GDT: 2019 Draft Discussion: LA Kings pick 5th, 22nd overall 8 p.m. ET (NBCSN, SN, TVAS)

[King'sPawn]

Cool! A goalie from the Czech Republic. Worked out for the Kings last time

 

[kingsholygrail]

Born in Australia, raised in Osaka, plays in North America.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Jordan Spence, RHD (Moncton, QMJHL – No. 59 NA)
Spence was a late bloomer, playing one season of Jr. A before making the jump to major junior with Moncton this season. The campaign was a success for the playmaking blueliner, who tallied six goals and 49 points in 68 games for a team that went out early in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs. Spence played a key role in Canada’s U-18 World Championship effort and showcased his ability to run a power play. If Spence gets drafted, he’ll be the second Australian-born player to be picked in the draft. Nathan Walker was picked by Washington in 2014.

 

[tny760]

spence's name sure comes up on a lot of "underrated" lists at a glance

again, nice to see

 

[Steve Zissou]

In regards to Spence:
2019 NHL Draft: Who are the most underrated defensemen available? - TheHockeyNews

 

[kilowatt]

Jordan Spence, D, Moncton-QMJHL
Feb. 24, 2001 | 5-foot-10 | 165 pounds

Skating: 55
Puck Skills: 55
Physical Game: 35
Hockey Sense: 60

Spence intrigued me early on this season as a rookie 17-year-old CHLer getting huge minutes and time on the first power play unit with Moncton right out of the gate. He played well all season, including at the U18s for Canada. I appreciate his hockey sense a lot. Spence shows a lot of poise and vision with the puck. His breakouts relieve pressure well and he can QB power plays at a high level. He skates well, but for a small defenseman, his speed and skill don’t wow me. He has enough speed to skate with pros and turn CHL defenders. At his size, he defended fine this season due to his brain. I think if Spence was just any other prospect he’d be easy to slap a late/bubble pick tag on with his toolkit. However, he played so well this season after not even being in the CHL that you could argue there’s more to come with experience.

 

[Steve Zissou]

Swede D's taken in 1st round:
8th Broberg
11 Soderstrom
22 Björnfot

 

[Steve Zissou]

Turcotte described as "Sandpaper & Silk"

 

[Mats26]

HENRI NIKKANEN to jets....damn

 

[deaderhead28]

 

[Steve Zissou]

I will say that our center depth is looking pretty nice right about now

• Kempe
• Prokhorkin
• Vilardi
• Thomas
• Anderson-Dolan
• Kupari
• Turcotte

 

[Peter James Bond II]

1. Turcotte
2. Kupari
3. Vilardi
4. Anderson Mikey
5. Anderson-Dolan
6. Petersen
7. Clague
8. Kaliyev
9. Thomas
10. Bjornfot
11. Durzi
12. Fagemo
13. Dudas
14. Phillips
15. Hults
16. Moverare
17. Kehler
18. Strand
19. Lizotte
20. Hrenak
21. Shafigullin
22. Sodergran
23. Ingham
24. Eyssimont
25. Villalta
26. Rymsha

 

[SlimCharles]

Kim Nousiainen (D) #119

 

[kingsboy11]

Kings draft Kim Nousiainen, left handed 5'9 defenseman from Finland.

 

[ijuka]

Kim Nousiainen I've liked quite a bit. He's an undersized, offensive defenseman. Great skill and puck-carrying ability. Boom/bust type pick.

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

That's a tiny defenseman

 

[deaderhead28]

 

[Steve Zissou]

(2nd) 4th rounder

Nousiainen was the number one defenceman for KalPa in 0-3 loss against Blues in Finnish U20 league quarterfinals. He recorded almost 23 minutes of ice time before getting five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for interference a bit after the midpoint of the third period. He also recorded -2 from his first two shifts of the game. Despite this, his game overall was pretty impressive and he even recorded seven shots.
As a undersized offensive defender, it is really hard to predict how far Nousiainen can go. The lack of size and muscle combined with still somewhat raw game at the own end are concerns. He is definitely not liability for his team at the defensive zone, but he does not really excel there either. Eventually his ability to use his offensive skill-set will decide his future.

Nousiainen is extremely agile skater with excellent acceleration. He really knew how to use his skating and he created a lot of more time and space for himself with his first steps and effective turns. His top speed might not be perfect, but that area has also improved during this season. His play with the puck is really good for this level. He read the play well, he was active and his stickhandling abilities are excellent. He carried the puck confidently and the defenceman didn’t cause turnovers. Also his passing was crisp, precise and creative. At the offensive zone, he is active and joins the rush willingly.

The defenceman is a risky pick when thinking about the NHL Draft, but his potential is intriguing. He is not a safe choice for sure, but the combination of agility, acceleration and really good offensive skill-set can potentially give a high reward.

 

[SFKingshomer]

A lot of boom or bust type picks. Did we change scouts?

 

[DanKD]

Love the draft for the Kings, hopefully this will go a long way towards getting them back in contention in a few years. Really hope Vilardi can get healthy.

 

[DryIslandBartender]

I'm not quite sure what you mean there. What did you see in the Muzzin trade when it happened?

Durzi was an unsigned prospect and Grundstrom was not a sure thing either, not saying he is now but I liked what I saw in his short stint. Plus you add Bearfoot and reading and watching more of his highlights, seems like a good gamble.

 

[deaderhead28]

(1) Introducing: Arthur Kaliyev - LA Kings Insider


(2) NHL Draft 2019: Los Angeles Kings Select RW Arthur Kaliyev with 33rd Overall Pick

 

[SettlementRichie10]

Turcotte, Bjornfot, Kaliyev is a fantastic haul for any team’s first three picks.

If two out of those three players fulfill their potential, the Kings “reimagining” just got a lot better.

 

[ScoreZeGoals]

157-Braden Doyle-D

Braden Doyle at eliteprospects.com

 

[ru4reals]

Hmmmm another undersized D at 157.