Prospect Info: 2024 Entry Draft Thread - Let's Talk About Picks, Bay-bee

[Raccoon Jesus]

Was looking into making a video of Boisvert. Unfortunately, the recording I still have is corrupted for 5 minutes into the third. I'll see if I can get more.

He's a noticeably terrible skater in every sense of the word, imo. Low top speed, slow feet, wide turn radius, awkward wide stance. And I say that as someone who never had any formal skating instruction and don't know what to look for.

He was pretty oblivious defensively as well.

I wouldn't hate the pick, as these things by and large can be improved with instruction and coaching. He's physical with a good shot. In that way, he's not too different from Ziemmer, though in my opinion, Ziemmer's skating deficiencies stand out less and his physicality is more visible.

Though Boisvert does play in the USHL, and generally it's a less physical league, so that may factor in.

Since I didn't have video of him where I was unsatisfied with the cuts and incompleteness of my video, I decided to veer from my original plan and am making one on Adam Jecho. Not likely to go at 21, but he might be worth a nab if the Kings trade down and/or acquire more picks.

Yeah if there's one thing I trust our dev staff to do it's work out the kinks on skating and defense

skating seems to be the common complaint, defense doesn't seem common, elite upside/vision seems common, they call him a safe pick and a likely middle six guy but unlikely 1st liner.

 

[FrozenKing18]

Yeah if there's one thing I trust our dev staff to do it's work out the kinks on skating and defense

skating seems to be the common complaint, defense doesn't seem common, elite upside/vision seems common, they call him a safe pick and a likely middle six guy but unlikely 1st liner.

I was going to say that any defensive deficiencies will be covered since our org is defense obsessed.

 

[apadilla]

I was on the draft simulator website exploring the possibility of trading down to obtain an extra pick or two in this years draft. In particular, Calgary looked like a good option. Two possible deals come to mind:

A. Trading the 21st overall pick (may have to add a small piece?) to Calgary for the 28th and 41st overall picks.

or

B. Trading the 21st overall pick to Calgary for the 28th, 64th and 74th selections. No add here.

Either trade enables the Kings to stay in the 1st round. With the 28th pick, the team could go with a big bruising defenseman like Finland's Jesse Pulkkinen (LD) and then someone like hard hitting Stian Solberg (LD) or EJ Emery (RD) with the next pick. Anyone like either trade?

After watching the Oilers finish off the Kings, and then the Canucks, it was plain to see how a big and brusing defensive core (Ekholm, Nurse and Desharnais) can keep the area around the goal crease clear. I don't recall much front of the net pressure from the Kings forwards. I've changed my mind about selecting large forward Dean Letourneau in this year's 1st round. I've read his isn't as physical of a player as I had hoped.

 

[King'sPawn]

I was on the draft simulator website exploring the possibility of trading down to obtain an extra pick or two in this years draft. In particular, Calgary looked like a good option. Two possible deals come to mind:

A. Trading the 21st overall pick (may have to add a small piece?) to Calgary for the 28th and 41st overall picks.

or

B. Trading the 21st overall pick to Calgary for the 28th, 64th and 74th selections. No add here.

Either trade enables the Kings to stay in the 1st round. With the 28th pick, the team could go with a big bruising defenseman like Finland's Jesse Pulkkinen (LD) and then someone like hard hitting Stian Solberg (LD) or EJ Emery (RD) with the next pick. Anyone like either trade?

After watching the Oilers finish off the Kings, and then the Canucks, it was plain to see how a big and brusing defensive core (Ekholm, Nurse and Desharnais) can keep the area around the goal crease clear. I don't recall much front of the net pressure from the Kings forwards. I've changed my mind about selecting large forward Dean Letourneau in this year's 1st round. I've read his isn't as physical of a player as I had hoped.

I wouldn't mind either scenario. There's also the possibility of trading up, as quality and quantity would both benefit the Kings.

I do think acquiring more picks has a higher likelihood.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

I wouldn't mind either scenario. There's also the possibility of trading up, as quality and quantity would both benefit the Kings.

