Prospect Info: 2019 Draft Discussion: LA Kings pick 5th, 22nd overall

[Steve Zissou]

This is more than likely just a smokescreen.

 

[BigKing]

I've been Byram from the moment the lottery disaster unfolded while assuming Turcotte wouldn't be there.

I generally shy away from small players, but Caufield really intrigues me. The Kings really haven't had a legit sniper since Palffy except for Gaborik's first 82 games.

If he is even 5'11'', he's in the conversation for 1st overall with his skill set, right? Cammalleri was 5'9" 180 when drafted so Caufield is two inches shorter and 17 pounds lighter; however, he tested very well in the strength portion of the combine.

Again, I'm generally all for size + skill but his skill set might be too good to pass up. If it is a Dach/Cozens decision at #5, a slight trade-down to still get Caufield could be interesting. It isn't all about being big in the playoffs but rather not being a p***y. That is really Johnny Hockey's problem. Marchand is 5'9" 180 and it isn't a problem.

 

[AzKing]

I've been Byram from the moment the lottery disaster unfolded while assuming Turcotte wouldn't be there.

I generally shy away from small players, but Caufield really intrigues me. The Kings really haven't had a legit sniper since Palffy except for Gaborik's first 82 games.

If he is even 5'11'', he's in the conversation for 1st overall with his skill set, right? Cammalleri was 5'9" 180 when drafted so Caufield is two inches shorter and 17 pounds lighter; however, he tested very well in the strength portion of the combine.

Again, I'm generally all for size + skill but his skill set might be too good to pass up. If it is a Dach/Cozens decision at #5, a slight trade-down to still get Caufield could be interesting. It isn't all about being big in the playoffs but rather not being a *****. That is really Johnny Hockey's problem. Marchand is 5'9" 180 and it isn't a problem.

If Byram were there, someone would trade up for him I think.

Question is, would you pass on Byram to get another 2nd rounder and maybe move to 7 or 8 to take Caufield.

 

[King'sPawn]

The last article in the series, Soderstrom: 2019 NHL Draft Preview: Victor Söderström, Swedish Defenseman

 

[The Lukeman]

Bob Mckenzie final draft ranking has Spencer Knight at 12 and states that "Many [scouts] believe Knight has the tools to become the best ever American goalie.

If he is available at 21, maybe the Kings should go for him. If this dude is the next Jonathan Quick, and our next starting rookie goalie is 25, then it will works out. Just cause our goalie depth is incredibly good right now, doesn't mean we should skip Knight. If he is truly the BPA, then pick him up.

Yeah, we are probably going to need a forward at 22 considering the fact that it sounds like we are drafting Byram, but IMO BPA is always the best drafting strategy, especially if there aren't any key forwards available at 22.

 

[SFKingshomer]

The Hawks scouts saw a ton of Byram but may pass due to having a bunch of young D prospects. I still think he's their guy as he has a higher ceiling than anyone they have.

Avs could use a playmaking center so I think they're leaning Turcotte, Dach, or Zegras.

I hope I'm wrong because I really want Byram because defenseman like him control the pace of the game.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Anyone planning on attending the draft party this Friday at Grand Central Market? I signed up to attend but have yet to receive anything from the Kings.

 

[jfont]

so, my ideal scenario is this...

1. Draft Byram at #5

2. Trade with Buffalo's #7 pick for:

Toffoli, Lewis, Akil Thomas and #22

3. Draft Dach

4.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

 

[kingsboy11]

Anyone planning on attending the draft party this Friday at Grand Central Market? I signed up to attend but have yet to receive anything from the Kings.

I'm half tempted to go, but not sure.

 

[TopT]

https://www.tsn.ca/americans-set-to-dominate-first-round-of-the-nhl-draft-1.1323878
Mckenzie final rankings, as expected; now hoping for Zegras

 

[kingsholygrail]

They are really promoting Knight aren't they? He was already being projected as going late in the 1st, early 2nd anyway. Why the jump?

 

[BigKing]

They are really promoting Knight aren't they? He was already being projected as going late in the 1st, early 2nd anyway. Why the jump?

It isn't really a mock but rather BPA. Nobody has won a Cup this decade with a garbage #1C or #1D but Niemi and Binnington have Cups. Skaters are just valued more.

Wouldn't shock me to see the Kings take him with #22 though.

 

[cyclones22]

Anyone planning on attending the draft party this Friday at Grand Central Market? I signed up to attend but have yet to receive anything from the Kings.

