shuchukfan
Registered User
I hope Blake and Co. are fired before that happens. I can't imagine how much he'll get taken advantage of with those trades.
2025 NHL Entry Draft Thread
- Thread starter King'sPawn
- Start date
Peter James Bond III
KINGS HAVE RUSSIANS!?
- Jul 8, 2020
- 770
- 1,946
This thread was page 3 and pretty dormant for 3+ months. Add 3 months for now and it's June and draft time. We now know 1st rd pick survived the TDL....but, we're not out of the woods, if it will be dealt prior to the draft. Will go with that they are keeping it.
With the arrival of Kuzmenko and his first game today...loving the skill and ability to instantly make the PP look alive and a threat. Great puck possession and creating so many chances. Kuz didn't even have 1 practice?
Impressive. Hopefully he's on the scoresheet tomorrow in Vegas and Kings win.
Thinking with the reported Gavrikov long term extension close, there will be a Russian presence here for years, which is rare. If Kuzmenko does well, a chance he will sign...but hard to believe if they would qualify that 5.5M. Maybe they don't qualify and get him on a better cap. I like that he's playing for a contract and they are not on the hook for another 5.5.
That being said, was looking at rd 1 prospects and Russian Ivan Ryabkin is rated between 10 - 25, with a chance of slipping rd 2. I'd seriously look closely at taking him, if available. 6' 200 lbs, still 17. Turns 18 April 25. He started in the MHL this year, but came over to play in the USHL in Muskegan and has a ppg there, over 16 games. 50 pim. Think he was suspended for something. Last yr in the MHL, led his team with 58 pts in 44 games (breaking the record by Michkov!)....Igor Chernyshov (2nd rd 2024 Sharks) had 28 pts in 22 games with his team, last yr. So, I'm sure Ryabkin was heavily scouted and anticipated to be a 1st rd in '25. Chernyshov came over to OHL and has an INSANE 44 pts in 18 games! 17 goals 27 assists 44 pts. This surely must be the highest ppg in OHL....Greentree has 120 pts in 62 games. So, consider Ryabkin had more pts than Chernyshov last year and Chernyshov is now destroying the OHL. He was on my list, as rd 1 was going by and the Kings dealt 21 for 26...as players went off the board, I had Greentree, Chernyshov and EJ Emery. Glad the Kings took Greentree. Chernyshov would have been good too.
Ryabkin has immense skill and is patient with the puck...makes beautiful plays...has some power to his game. Great release and hands in tight. Can play W or C. I like that he's already in the USA...had size, strength, high end skills. He could join the Reign next year, as far as I know. With Gavy here several years, the possibility of Kuzmenko here, would love to add some more elite skill Russians.
It's been said he's considered 'divisive', in that he has some history with players and coaches.
I didn't see any specifics...but not going to dig into more than a few minutes of having looked for
what they were. I'm sure the Kings know and if he will not make the grade for a character guy.
If he doesn't pass, then fine. I like the idea of getting top end skill into the system and the sooner, the better. Didn't have any forward adds to AHl this year...except Jamsen and Pinelli last year.
I would think Kenny Connors signs and will be on the Reign next year...not sure about Jared Wright or Jack Hughes...both having poor seasons. Kaleb Lawrence is an ECHL / AHL tweener this year. Koehn Ziemmer should join the Reign this coming year as well. Greentree, a year away. If they could get a prospect like Ryabkin in this coming year, that would be awesome. Please don't resign all these vets...Gawdin, Malott, Hudon. I understand having some, but they keep the Pinelli's from a top6 role until their 3rd year. Ridiculous. Other teams are graduating their picks by year 3 to the NHL.
www.eliteprospects.com
With the arrival of Kuzmenko and his first game today...loving the skill and ability to instantly make the PP look alive and a threat. Great puck possession and creating so many chances. Kuz didn't even have 1 practice?
Impressive. Hopefully he's on the scoresheet tomorrow in Vegas and Kings win.