I do think acquiring more picks has a higher likelihood.

I agree...to trade up, the Kings don't have picks to deal, without a 2nd or 3rd. Adding a 4th is not enough to move up in rd 1, especially since Chicago dealt 3 picks for 2 picks, only to move up from 20 to 18. That's crazy. Unless anyone would take a 2025 2nd rounder. I like the idea of moving back for 2 picks, as there is not a lot of difference between 20 and 40, it seems. (just what warts, shortcomings you prefer to work with) Would be nice to get a both a forward and a defenseman in the 25 to 45 range. I am not sure if Arty + 21 really moves up much and will be a wasted asset in Arty. A shame.

I do see that Boisvert is not that fast or a great skater...and Pulkinnen looks like a poor skater and it's not just because he's 6'6". 6'5" guys like QB , Edvinsson, etc can skate and don't look uncoordinated. Somehow, Pulkinnen uses his body, reach and puck skills, to go around so many, with ease, it seems...but try that in the NHL and it won't work..but I admire that he has such drive. Maybe he wills and works his way to becoming a better skater. Love that he imposes himself and has worked hard to be a player.

I so badly want to see the Kings get a gem of a LHD as it seems they never seem to have one on the team, or system. Seems that Solberg and other top LHD will go before 21. Ones like Pulkinnen, Hutson, Kiviharju are not worth 21. The Kings can't mess up 21, being they've not had a #1 2 years and Kupari and Bjornfot are gone...and now PROBABLY #33? OA Arty. Watch them deal it for immediate help.

Liked your Emory report. Think he will be there at 21...but he's RHD. (but it's a 3 yr wait for most of these prospects and may not matter) Will Scouch did his latest top 32 and had Freij at #5 overall! And Leshunov, Buium, Dickenson, Parehk the following 4 D...and Silayev like 18! Freij will probably be there at 21. He had Catton #3 and loves Teddy Stiga,,,at 13, I think. He thinks if Greentree was a good skater, he would be top 5...that he often was carrying 2 guys on him and is a beast. With 90 pts and only 1 other Windsor player had more than 50 pts. Greentree could fall...but probably not to 21.
I am not sure if (LHD) Kirsanov could get out of his Torpedo contract. Even if he could, consider Voynov played 3 yrs in the AHL. If he comes over next year, Gav could be gone and there goes a possible great mentor for him.

Do you think the Kings would pass on Connelly?

 

[King'sPawn]

I agree...to trade up, the Kings don't have picks to deal, without a 2nd or 3rd. Adding a 4th is not enough to move up in rd 1, especially since Chicago dealt 3 picks for 2 picks, only to move up from 20 to 18. That's crazy. Unless anyone would take a 2025 2nd rounder. I like the idea of moving back for 2 picks, as there is not a lot of difference between 20 and 40, it seems. (just what warts, shortcomings you prefer to work with) Would be nice to get a both a forward and a defenseman in the 25 to 45 range. I am not sure if Arty + 21 really moves up much and will be a wasted asset in Arty. A shame.

I agree that Kaliyev is gone at the draft. More likely for a pick. But if not, the scenario to move up is also an option.

I so badly want to see the Kings get a gem of a LHD as it seems they never seem to have one on the team, or system. Seems that Solberg and other top LHD will go before 21. Ones like Pulkinnen, Hutson, Kiviharju are not worth 21. The Kings can't mess up 21, being they've not had a #1 2 years and Kupari and Bjornfot are gone...and now PROBABLY #33? OA Arty. Watch them deal it for immediate help.

A bluechip LHD would be great. Some feel like reaches at 21, but I'd rather them get their guy (whether it's LHD, G, or whatever position they play) than for them to settle. Like you though, if there's a player they're confident will be available at a lower pick, I'd rather them trade down. You just have to have an agreeable partner.

