GDT: 2021 NHL Entry Draft - Round 1: July 23 (8 p.m. ET; ESPN2, SN, SN NOW, TVA Sports) Part II

[kingsfan28]

If they hit at a 50-75% clip, that's exceptional. Clarke has to not only be one of them, but one of the drivers of the bus, but not quite sure I get the B+ in this context(not that these grades really matter). Is it because they ended up with only 4 picks?

That's how I read it. If they had more picks, solid A.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Our second round picks just seem like polar opposites to me and I find that hilarious for some reason. Pinelli sounds like a high-skill forward that has a much higher ceiling than his draft position suggests, and Helenius seems like a player that's never going to dominate in the league but with his size and defensive style he's nearly a lock to be a bottom six center, and I am pleased to have both of them in the pool. I'm a fan of this draft, definitely went for quality over quantity and looked to trade up for specific players instead of just waiting for whatever falls

That's my biggest takeaway from Yanetti's excitement, they executed exactly what they wanted. I don't think I've ever heard a staff say that after a draft. That's gotta feel good too, not that that counts for anything. It's nice to have built what they've built and STILL get this giddy over THESE FOUR picks.

 

[MBH]

Kings had 4 picks.
I liked every one of them.
Clarke - I had at ninth (detroit-based ranking. We have Seider at RHD)
Pinelli - I had at 19th
Helenius - I had at 50th
Kirsanov - I had at 56th.

A little concern about Clarke's skating. I don't know. The only other guys I would have considered for the Kings at 9 were Cossa and Wallstedt.

 

[Steve Zissou]

That's my biggest takeaway from Yanetti's excitement, they executed exactly what they wanted. I don't think I've ever heard a staff say that after a draft. That's gotta feel good too, not that that counts for anything. It's nice to have built what they've built and STILL get this giddy over THESE FOUR picks.

That's exactly it. The scenarios they had stratigically laid out ahead of time all worked out in their favor. That can certainly make any scout giddy like a schoolboy.

 

[Bandit]

Honestly man I really just don't know what else to say to you since you're not responding to sugar or spice, you're literally just being a dick for the sake of being a dick. I'm calling it like I see it. You know I appreciate you and generally you and I agree more than most other posters which is why i was hoping you'd hear it from me and consider that maybe you're just being pessimistic but you're not so hey, led you to water, if you don't want to drink, whatever.

And just like everything else...there is PLENTY of player talk to go around, you just don't want to hear any of it.

Let's make it simple

Clarke--has been compared to Mike Green/Erik Karlsson. Dynamic offensive talent from the backend, many had him ranked in their top 3, some at 1.
Pinelli--top end offensive talent, should have been a first rounder, showed some SERIOUS ability early in this year, some people are questioning him going to the hard areas.
Helenius--I know this is the focus of your ire--but a big grumpy player with good bloodlines that has a high floor is a great buy at his spot.
Kirsanov--some called him the best defensive D in the draft, already playing studly against men, several saying like with Faber/Bjornfot may be some untapped offensive upside since the IQ is there.

I really, really just do not see what there is to complain about. Blake et. al. went for quality over quantity, a smart move at this juncture, with so many prospects and contract slots. And Yanetti is more excited about this draft than any of their previous. I just think focusing your ire on a singular pick when all the buzz from inside the org, outside the org, on these boards, and evaluated from around the league from prospect analysts both mainstream and hipster is exceedingly positive is wild.

Again all I did was point out the negative criticisms of two players that were made by other people that actually watch these kids and people started attacking me. Anyone that offered an opinion about the players I didn't object to or say shit about other than "cool". If that's "being a dick" I honestly have no idea what to say to you or anyone else.

I'm glad most everyone seems happy with the picks. Time will tell.

 

[kingsfan28]

While I was sleeping , Carolina called another time out.

 

[Bandit]

While I was sleeping , Carolina called another time out.

Only one?

 

[kingsfan28]

Only one?