Thinking with the reported Gavrikov long term extension close, there will be a Russian presence here for years, which is rare. If Kuzmenko does well, a chance he will sign...but hard to believe if they would qualify that 5.5M. Maybe they don't qualify and get him on a better cap. I like that he's playing for a contract and they are not on the hook for another 5.5.
That being said, was looking at rd 1 prospects and Russian Ivan Ryabkin is rated between 10 - 25, with a chance of slipping rd 2. I'd seriously look closely at taking him, if available. 6' 200 lbs, still 17. Turns 18 April 25. He started in the MHL this year, but came over to play in the USHL in Muskegan and has a ppg there, over 16 games. 50 pim. Think he was suspended for something. Last yr in the MHL, led his team with 58 pts in 44 games (breaking the record by Michkov!)....Igor Chernyshov (2nd rd 2024 Sharks) had 28 pts in 22 games with his team, last yr. So, I'm sure Ryabkin was heavily scouted and anticipated to be a 1st rd in '25. Chernyshov came over to OHL and has an INSANE 44 pts in 18 games! 17 goals 27 assists 44 pts. This surely must be the highest ppg in OHL....Greentree has 120 pts in 62 games. So, consider Ryabkin had more pts than Chernyshov last year and Chernyshov is now destroying the OHL. He was on my list, as rd 1 was going by and the Kings dealt 21 for 26...as players went off the board, I had Greentree, Chernyshov and EJ Emery. Glad the Kings took Greentree. Chernyshov would have been good too.
Ryabkin has immense skill and is patient with the puck...makes beautiful plays...has some power to his game. Great release and hands in tight. Can play W or C. I like that he's already in the USA...had size, strength, high end skills. He could join the Reign next year, as far as I know. With Gavy here several years, the possibility of Kuzmenko here, would love to add some more elite skill Russians.
It's been said he's considered 'divisive', in that he has some history with players and coaches.
I didn't see any specifics...but not going to dig into more than a few minutes of having looked for
what they were. I'm sure the Kings know and if he will not make the grade for a character guy.
If he doesn't pass, then fine. I like the idea of getting top end skill into the system and the sooner, the better. Didn't have any forward adds to AHl this year...except Jamsen and Pinelli last year.
I would think Kenny Connors signs and will be on the Reign next year...not sure about Jared Wright or Jack Hughes...both having poor seasons. Kaleb Lawrence is an ECHL / AHL tweener this year. Koehn Ziemmer should join the Reign this coming year as well. Greentree, a year away. If they could get a prospect like Ryabkin in this coming year, that would be awesome. Please don't resign all these vets...Gawdin, Malott, Hudon. I understand having some, but they keep the Pinelli's from a top6 role until their 3rd year. Ridiculous. Other teams are graduating their picks by year 3 to the NHL.
Ivan Ryabkin - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Ivan Ryabkin, 2007-04-25 Balakovo, RUS Russia. Most recently in the USHL with Muskegon Lumberjacks. Complete player biography and stats.
www.eliteprospects.com
Last edited:
Around where the Kings will be picking:
- Ryabkin has top 10 tools but has some history with questionable behavior in Russia and looks out of shape
- Lakovic is another guy who has top 10 tools but looks disengaged away from puck at times. Reminds a little of Jeff Carter silky smooth big and skilled, but question marks as well.
- Carbonneau is highly skilled competitive with a motor and decent physique. Looks like a young Fiala, including the fact that he plays like on an island and makes questionable decisions sometimes
- Hensler is a big mobile defenseman, but kind of vanilla and tends to "hang back" rather than push the play. I see him more as a #5-6 D
- Aitcheson is a physical competitive defenseman with a good shot. I think he would be a nice pick at that range, he probably doesn't have upside beyond #4 and probably more of a #5 but he has so-called "bonus" value in that he brings a physical presence, a shot threat and a certain competitive swagger in that slot
- Spence is a very polished winger with size and pro-game. More of a middle six winger type but again a solid option and a likely NHL player. More of a complementary guy
There are a lot others, those are just some I'm familiar with. I know I said I want to Kings draft higher upside but I would stay away from Ryabkin unless they feel perfectly comfortable with his character. I think guys like Bear, O'Brien, Smith, Mrtka, Desnoyers, Martin will probably be gone by then.