Liked your Emory report. Think he will be there at 21...but he's RHD. (but it's a 3 yr wait for most of these prospects and may not matter) Will Scouch did his latest top 32 and had Freij at #5 overall! And Leshunov, Buium, Dickenson, Parehk the following 4 D...and Silayev like 18! Freij will probably be there at 21. He had Catton #3 and loves Teddy Stiga,,,at 13, I think. He thinks if Greentree was a good skater, he would be top 5...that he often was carrying 2 guys on him and is a beast. With 90 pts and only 1 other Windsor player had more than 50 pts. Greentree could fall...but probably not to 21.

I'm glad you like the article!

I agree that there are a lot of RHD, but by the time he's ready, Doughty will likely be gone, as will Roy. Clarke will be graduated. That leaves Sparkes, Salin, and Mania. All three have pretty significant obstacles to overcome so they can become viable NHLers. It's why I don't hesitate to explore even the "deep" positions in the org.

I'm not a big fan of Greentree. He looks very casual when he plays reminiscent of Jeff Carter without the effectiveness. He's not lazy. Just not intense. And I worry he'll have a rude awakening against tougher competition. I've just not been impressed. But he also wouldn't be the first prospect to make me look foolish.

I love Stiga. Relentless and skilled, and he's everywhere. He has stood out in every USA hockey game I've watched. With the different videos I have made, tried to make, and considered, the USNTDP is the team I've watched the most.

I wouldn't mind Freij, though I can't explain why - I've not been able to attach myself to him when watching him play.

I am not sure if (LHD) Kirsanov could get out of his Torpedo contract. Even if he could, consider Voynov played 3 yrs in the AHL. If he comes over next year, Gav could be gone and there goes a possible great mentor for him.

Hoven has actually heard there's a good chance Kirsanov comes over. I understand he's not all-knowing, but he's since tried to learn from past errors; he's avoiding on reporting things without a higher degree of confidence in the information from his sources.

Do you think the Kings would pass on Connelly?

100%. Of course, kids do dumb things and learn from mistakes. Swastika with the building blocks aside, though, Katie Strang in the Athletic also spoke about issues with teammates.

That said, he seems to be doing a lot more to address it. So, he doesn't feel irredeemable like Miller...but he's more likely to be taken by a team with extra picks who can afford to take the risk. Like San Jose, Chicago, etc.

 

[Surf Nutz]

Kaliyev is not going to get Jack Shiite.

Might as well keep him.

However Blake seems to be ready to make an example out of him just like he did by dumping Tanner Pearson.

 

[Ghetty Green]

Everyone getting excited at the idea that Kirsanov is the mystery LHD making his Development Camp debut. Watch it wind up being some former Blake teammate’s son that they’re gifting an invite to.

Peter Ahola Jr.

 

[SmytheKing]

I used the draft simulator (thanks apadilla for the reminder of its existence) to trade down a couple of times to pick up some extras and ended up with this:

I'm sure it won't look anything like this, but I'll take it. Also, drafted Satan because who doesn't want a 6'7" version of the original 30-40 goal scorer. That's how it works right?

 

[AnThGrt]

Delete

 

[Kingfan1967]

I used the draft simulator (thanks apadilla for the reminder of its existence) to trade down a couple of times to pick up some extras and ended up with this:

View attachment 877032

I'm sure it won't look anything like this, but I'll take it. Also, drafted Satan because who doesn't want a 6'7" version of the original 30-40 goal scorer. That's how it works right?

When in doubt, believe in Satan

 

[Peter James Bond II]

Teddy Stiga at #21?

These guys have him at #7 and #12 and both are questioning if they have him too low.
There are no lists out there that have him in top 20, except one guy at THN.



This is not exciting...no clips, but the break down their 2 lists, vs the pundits out there...with Pronman's new list out there.