Rumor was they tried to trade for a few more, but nobody wanted the 2nd round to go another hour and told them to pound sand.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Kings are looking really good in 2 of the 3 most important positions (center, defense, and goaltending). Kings have the best center prospect pool in the league, added a major piece to a very strong defense prospect pool, and hopefully have a couple stud wingers (Kaliyev is going to be a machine). All the Kings need now is a top end goalie prospect, hopefully they get that next year. I’m all about the draft at this point, given the insanity that’s going on in trades and free agency the Kings can only look internally and focus on continuing to draft excellent players.

 

[johnjm22]

I never really know if we actually had a great draft or if we're just biased. New toys are always exciting.

If you go around to each team board, half of them think their picks were steals too.

 

[kinghock]

Kings are looking really good in 2 of the 3 most important positions (center, defense, and goaltending). Kings have the best center prospect pool in the league, added a major piece to a very strong defense prospect pool, and hopefully have a couple stud wingers (Kaliyev is going to be a machine). All the Kings need now is a top end goalie prospect, hopefully they get that next year. I’m all about the draft at this point, given the insanity that’s going on in trades and free agency the Kings can only look internally and focus on continuing to draft excellent players.

I believe we should try to trade for top end goalie prospect now.
We should not wait one more year considering that goalie prospects require few more years of development.
I believe to have elite goalie prospect on Kings prospect pool is number one priority at this moment.

P.S. I do not want to use our prospects in this trade, but…

 

[KINGS17]

Regarding Yanetti's comment about the draft going how the scouting staff had hoped it would:

If this means the Kings brain trust is still "war gaming" the draft as they started to do after Lombardi arrived, I view it as a huge plus. When you start to see the chess pieces move on the board mostly as you anticipated and already have your response planned, you are way ahead of the competition.

 

[King'sPawn]

I never really know if we actually had a great draft or if we're just biased. New toys are always exciting.

If you go around to each team board, half of them think their picks were steals too.

You never know for certain until years later, but most neutral reporters are giving the Kings a good grade.

 

[Reclamation Project]

I never really know if we actually had a great draft or if we're just biased. New toys are always exciting.

If you go around to each team board, half of them think their picks were steals too.

Lowest grade I’ve seen so far is B. Lots of east coast writers (I posted a Bruins one) said the Kings had a great draft. I consider this a quality over quantity draft. I was hoping for a goaltender but based on everything I’ve read and heard I’m very happy with our picks.

 

[kovacro]

This draft just adds to the bounty of solid prospects the organization has. They all will not pan out and/or a few will be used in trade but the more quality pieces you have in hand, the better chance your organization/roster is going to improve.

 

[BamBam1031]

Again all I did was point out the negative criticisms of two players that were made by other people that actually watch these kids and people started attacking me. Anyone that offered an opinion about the players I didn't object to or say shit about other than "cool". If that's "being a dick" I honestly have no idea what to say to you or anyone else.

I'm glad most everyone seems happy with the picks. Time will tell.

That, good sir, is why some people should not be given authority. Did you break any forum rules? No. You expressed your hockey-related opinion as you saw fit. Maybe rubbed some people the wrong way, but such is the interwebs. And you were called a dick, a crusty turd, and an asshole simply because you did not respond to RJ's micro-managing (NOT moderating, for the record). Not a good look.

Term limits, anyone?

To keep it hockey-related, I was elated with the Brandt Clarke selection. The rest was gravy, but having this kid fall into our laps is a dream come true. I liked him better than Hughes and Edvinsson. I would have picked Clarke even if SJ picked a goalie and Eklund were still there. Great job, Blake!

 

[King'sPawn]

That, good sir, is why some people should not be given authority. Did you break any forum rules? No. You expressed your hockey-related opinion as you saw fit. Maybe rubbed some people the wrong way, but such is the interwebs. And you were called a dick, a crusty turd, and an asshole simply because you did not respond to RJ's micro-managing (NOT moderating, for the record). Not a good look.

Term limits, anyone?

To keep it hockey-related, I was elated with the Brandt Clarke selection. The rest was gravy, but having this kid fall into our laps is a dream come true. I liked him better than Hughes and Edvinsson. I would have picked Clarke even if SJ picked a goalie and Eklund were still there. Great job, Blake!