- Ryabkin has top 10 tools but has some history with questionable behavior in Russia and looks out of shape
- Lakovic is another guy who has top 10 tools but looks disengaged away from puck at times. Reminds a little of Jeff Carter silky smooth big and skilled, but question marks as well.
- Carbonneau is highly skilled competitive with a motor and decent physique. Looks like a young Fiala, including the fact that he plays like on an island and makes questionable decisions sometimes
- Hensler is a big mobile defenseman, but kind of vanilla and tends to "hang back" rather than push the play. I see him more as a #5-6 D
- Aitcheson is a physical competitive defenseman with a good shot. I think he would be a nice pick at that range, he probably doesn't have upside beyond #4 and probably more of a #5 but he has so-called "bonus" value in that he brings a physical presence, a shot threat and a certain competitive swagger in that slot
- Spence is a very polished winger with size and pro-game. More of a middle six winger type but again a solid option and a likely NHL player. More of a complementary guy
There are a lot others, those are just some I'm familiar with. I know I said I want to Kings draft higher upside but I would stay away from Ryabkin unless they feel perfectly comfortable with his character. I think guys like Bear, O'Brien, Smith, Mrtka, Desnoyers, Martin will probably be gone by then.
Last edited:
Even though the teams are staying home, I do wonder if there's some ownership/PR pressure for the Kings to make the pick since they are the de facto host. I still chuckle that the Devils had the Cory Schneider deal in place the night before the draft in NJ, but they waited to announce it while on the clock; Ie they were afraid fans wouldn't show up if they knew we weren't picking. Although it's a bit different now since 2013 was still when the draft was free to attend and that changed after 2016.
I thought last year's draft would be the last one I'd attend, but I already earmarked going up to LA for this one. Won't be as much fun without the teams present, but it's still a fun vibe as a draft geek.
King'sPawn
Enjoy the chaos
- Jul 1, 2003
- 23,274
- 24,391
Since the Kings will appear to keep their first for a little longer, hope to start doing some articles.
Mcsorley47
Registered User
Aitcheson! Bringing back toxic masculinity!
KingsOfCali25
Start up the Tank!
We are picking somewhere around last years pick (#21). Any good prospects in the (15-25) range?
I heard it's a weak draft and between 15-30 is wash and anyone could go anywhere.
I heard it's a weak draft and between 15-30 is wash and anyone could go anywhere.
King'sPawn
Enjoy the chaos
- Jul 1, 2003
- 23,274
- 24,391
Liam Greentree's teammate, Jack Nesbitt, may be worth looking at. 6-foot-4 with skill.
Kashawn Aitcheson is a gritty LD. Certainly can be categorized as "all other things being equal, would fill a need" player.
Can go for stupid goalie depth and look at Koehn Ziemmer's teammate, Joshua Ravenspergen.
Raw skill wise there's Adam Benak. Last year was seen as a top-5 player, but size is an issue (5-foot-7).
Did some video on Cole Reschny a couple months back. I honestly lost some enthusiasm for writing when I thought the pick would be traded. He's a smaller/average-sized two-way forward.
Cameron Reid is an offensive defenseman but also Associate Captain for Kitchener, so there may be some additional maturity and leadership.
Still a lot of hockey to play though. On top of the regular playoffs in all leagues, there's the Memorial Cup and U18 WJC. I -think- I have footage on almost every player in the top 100, though Europe's tougher to get reliable games.
I was 2/3 of the way making a video on Jakob Ihs-Wozniak, but a chunk of the game recording got corrupted, and I dislike giving incomplete recordings. But he's also a skilled player. Problem is he shies away from contact, from what I remember. If you want size and skill though, he has a lot to offer.
KingsOfCali25
Start up the Tank!
Thanks!
Who in your opinion would be the so called "fall guy" in the draft? We see it every year that one highly regarded prospect drops to a late 1st or early 2nd. Whi might be that player this year?