I will be going. Are you a season ticket holder? A friend of mine who is, gave me her tickets via Flash Seats for what it's worth.

 

[lexlavender]

I wouldn't mind taking a goalie in the first round considering that our goalie development has been top of the league for the past few years now. Numerous NHL caliber goalies have come out of our organization now.

Maybe that seems like an excuse to take a goalie at a lower pick, but we more than anyone have the opportunity to develop a real superstar goalie if given the chance. This especially considering our forward prospect depth has gotten miles better in the last two years.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

The interesting part is that the center may not be Turcotte, Dach, Cozens or Zegras...meaning...Newhook or Krebs? If that's the case, I'm sure Chicago has discussed with other teams about moving back a few slots. Hard to imagine holding #3 overall and wanting someone other than: Byram, Turcotte, Dach, Cozens, Zegras. ??

 

[KingsOfCali25]

The interesting part is that the center may not be Turcotte, Dach, Cozens or Zegras...meaning...Newhook or Krebs? If that's the case, I'm sure Chicago has discussed with other teams about moving back a few slots. Hard to imagine holding #3 overall and wanting someone other than: Byram, Turcotte, Dach, Cozens, Zegras. ??

No it said maybe not Turcotte. But they are interested in Zegras, Dach and Cozens.

Edit: maybe we trade with Chicago and take Turcotte and they fall back to take one of those 3.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Anyone planning on attending the draft party this Friday at Grand Central Market? I signed up to attend but have yet to receive anything from the Kings.

Was considering it if work doesn't kick my ass this week, but I might just watch it from my couch with a beer. Both sound good.

Why does he look 25 and the rest of the team look 15

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

I will be going. Are you a season ticket holder? A friend of mine who is, gave me her tickets via Flash Seats for what it's worth.

I’m a former season ticket holder, so I’m guessing I’m not on their priority list

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

 

[Peter James Bond II]

If Turcotte and Byram are off the board after pick #4....

Trade 5 down some for:

BOLDY

AND:

Trade UP 22 + 33 for:

NEWHOOK

Matthew Boldy Scouting Report
It’s not often you see a teenage winger literally play mistake-free hockey game after game, but Boldy finds a way to solving his own team’s problems while simultaneously presenting the opposition with a bunch of their own. He’s got pro-ready size, off-the-charts hockey sense and can score from just about anywhere. Boldy has buttery-soft hands and acts as a set-up man for all four of his mates when he himself is not flanking a playmaker, so this kind of versatility is exactly what you want in a future pro. He warrants a lot of attention from all five on-ice opponents for several reasons, namely for the violent nature of his directional changes while maintaining full control of the puck. It’s rare to see such a powerful skater look as graceful as Boldy does, and there are times where you have to remind yourself that the player dominating the puck is still a teenager and not a mid-20’s NHL forward.
He displayed a clear understanding of who his high-profile teammates were, and he likes to share the puck with them. There is a selfless way about Boldy’s game, but he won’t hesitate to rock defenders to sleep with nifty moves and a quick step or fake that gets him in prime shooting areas. Once he’s there, Boldy can quickly whip a heavy wrist shot labeled for the corner, even if it’s off his back foot or overextended. He’s also a deadly power-play threat from either manning the half wall or establishing position in the slot to screen or tip passes home. He can be used on the penalty kill as well, but he doesn’t need to be a man down to lend support below the circles to his defensemen.

From Pronman:

He’s so creative with the puck and, for a 6-foot-2 forward, his coordination is ridiculous. Look here at how he changes direction with his body and the puck to confuse the defender.
In drafting Boldy, a team will be selecting an incredibly skilled and creative large forward who will be able to dazzle.
There was a time in this draft cycle where Boldy looked like the smartest player in the draft. I ultimately ended up tabbing his teammate Trevor Zegras with that title, but Boldy is not far behind
Boldy is one of the purest skilled players in this draft class, distinguishing himself with the types of plays he makes with the puck.
He has the ability to make defenders miss with regularity.