How is RJ micro-managing when he did no corrective action/punishment on Bandit?

You can disagree with RJ if you'd like, but before you start discussing term limits and replacing mods, try doing it yourself for free. I'm sure kb11 and RJ would appreciate the extra help.

I don't agree with names thrown Bandit's way, but it's spirited. We all get carried away sometimes, including RJ, who's human.

 

[Bandit]

I believe we should try to trade for top end goalie prospect now.
We should not wait one more year considering that goalie prospects require few more years of development.
I believe to have elite goalie prospect on Kings prospect pool is number one priority at this moment.

P.S. I do not want to use our prospects in this trade, but…

Agree with you on this. I’m not sold on Petersen and even if we acquired someone today it would take a few years minimum. Ideally we would have 2-3 candidates to see who rises to the top. Would suck balls for our forwards and D to be ready for cup contention only to have Chechmanek in net.

 

[Reclamation Project]

Scott Wheeler from The Athletic Day 2 rankings -

3. Los Angeles Kings
Day 1 rank: No. 4 (winner)
The Kings have the best prospect pool in hockey and they just keep adding to it. Part of that comes from just how many selections they’ve made in recent years. But they don’t build what they’ve built without also making good on a lot of those picks and the Francesco Pinelli selection at 42 feels like another feather in their cap. They’ve got an embarrassment of riches up front in their pool, which will make his path to his second-line upside a little more challenging than elsewhere, but he was one of my top-ranked players (24th overall) and I love their continued insistence on slippery, two-way possession types.

The above also made their selection of Samuel Helenius an intriguing one because despite being 6-foot-6, he actually has some uncharacteristic ‘small’ skill for a player that size. I had him ranked 74th, so 59th was probably a little too early. But that was more or less the tier he belonged in. It’s going to be hard for him to be productive and play in an offensive role at the next level. That’s just the reality for forwards that big. There aren’t many who are more than depth pieces. But he’s got enough skill to become that and his attention to detail and leadership are both revered.

The hits kept coming for the Kings in the third round with their selection of Kirill Kirsanov 84th-overall. At that point, Kirsanov was my fourth-ranked player (50th). He’s not the kind of player who is going to finish off a lot of plays inside the offensive zone, or even break teams down to create the finishing play for someone else. But he’s a smooth skater who beats pressure laterally through neutral ice, leads a lot of transition sequences with a quick few steps into an outlet pass, and defends with a polish that is rare for a player his age. There’s two-way value there.

Considering they only had three picks, it’s another year of winning at the draft for the Kings for me.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Regarding Yanetti's comment about the draft going how the scouting staff had hoped it would:

If this means the Kings brain trust is still "war gaming" the draft as they started to do after Lombardi arrived, I view it as a huge plus. When you start to see the chess pieces move on the board mostly as you anticipated and already have your response planned, you are way ahead of the competition.

How is RJ micro-managing when he did no corrective action/punishment on Bandit?

You can disagree with RJ if you'd like, but before you start discussing term limits and replacing mods, try doing it yourself for free. I'm sure kb11 and RJ would appreciate the extra help.

I don't agree with names thrown Bandit's way, but it's spirited. We all get carried away sometimes, including RJ, who's human.

Don't bother. That poster is only here to take a stand against moderation in general. Check the post history. It's embarassing.

I'm only comfortable bantering like that with @Bandit because I know he'll give it right back and we'll equalize right away. Sorry for going at you hard dude.

 

[KingLB]

You can’t term limit moderation if nobody wants the F’ing job once RJ eventually go postal lolololol.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

They should term the police too. And nurses. Term 'em.

 

[Lt Dan]

And you were called a dick, a crusty turd, and an asshole

I am just glad he didn't hit below the belt and call him a furry

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

You can’t term limit moderation if nobody wants the F’ing job once RJ eventually go postal lolololol.

Don't worry, @kingsboy11 will surely appreciate twice the work!

Though I'd love to see what happens when BamBam goes hard after the global mods instead of following me around like a puppy and DMing me like I'm a TikTok star.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

One thing DL always got right is you can't win a 'skill' arms race, someone will always have more, or draft a McDavid.