Will revealed his top 14 (that's where his top 2 tiers end) at 01:15:00 and was
Celebrini, Demidov, Catton, Lindstrom, Jiricek, Buium, Stiga, Eiserman, Brandsegg-Nygard, Freij, Iginla, Parekh, Connelly, Dickinson.
He's come down on Freij-train, after watching 2 more games...that he had some poor showings...yet thought he was Team Sweden's best D in recent U18. He doesn't have Levshunov or Silayev in his top 14. Yet, we all know those 2 will be gone in top 15.
The other guy, Sam, has now put Demidov ahead of Celebrini. The way they hype Demidov, they think Chicago would error to take Levshunov over Demidov...that Demidov and Bedard would be lethal.

I think this is the first time I have ever listened to draft guru guys just talk over an hour...without seeing clips...guess I am really bored or wanting more info on what kind of prospect the Kings could get at 21. Seems like the 15-35 range can be all over the board and would be ok if the Kings traded back and got another 2nd rd pick. These guys are no experts, but they watch tons of games all year and track them and register all kinds of stats....Will said the pass complete ratio of Demidov and Catton are about the best he's ever seen...and 60% of Buium's shots, are high danger....geez...wish the Kings could have a LHD with that kind of skill. They do admit Buium is small and may not have that translate to NHL. But he'll be good.

So, if his top 14 are:
Celebrini, Demidov, Catton, Lindstrom, Jiricek, Buium, Stiga, Eiserman, Brandsegg-Nygard, Freij, Iginla, Parekh, Connelly, Dickinson...that leaves Senneke, Helenius, Yakemchuk, Chernyshov, Hage, Boisvert, Greentree, Luchanko. They really love Luchanko. He could be there for the Kings, possibly....they like Emory and Elick, if you're wanting a good defenseman that will have a good career and eat minutes...be good defensively. Interesting that Jiricek is his highest D.

Seems Stiga could fall to 21. they love him, because his drive, skill, is smart, vision, puts up points, compete and that he battles and forechecks well...and just buzzes continually...steals pucks and that he basically wakes up and says "I am him. I will beat you today" That they are baffled his consensus is about 34 and think that's mainly because he's 5'11" 176 and his game may not translate to NHL as well as it has for the USNDT. They said when he steals a puck, he puts it between his legs and makes crazy moves and who does that? Just not needed...but has sick skills.

I don't think Will is thee guy to follow....but he's putting a lot of vids out there at this time of the yr. And love that he just doesn't go with the consensus stuff out there.

 

[apadilla]

I used the draft simulator (thanks apadilla for the reminder of its existence) to trade down a couple of times to pick up some extras and ended up with this:

View attachment 877032

I'm sure it won't look anything like this, but I'll take it. Also, drafted Satan because who doesn't want a 6'7" version of the original 30-40 goal scorer. That's how it works right?

Solid picks. I think Satan must be drafted by the Devils, for obvious reasons, hehe.

 

[King'sPawn]

Solid picks. I think Satan must be drafted by the Devils, for obvious reasons, hehe.

I hope Utah takes him to make the fanbase uncomfortable.

 

[King'sPawn]

As it's something that was brought up recently (maybe in this thread): this is why I don't follow sentiment as far as if a draft "class" is good or bad. In 'terrible' draft year, will more first-round picks be traded?

Here are the transactions leading to the picks, btw: 2017 NHL Entry Draft Transactions

Whether or not it's a "good" class, you can still acquire and develop talent.

Hype =/= quality

 

[King'sPawn]

Just as a head's up, some draft guides are starting to become available:

Quick bang for your buck is DraftProHockey: DRAFTPRO – 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE! - DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

EliteProspects has a free one with a subscription to their premium service.

Between the two, I like EP more, mostly because I'm more familiar with their staff, even if I disagree with them. Also, there's better presentation of their data in my opinion.

Future Considerations, McKeen's, and HockeyProspect's Black Book should be coming out soon. Of them, Black Book is my favorite. They are very transparent in their analysis and breakdowns, and they make a presentation and process to try to resemble an NHL team (while making a complete list of players they wouldn't put on their own draft list).

But if you want to follow more regarding the draft, I highly recommend picking up a draft guide. Even those that are less comprehensive put in a lot of work. You get different ideas of what to look for in players while also giving you information about whomever LA drafts.

