People say this is not such a great draft? It's probably because there is only 1 surefire, elite player in Celebrini...but Demidov and a few others may end up being elite level. So, let's swap out the 2019 for this year...and I'm over the moon of the Kings are picking #5, #22 and #33. They would do much better than Turcotte, Bjornfot and Kaliyev...hindsight or not. It would be something like:
Lindstrom or Buium at 5....Hage, Solberg, Chernyshov, Beaudoin, Emery, Parascak, Boisvert at #22 and perhaps Stiga, Emery, Letourneau, Freij, Elick, Kiviharju, Hemming, Ritchie, Basha at #33. Quite a haul!
Geez, one day I'm all on for Hage at 21, Stiga at 21...or Chernyshov...or Parascak...or Boisvert...then read more about Beaudoin and down to take him. I really like Luchanko, but think he's gone by #20.
I've seen Boisvert's skating and kind of lost in other zones...but love his skill and shot. Nice one timer...one thing I never get, are top 6 NHL forwards that never use a slap shot and cannot 1 time a puck. WTF? Yet, they can pull and drag, have nice hands in tight, yet cannot 1 time a puck?? I like that Boisvert has a great shot, can 1 time, slap, wrist, snap, pull and drag and beat goalies. Also, 6 fighting majors. I like the idea of having a top 9 forward that can throw down....if you're playing the Kings the last umpteen years....no one to worry about, smacking you down, unless it's MacDermid on the ice or Lemieux...or Englund...whoop tee doo. I'd love a top 9 regular shift forward (or top 4 D) that is going to smack you, ask you to dance, to keep opponents watching out. I still think Boisvert's skating and D will improve...so, I'm fine with him, but love others at 21 as well. Then again, if Ziemmer makes it in 2-3 years, he can throw down. And if Helenius makes it in another year as well. I think Hage is all around better than Boisvert and will be gone by 20. I'd be surprised to see Hage and Luchanko be there at 21.
I still like Solberg or even Freij at 21...even if it seems early for Freij. The Kings need a legit top LHD and it may seem a reach he could be a #1 pair...but it's possible. If he becomes a 2nd pairing, not a big deal. Who said Mikey was a #1 pairing? I think Emery is a little risky, unless you're totally fine with a 20 minute, shut down guy with good size, skating and getting the puck back and moving out of your end. That's fine, if Yannetti thinks there's a little more and he's the guy at 21. One scout said of Emery "i see more of an athlete, than a hockey player" OUCH...then again, I recall reading a scout say of Dustin Brown in 2003 "he plays the game more like football" and he was kind of right. I am just hoping for a top 6 forward or legit top 4 D projection. Solberg - it's time the Kings have a top 4 D that can play physical.
On another note...Demidov has arrived in Florida and people are impressed and he measured in at 6'1" . I cannot see him falling beyond 3. I think the Hawks should take him, 100%.
Crap...if I'm the Kings, I'm calling Chicago and asking what they would consider for their pick...I'd seriously consider Clarke + 21 and I like Clarke. One thing that bothers me about Clarke...and it's not a Clarke thing!! It;s a King thing. 3 years of telling him to work on his D...work on your D, work on your D...your strength, your board play..learning our system...and that is a way to neuter your skills and talents...they've got him on a leash. It's the Kings' way and I hate it. Just like TMAC "Kupari...you're a defensive forward and you can make a living out of being that" EXACTLY when Kupari never scored again...EVER. F THAT. I saw Kupari score one of the wickedest backhands a few weeks before, that I've ever seen...I think it;s criminal to put labels, leashes and force players to play D #1, #2, #3, and the system and don't you ever make a mistake....you'll sit or even go back to AHL to think about it and work harder. F THAT. I'm mot saying they are ruining Clarke....but I am thinking we are not going to see the best of Clarke, due to the Kings way.
I'm just more enamored with what Demidov is going to be, SO, please don't say I'm ready to move Clarke..I'm not. But I am worried about what they've perhaps already done to him...and yeah, they'd probably do the same with Demidov. TOUCHE!
If it's up to me? Clarke is RHD2 defenseman. 17-20 mins and #1 PP. With our without Drew. And never sits a shift. Ever. I think he's going to be perrenial 60 point player and be better, all around than the Kings believe. No, I don't deal him. If the Hawks call and offer #2 OA...for him and #21? I'm interested, yeah. Don't see that happening...but, I'm probably countering Clarke, Kaliyev #21 for #2 and #34. #2 Demidov and #34 Emery, Stiga, Hemming, Letourneau, Elick or ? Hawks have #2, #18, #34 and #50. Hawks would make it #50 anyway, if the Kings could even make that kind of deal. #34 is worth more. Clarke will play in the NHL this year...yeah and so will Demidov, come Spring. And yeah, I'm not calling the Ducks...but have a call with the CBJ #4 pre-draft...what they would want for #4. In case the Hawks and Ducks are lunatics and both pass on Demidov.
Final disclosure: depending how good the new Kings' jersey is, I'm wanting a Clarke one.
I'm pumped for the draft. And don't eff this summer up. Don't even eff up the jersey.