Alex Newhook Scouting Report
Gifted offensive force with blinding speed, an advanced brain and phenomenal puck skills who was named the BCHL’s Rookie of the Year after notching 66 points in only 45 games. A Maritimer who chose to keep his NCAA eligibility rather than play major junior, Newhook is the prize of yet another outstanding recruiting class for Boston College’s Jerry York. Newhook is a natural center who is quick, decisive and deadly in open ice. He always has played on a top line and top power-play unit, and watching him stickhandle around defenders with ease reveals an adversary opposing coaches are definitely fearful of. His 102 points were tops in the league and he was the youngest BCHL scoring champion since Scott Gomez did it in 1996-97.
Newhook is a fast, determined skater with exceptional balance and agility. He can beat you inside or out, and you can count on him causing at least one defenseman per game to blow a tire. His combination of speed and puck control makes him lethal off the rush, but he also makes the right reads and is able to exploit an overloaded side or confusion in coverage. Newhook has super-soft hands and is a threat to score from just about anywhere, and his shots off the pass are either labeled or deny the chance for the goalie to control the rebound. He can also play physical and doesn’t get intimidated by bigger, stronger players. One area of Newhook’s game that sets him apart from most draft prospects is his ability to create instant offense off of faceoffs.
Newhook has superstar potential thanks to off-the-charts hockey sense with the sublime skill to match it.
The concerns about his marginal play in prospect showcases like the Hlinka camp, WJAC and CJHL Top Prospects Games raise legitimate concerns about his ability to elevate his play against superior competition.

Newhook’s footwork, agility and heel-to-heel skating are high, high-end. He can skate circles around the opposition if he wants to, EPrinkside.com 2019
explosive forward … at his best with puck on his stick … always wants the puck … plays with no fear … quick release … dangerous every shift, ISS Hockey 2017

MY OPINION:

3 years from now, both of these players will be FIRST LINE NHL Forwards, with star potential. I cannot say the same for: Cozens, Dach, Zegras, or Krebs. Giving up 22 and 33 to move up may seem pricey, but if you can get Newhook, I would. Tomasino at 22 would be good, if he's there, but he may not be. 33? Beecher, Holmstrom, Grewe, Vlasic? Sure...but I would go for the homerun potential of Newhook. Use 22 + Toffoli, if possible, but no GM is that dumb. Maybe get a 2nd for moving #5 back a few slots....

 

[goosh]

Assuming Byram is off the board at 5 and the Kings go with a C (Dach or Cozens), have to think LA will target a D at 22, ideally whoever's available between Soderstrom, Broberg, Seider, Harley, and York. The Kings don't have a D prospect with top-pairing potential and one of those guys might be their best shot.

I don't buy the idea that they'll pick Knight at 22, partly because he'll probably be gone well before then.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Assuming Byram is off the board at 5 and the Kings go with a C (Dach or Cozens), have to think LA will target a D at 22, ideally whoever's available between Soderstrom, Broberg, Seider, Harley, and York. The Kings don't have a D prospect with top-pairing potential and one of those guys might be their best shot.

I don't buy the idea that they'll pick Knight at 22, partly because he'll probably be gone well before then.

Mikey Anderson will be:

In 2 years: be top pairing
In 3 years, will be called "the Kings best defenseman'

PJB II Date: June 17th 2019. Let it be known.

did a search for other predictions, but after 20 minutes in the HF search system, gave up.
Other ones: October, 2006, when Anaheim Arrowhead Center became the Honda Center, within the hour, I called in THE PONDA Center. That name stuck...but I did not see anyone post that anywhere first.
More recent: November, 2018, on Hovens Twitter, after he tweeted Carter gets something like a 1st, and a top prospect in a deal..he's on a great contract" I replied with tweet "Carter is on a terrible contract and never plays the last 2 years of it" (Hoven banned me sometime after that) Now, most will agree, Carter no way plays beyond this year and certainly not 2 after this one.
And I think February 2019 - "when and if Kopitar scores his first powerplay of the year, someone should get him the puck" ...then, in April, he scored his first PP goal (it seemed the opposing team D hit it in with him) and a minute later, Kopi and Brown were busting up on the bench...and Faust and Fox determined that indeed, Brown got the puck and gave it to Kopi!! I am sure many saw this. My post about that someone should get him the puck was at least a month before this actually happening,.

 

[AzKing]

If Turcotte and Byram are off the board after pick #4....

