Eriksson Ek
- Mitchell Vande Sompel

Any of those players would be very satisfying. More than one would be great. Zacha being drafted would be cool, too, if it's true that the Kings feel he is NHL ready.

Nice list. I think LA will come away with a good player from this group. My bias is known but I'd be ecstatic if Barzal falls.

What are your thoughts on Konecny?

 

[King'sPawn]

Nice list. I think LA will come away with a good player from this group. My bias is known but I'd be ecstatic if Barzal falls.

What are your thoughts on Konecny?

Barzal and Provorov are both my pipe dreams.

Konecny would be next on my list. He just seems to be the perfect fit.

 

[AnThGrt]

1. Connor McDavid
2. Jack Eichel
3. Noah Hanifin
4. Mitchell Marner
5. Dylan Strome
6. Pavel Zacha
7. Ivan Provorov
8. Kyle Connor
9. Lawson Crouse
10. Zach Werenski
11. Mathew Barzal
12. Mikko Rantanen
13. Travis Konecny

** likely not going in this order but one of these players will be on the board when we pick - is there anybody in this group you would be unhappy with ? anybody not listed you would prefer ?
obviously the top 5 on this list will be gone - but a chance of any of the others (some more than others)
anybody think somebody here will not be good?

Would be happy with any of those. Meiers is also a great possibility if still there at our pick. Less likely, but Merkley and Harkins may get taken in the early teens also. Dream scenario is Zacha drops to us, realistic scenario see us getting one of Konecny or Meier maybe Connor.

 

[Nefarious]

What are your thoughts on Konecny?

He and I share a first name, so that's good. Would be cool to hear Bob and Jim say my name occasionally through the pbp on game nights.

 

[Brodeur]

If the guy with size can't keep up, he's useless. Some Flyers fans ranking Morin ahead of Monahan is silly. Like having Mathieu Biron ranked ahead of Simon Gagne. It's simply a stupid methodology.

You just reminded me of another draft story. Craig Button was a long time scout for Minnesota/Dallas in the 90s. Dallas was picking #27 in 1998 and they thought they'd be able to get Gagne. Their table was slightly dismayed when Philly took him #22.

But they were also surprised to see Jiri Fischer still available, so the table begged GM Bob Gainey to trade up. Gainey told them that he thinks Fischer will be available at #27. Fischer then goes #25 to Detroit. Dallas ends up trading #27 to New Jersey (who draft Scott Gomez) for a pair of picks which turn out to be John Erskine and Tyler Bouck.

The THN Draft Preview is out now.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/this-week-in-the-hockey-news-magazine-draft-preview-2015/

THN was running an offer where if you download their free app, you can get a digital download of the draft preview for $1. Although their app is pretty clunky compared to Zinio (where I usually download the issues from for ~$2.50).

The list is similar to most of the other ones. They still have Zacha at 7 which seems to be higher than most. They only provide one sentence blurbs for the prospects listed 61-100. Jeremy Bracco is listed in the 70s which is much lower than I've seen elsewhere and THN's only explanation is that he had an "attitude."

But for $1, I can't complain much.

What would it take to move up to 10?

I could see Colorado moving down if Provorov/Werenski are off the board. They moved their 2016 2nd for Brad Stuart, so they might be in the market to add more picks. Roy was pretty underwhelmed with their recent picks, so they fired their head scout in October. So they might want another pick to rebuild their reserve list.

#10 for #13 and #43 sounds about right? In 2007, St. Louis moved #9 for #13, #44, and a 2008 3rd.

 

[Legionnaire]

is he should be eligible to play in the AHL right away a la Voynov.

I have a hunch that the Kings will likely be looking for a player who can play in the AHL right away if they don't make the team. Not only do we get that player and teach them the Kings way instead of two more years possibly of juniors, there is also the potential draw of a the Kings first round pick playing in Ontario this year

 

[apadilla]

I'm going to play too.

1. Edmonton - McDavid
2. Buffalo - Eichel
3. Arizona - Hanifin
4. Toronto - Strome
5. Carolina - Marner
6. Devils - Zacha
7. Philly - Provorov
8. Columbus - Barzal
9. San Jose - Werenski
10. Colorado - Connor
11. Florida - Meier
12. Dallas - Crouse
13. LA is on the clock


Brief write up from mynhldraft.com on a few of our (Forward) options:

Travis Konecny: A skilled forward who is a threat in all three zones…has great speed and quickness with tremendous feet and balance on his edges; great agility…impressive puck-distributing skills…possesses a hard shot with a deceptive release…effort level is terrific each shift as he is a hard worker and high-compete player…hits, battles and plays hard defensively; always involved. (August 2014)

Mikko Rantanen: A strong three-zone playmaker who is also defensively responsible…has an awkward upright skating stride, but gets from Point A to Point B just fine…is a smooth, fluid, big-bodied forward who can be hard to handle…puck seems to follow him around the ice…good in his own zone and consistently makes himself available for a breakout pass…has impressive hockey sense and awareness…needs to work on his shot and add more muscle mass to his growing frame. (December 2014)