 

[MonkeysUncle]

Just as a head's up, some draft guides are starting to become available:

Quick bang for your buck is DraftProHockey: DRAFTPRO – 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE! - DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

EliteProspects has a free one with a subscription to their premium service.

Between the two, I like EP more, mostly because I'm more familiar with their staff, even if I disagree with them. Also, there's better presentation of their data in my opinion.

Future Considerations, McKeen's, and HockeyProspect's Black Book should be coming out soon. Of them, Black Book is my favorite. They are very transparent in their analysis and breakdowns, and they make a presentation and process to try to resemble an NHL team (while making a complete list of players they wouldn't put on their own draft list).

But if you want to follow more regarding the draft, I highly recommend picking up a draft guide. Even those that are less comprehensive put in a lot of work. You get different ideas of what to look for in players while also giving you information about whomever LA drafts.

Thx, too bad Kings dont have more picks. Who know maybe they can move the rights to several players like Lizotte and replenish prospect pool

 

[King'sPawn]

Thx, too bad Kings dont have more picks. Who know maybe they can move the rights to several players like Lizotte and replenish prospect pool

Kings have had quite a few prospects graduate and move on. I would be surprised if the Kings didn't make moves to try to get more picks - even though I wouldn't be shocked at their lack of self-awareness.

 

[kovacro]

Top 10 ‘big guy’ prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft

Does size matter for NHL Draft prospects? For these 10, it could give them a unique edge.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

 

[Surf Nutz]

Just as a head's up, some draft guides are starting to become available:

Quick bang for your buck is DraftProHockey: DRAFTPRO – 2024 NHL DRAFT GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE! - DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

EliteProspects has a free one with a subscription to their premium service.

Between the two, I like EP more, mostly because I'm more familiar with their staff, even if I disagree with them. Also, there's better presentation of their data in my opinion.

Future Considerations, McKeen's, and HockeyProspect's Black Book should be coming out soon. Of them, Black Book is my favorite. They are very transparent in their analysis and breakdowns, and they make a presentation and process to try to resemble an NHL team (while making a complete list of players they wouldn't put on their own draft list).

But if you want to follow more regarding the draft, I highly recommend picking up a draft guide. Even those that are less comprehensive put in a lot of work. You get different ideas of what to look for in players while also giving you information about whomever LA drafts.

Can I borrow your user name and passwords just to get a feel before I commit.

I mean I read some of your articles, and I just want to be a little more sure.

Thanks!

 

[Johnny Utah]

Hockey Royalty talked about the following players today:

Solberg
Connelly
Jiricek
Hage
Greentree
Dickinson
Boisvert

 

[kinghock]

I agree...to trade up, the Kings don't have picks to deal, without a 2nd or 3rd. Adding a 4th is not enough to move up in rd 1, especially since Chicago dealt 3 picks for 2 picks, only to move up from 20 to 18. That's crazy. Unless anyone would take a 2025 2nd rounder. I like the idea of moving back for 2 picks, as there is not a lot of difference between 20 and 40, it seems. (just what warts, shortcomings you prefer to work with) Would be nice to get a both a forward and a defenseman in the 25 to 45 range. I am not sure if Arty + 21 really moves up much and will be a wasted asset in Arty. A shame.

I do see that Boisvert is not that fast or a great skater...and Pulkinnen looks like a poor skater and it's not just because he's 6'6". 6'5" guys like QB , Edvinsson, etc can skate and don't look uncoordinated. Somehow, Pulkinnen uses his body, reach and puck skills, to go around so many, with ease, it seems...but try that in the NHL and it won't work..but I admire that he has such drive. Maybe he wills and works his way to becoming a better skater. Love that he imposes himself and has worked hard to be a player.

I so badly want to see the Kings get a gem of a LHD as it seems they never seem to have one on the team, or system. Seems that Solberg and other top LHD will go before 21. Ones like Pulkinnen, Hutson, Kiviharju are not worth 21. The Kings can't mess up 21, being they've not had a #1 2 years and Kupari and Bjornfot are gone...and now PROBABLY #33? OA Arty. Watch them deal it for immediate help.