Trade 5 down some for:

BOLDY

AND:

Trade UP 22 + 33 for:

NEWHOOK

Matthew Boldy Scouting Report
It’s not often you see a teenage winger literally play mistake-free hockey game after game, but Boldy finds a way to solving his own team’s problems while simultaneously presenting the opposition with a bunch of their own. He’s got pro-ready size, off-the-charts hockey sense and can score from just about anywhere. Boldy has buttery-soft hands and acts as a set-up man for all four of his mates when he himself is not flanking a playmaker, so this kind of versatility is exactly what you want in a future pro. He warrants a lot of attention from all five on-ice opponents for several reasons, namely for the violent nature of his directional changes while maintaining full control of the puck. It’s rare to see such a powerful skater look as graceful as Boldy does, and there are times where you have to remind yourself that the player dominating the puck is still a teenager and not a mid-20’s NHL forward.
He displayed a clear understanding of who his high-profile teammates were, and he likes to share the puck with them. There is a selfless way about Boldy’s game, but he won’t hesitate to rock defenders to sleep with nifty moves and a quick step or fake that gets him in prime shooting areas. Once he’s there, Boldy can quickly whip a heavy wrist shot labeled for the corner, even if it’s off his back foot or overextended. He’s also a deadly power-play threat from either manning the half wall or establishing position in the slot to screen or tip passes home. He can be used on the penalty kill as well, but he doesn’t need to be a man down to lend support below the circles to his defensemen.

From Pronman:

He’s so creative with the puck and, for a 6-foot-2 forward, his coordination is ridiculous. Look here at how he changes direction with his body and the puck to confuse the defender.
In drafting Boldy, a team will be selecting an incredibly skilled and creative large forward who will be able to dazzle.
There was a time in this draft cycle where Boldy looked like the smartest player in the draft. I ultimately ended up tabbing his teammate Trevor Zegras with that title, but Boldy is not far behind
Boldy is one of the purest skilled players in this draft class, distinguishing himself with the types of plays he makes with the puck.
He has the ability to make defenders miss with regularity.

Alex Newhook Scouting Report
Gifted offensive force with blinding speed, an advanced brain and phenomenal puck skills who was named the BCHL’s Rookie of the Year after notching 66 points in only 45 games. A Maritimer who chose to keep his NCAA eligibility rather than play major junior, Newhook is the prize of yet another outstanding recruiting class for Boston College’s Jerry York. Newhook is a natural center who is quick, decisive and deadly in open ice. He always has played on a top line and top power-play unit, and watching him stickhandle around defenders with ease reveals an adversary opposing coaches are definitely fearful of. His 102 points were tops in the league and he was the youngest BCHL scoring champion since Scott Gomez did it in 1996-97.
Newhook is a fast, determined skater with exceptional balance and agility. He can beat you inside or out, and you can count on him causing at least one defenseman per game to blow a tire. His combination of speed and puck control makes him lethal off the rush, but he also makes the right reads and is able to exploit an overloaded side or confusion in coverage. Newhook has super-soft hands and is a threat to score from just about anywhere, and his shots off the pass are either labeled or deny the chance for the goalie to control the rebound. He can also play physical and doesn’t get intimidated by bigger, stronger players. One area of Newhook’s game that sets him apart from most draft prospects is his ability to create instant offense off of faceoffs.
Newhook has superstar potential thanks to off-the-charts hockey sense with the sublime skill to match it.
The concerns about his marginal play in prospect showcases like the Hlinka camp, WJAC and CJHL Top Prospects Games raise legitimate concerns about his ability to elevate his play against superior competition.

MY OPINION:

3 years from now, both of these players will be FIRST LINE NHL Forwards, with star potential. I cannot say the same for: Cozens, Dach, Zegras, or Krebs. Giving up 22 and 33 to move up may seem pricey, but if you can get Newhook, I would. Tomasino at 22 would be good, if he's there, but he may not be. 33? Beecher, Holmstrom, Grewe, Vlasic? Sure...but I would go for the homerun potential of Newhook. Use 22 + Toffoli, if possible, but no GM is that dumb. Maybe get a 2nd for moving #5 back a few slots....

Have the Kings even interviewed Boldy and Newhook? I like the Newhook trade idea by the way. I am not as thrilled with moving down for Boldy. I would rather move down 2-3 spots and take Caufield and that's only if Byram and Turcotte are off the board.

I doubt the Kings do any trading. I think they will go with all 3 picks since they are high. My guess is 1 Dman and 2 Forwards in some combination.

 

[kingsfan28]

so, my ideal scenario is this...

1. Draft Byram at #5

2. Trade with Buffalo's #7 pick for:

Toffoli, Lewis, Akil Thomas and #22

3. Draft Dach

4.

That's the kind of deal you make for a proven top 4 dmen or high scoring forward, NOT to move up to the 7th spot. Even Lombardi wouldn't do that.