Yevgeni Svechnikov: Big body, excellent skater and passer, likes to swoop to the net like Valeri Nichushkin (Dallas – 2010 – 10th overall). Even with 18 points after 13 games, I don’t feel we have seen anywhere near the best from this player yet.
Profile from: Eldon MacDonald of The Hockey Writers - updated Oct. 19th

Colin White: Strong, well-rounded, two-way center…one of the best skaters for this draft…great speed with an excellent stride and tremendous acceleration…is tough to handle when he hits top speed…has a great shot and also distributes the puck well…a very hard worker with an edge to his game…great on defense with a great defensive stick and strong defensive-zone awareness…he is a tremendous worker. (August 2014)

Jeremy Bracco (the Unexpected Pick): A small, but flashy and highly skilled, playmaker…tremendous skater with excellent quickness, balance on his edges and elusiveness with the puck…tough to handle when he gets going because he can elude defenders with his skating…great vision with the puck and makes tremendous passes…has a good wrist shot, but opts to be a pass-first playmaker…plays with grit and has no issue going to the net for chances… battles on the wall with limited success due to his lack of strength and reach…works hard defensively, and has a good defensive stick and plays aggressively at the point looking to cause turnovers. (December 2014)

Other:

So, who do you choose?

I'd go with Mikko Rantanen.

 

[scramble91]

I'm going to play too.

1. Edmonton - McDavid
2. Buffalo - Eichel
3. Arizona - Hanifin
4. Toronto - Strome
5. Carolina - Marner
6. Devils - Zacha
7. Philly - Provorov
8. Columbus - Barzal
9. San Jose - Werenski
10. Colorado - Connor
11. Florida - Meier
12. Dallas - Crouse
13. LA is on the clock


Brief write up from mynhldraft.com on a few of our (Forward) options:

Travis Konecny: A skilled forward who is a threat in all three zones…has great speed and quickness with tremendous feet and balance on his edges; great agility…impressive puck-distributing skills…possesses a hard shot with a deceptive release…effort level is terrific each shift as he is a hard worker and high-compete player…hits, battles and plays hard defensively; always involved. (August 2014)

Mikko Rantanen: A strong three-zone playmaker who is also defensively responsible…has an awkward upright skating stride, but gets from Point A to Point B just fine…is a smooth, fluid, big-bodied forward who can be hard to handle…puck seems to follow him around the ice…good in his own zone and consistently makes himself available for a breakout pass…has impressive hockey sense and awareness…needs to work on his shot and add more muscle mass to his growing frame. (December 2014)

Yevgeni Svechnikov: Big body, excellent skater and passer, likes to swoop to the net like Valeri Nichushkin (Dallas – 2010 – 10th overall). Even with 18 points after 13 games, I don’t feel we have seen anywhere near the best from this player yet.
Profile from: Eldon MacDonald of The Hockey Writers - updated Oct. 19th

Colin White: Strong, well-rounded, two-way center…one of the best skaters for this draft…great speed with an excellent stride and tremendous acceleration…is tough to handle when he hits top speed…has a great shot and also distributes the puck well…a very hard worker with an edge to his game…great on defense with a great defensive stick and strong defensive-zone awareness…he is a tremendous worker. (August 2014)

Jeremy Bracco (the Unexpected Pick): A small, but flashy and highly skilled, playmaker…tremendous skater with excellent quickness, balance on his edges and elusiveness with the puck…tough to handle when he gets going because he can elude defenders with his skating…great vision with the puck and makes tremendous passes…has a good wrist shot, but opts to be a pass-first playmaker…plays with grit and has no issue going to the net for chances… battles on the wall with limited success due to his lack of strength and reach…works hard defensively, and has a good defensive stick and plays aggressively at the point looking to cause turnovers. (December 2014)

Other:

So, who do you choose?

I'd go with Mikko Rantanen.

I like your choices. I think rantanen will go before Connor. So my guess is Konecny.

My sleeper is Svechnikov

 

[apadilla]

Thanks. Given a choice between Connor and Konecny, I'd go with Connor simply because, all other things being equal, he is 3 to 4 inches taller.

 

[Captain Mittens*]

Thanks. Given a choice between Connor and Konecny, I'd go with Connor simply because, all other things being equal, he is 3 to 4 inches taller.

Connor?

 

[KingCanadain1976]

anyone got some video or thoughts on the Meir kid from swiss ? That above mag has us taking him at 13

 

[apadilla]

Connor?

Lol. Not John Connor.

 

[King'sPawn]

anyone got some video or thoughts on the Meir kid from swiss ? That above mag has us taking him at 13

I'm not sure if you read the thread, but I posted a link to a video I made earlier:

 

[KingCanadain1976]

I'm not sure if you read the thread, but I posted a link to a video I made earlier:

i have read some of the thread but not all thanks for posting this

 

[King'sPawn]

i have read some of the thread but not all thanks for posting this

No problem. I've made over 30 videos on 2015 NHL prospects, and they're all on my channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMd2UgbujYNkoUakaicz7YQ

Feel free to check it out. I hope you enjoy!