Liked your Emory report. Think he will be there at 21...but he's RHD. (but it's a 3 yr wait for most of these prospects and may not matter) Will Scouch did his latest top 32 and had Freij at #5 overall! And Leshunov, Buium, Dickenson, Parehk the following 4 D...and Silayev like 18! Freij will probably be there at 21. He had Catton #3 and loves Teddy Stiga,,,at 13, I think. He thinks if Greentree was a good skater, he would be top 5...that he often was carrying 2 guys on him and is a beast. With 90 pts and only 1 other Windsor player had more than 50 pts. Greentree could fall...but probably not to 21.
I am not sure if (LHD) Kirsanov could get out of his Torpedo contract. Even if he could, consider Voynov played 3 yrs in the AHL. If he comes over next year, Gav could be gone and there goes a possible great mentor for him.

Do you think the Kings would pass on Connelly?

 

[Peter James Bond III]

At 21, hope to get one of these.

Stiga
Hage
Solger
Luchanko
Chernyshov (only if he can commit to come over in a yr)
Boisvert (if Yannetti ranks him higher than any above..but have lost some faith in Yannetti. I'd go Stiga still)
to a lessor degree
Hemming
Beaudoin (if they feel they can improve his skating)
Ryder

It seems Stiga's rise from last year is real and he's still underrated and has more ability and skill in this range, than anyone in the 20+ area. His recent U18 was huge and he wore an A. Seems like a solid young man and oozes confidence. The Kings need players that can 'escape' the way the Kings force their young players to play the system, play the role you are told, we are defense first, you must play that way....and bust through that BS, by being too good to be forced into that ultimately instinct killer for your young players. It seems the way past that, is a player that CAN play the Kings system, can forecheck, can play defense, but be so skilled, they can do all that and do more.

This is WHY so many youth cannot make it here: JAD, Fagemo, Kaliyev and even Grundstrom. And it seems Turcotte may be limited, if he cannot bust through. If he accepts the Kings way and works 100% on the role they give him, he'll never become more. There will always be a few exceptions: Vilardi, Byfield. But so very few. Even they took 2+ years to make a breaktrough. I will not go as far back as Toffoli or Kempe...a different time, when they broke in...but they too, took a few years.

They are even making Clarke pay more dues than necessary. The only players they actually gave a chance the last few years, was due to injuries. Durzi in for Drew...and Laferriere in for Arvidsson.
Without those injuries - Durzi stays in the AHL and Laferriere would have just spent the year in the AHL.

This needs to change! I want the Kings to draft a forward that is too good to end up a systems player that forechecks and plays defense...and their offensive insticnts and skill, takes a back seat...that's not your role! Maybe, someday, you'll get a shot at top 6 and PP...but first. play a few years and play the way we want you too. I think Akil was the best youth to play with instincts and confidence recently...and he gets ticketed back to the AHL.

I like Stiga at 21, as I think he has so much skill, smarts, offensice abilities...that he will bypass the 1-2 AHL years and the 1-2 years bottom 6, regemented Kings mantra. This kid oozes King system beater abilities. So? Maybe 1 year at BC and a half year in the AHL...and after leading the Reign with 40 pts in 35 games...they call him up and he forces his way.

U.S. National U18 Team	NTDP	61	36	43	79	42	47
	USNTDP Juniors	USHL	27	18	20	38	18	20
	USA U18"A"	WJC-18	7	6	5	11	6	15
2024-25	Boston College	NCAA

 

[tws38]

I've always loved the draft but it's been a bit hard for me to enjoy them these days not only because we haven't had any high picks these days but we've struggled to hit on many of them which I believe is more systematic than it is about who. So, there is a difference between who I would want vs. who I think we should draft.

I would stay away from:

• Forwards that depend on skill
  • Dating back to a very long time, we just don't develop high skill guys-We've always signed/traded for these types that have been developed elsewhere. In fact, I find that we do a fairly decent job getting these skilled players from outside to become better 2-way players because they already have the confidence and foundation in their offensive game unlike those who are starting their development with the Kings
  • Was not exactly happy to hear the quotes from Todd that a player needs to fit the Kings-Pretty much means that they are unwilling to fit a player in with the Kings
• Could be brought to the AHL relatively early (unless the player is already a Kings type)
  • With this regime, we seem to have this belief that players are better developed within our system but I don't see the proof of that. In fact, I feel like some players may have benefited by not coming to the AHL as early as they did-Turcotte being the obvious
  • Perhaps it will start to be alleviated but we bring them over and there aren't enough spots at the AHL level for the players to be developed-Spence/Grans were supposed to split and we have some forwards that are stuck behind some vets
• Russians-Just has not been a good marriage with the Kings unfortunately

We are probably better off drafting excellent middle six 2-way forwards, defensemen or goalie. We do fine with developing these types and they can be valuable assets (if we knew how to manage those assets).

I hope we can get maybe some culture changers in the Simmonds/Clifford mold this year.

 

[apadilla]

At 21, hope to get one of these.

Stiga
Hage
Solger
Luchanko
Chernyshov (only if he can commit to come over in a yr)
Boisvert (if Yannetti ranks him higher than any above..but have lost some faith in Yannetti. I'd go Stiga still)
to a lessor degree
Hemming
Beaudoin (if they feel they can improve his skating)
Ryder

It seems Stiga's rise from last year is real and he's still underrated and has more ability and skill in this range, than anyone in the 20+ area. His recent U18 was huge and he wore an A. Seems like a solid young man and oozes confidence. The Kings need players that can 'escape' the way the Kings force their young players to play the system, play the role you are told, we are defense first, you must play that way....and bust through that BS, by being too good to be forced into that ultimately instinct killer for your young players. It seems the way past that, is a player that CAN play the Kings system, can forecheck, can play defense, but be so skilled, they can do all that and do more.

This is WHY so many youth cannot make it here: JAD, Fagemo, Kaliyev and even Grundstrom. And it seems Turcotte may be limited, if he cannot bust through. If he accepts the Kings way and works 100% on the role they give him, he'll never become more. There will always be a few exceptions: Vilardi, Byfield. But so very few. Even they took 2+ years to make a breaktrough. I will not go as far back as Toffoli or Kempe...a different time, when they broke in...but they too, took a few years.

They are even making Clarke pay more dues than necessary. The only players they actually gave a chance the last few years, was due to injuries. Durzi in for Drew...and Laferriere in for Arvidsson.
Without those injuries - Durzi stays in the AHL and Laferriere would have just spent the year in the AHL.

This needs to change! I want the Kings to draft a forward that is too good to end up a systems player that forechecks and plays defense...and their offensive insticnts and skill, takes a back seat...that's not your role! Maybe, someday, you'll get a shot at top 6 and PP...but first. play a few years and play the way we want you too. I think Akil was the best youth to play with instincts and confidence recently...and he gets ticketed back to the AHL.

I like Stiga at 21, as I think he has so much skill, smarts, offensice abilities...that he will bypass the 1-2 AHL years and the 1-2 years bottom 6, regemented Kings mantra. This kid oozes King system beater abilities. So? Maybe 1 year at BC and a half year in the AHL...and after leading the Reign with 40 pts in 35 games...they call him up and he forces his way.

U.S. National U18 Team	NTDP	61	36	43	79	42	47
	USNTDP Juniors	USHL	27	18	20	38	18	20
	USA U18"A"	WJC-18	7	6	5	11	6	15
2024-25	Boston College	NCAA

By god, Teddy Stiga is definitely a guy the Kings scouts and management would consider at 21. He's a winger, all 5'10 and 176 lbs of him, per draft prospects hockey dot com. They say he knows how to get to the right spots, and has skilled hands.

I myself hope they would wait until their 118 pick to take him.