King'sPawn
Enjoy the chaos
- Jul 1, 2003
- 23,274
- 24,391
Benak has already fallen quite a bit, so my immediate answer would be him. But NikF gave a good rundown on some players as well, and he's given good insight on prospects and the draft over the years too.
Sybil227
Registered User
Spence!! Yes! The Kings need 2 guys named Spence. And they need to trade jersey #'s every game.
Mcsorley47
Registered User
I wouldn’t mind doing a repeat of last year and trading back in the first to get a seconder.
KingsOfCali25
Start up the Tank!
If no one crazy falls in the draft I'd look to move back as well. I mean last year has kind of worked out well so far...Hage for Greentree, George, and Reeder looks good.
Raccoon Jesus
We were right there
Part of me wonders if that will be better ins ome way for a draft geek
As in not as many people walking around but certainlynot as many attendees either, probably good access/photos, but admittedly I know nothing about the attendance/format
Day 2 was always better for photos/autographs since it wasn't as attended and most of the draft picks are a bit more relaxed after they've been picked. 2010 was pretty good since all the restaurants are right across the street. After the first round, my buddy and I went to the Fleming's. Charlie Coyle and his parents were the party in front of us and Shea Weber was in the group behind us. I had a random interaction with Kirill Kabanov looking lost and I asked him if needed help finding something. He (in perfect English) said that his parents were still inside and didn't have cell phones but security wouldn't let him back into Staples. Eventually we convinced one of the ushers working at the door that Kabanov was a draftee and not some random fan in a jersey.
Other arenas were out of the way, so they seemingly bussed staff/prospects out. Last year in Vegas probably would have been fun to loiter but I went down to the arena to check out the vibe with the UFC in town. When I was checking into my hotel, the Buium brothers were with a buddy checking in front of me.
Sometimes feel bad bugging a prospect for a photo/autograph, but I did get a pic with Anton Silayev and then had a quick conversation with Kevin He. We ran into Liam Greentree on the 2nd day and my buddy had him take a pic with his kid.
Also had an amusing memory from 2019, there was a rope dividing the concourse and a backstage area that a bunch of prospects would pass through. Some would stop to sign autographs. Jordan Spence appeared and signed a couple things for some kids. I had a Kings puck to give to my coworker, but when Spence and I made eye contact, he darted for the exit. Probably a you had to be there moment, but I totally understood.
One thing that's missing when attending is the commentary. Usually it's easy to pass time by talking to the folks around you. Last year was especially fun since it was way more diversified than other drafts. But if you don't bring a draft list, (at least for me) it's easy to forget who's still on the board. When the Devils were on the clock, I knew Buium was still available but I didn't realize Silayev/Dickinson were as well.
The happy medium might be to watch the first round on TV and drop by for a couple rounds on Day 2 (usually starts at 10am local time). Even as a draft geek, I'm lucky if I could recite a vague scouting report on guys going in the 3rd round. The Stanley Cup is usually in the building and that's a photo opp that's always fun. Maybe it was because of lack of concourse area at The Sphere, they had the Cup (and other trophies) roped off. Other years you could touch it and take a photo. Haven't been to the Peacock Theater before, but I wouldn't be surprised if they also didn't have space to accommodate a line to get a pic with the Cup.
King'sPawn
Enjoy the chaos
- Jul 1, 2003
- 23,274
- 24,391
In 2010 the prospects sat in the crowd with the fans. We were in front of Charlie Coyle and his group and a couple seats over.
Funny thing is we were positioned at an angle so we could see who was picked before the announcement was made (as the name plates had to be taken behind the stage to update the board).
One of my buddies told Coyle he was being picked before the announcement was made.
I didn't pay too much attention to the "draft floor" because I didn't recognize a lot of people running around, so I didn't want to spend my time speculating.
You probably could have walked up to some prospects ahead of time to talk and try to get an autograph before the draft began, but they were pretty much gone from what I could tell after the picks were made.
I tried to leave the prospects alone, though. They already had 500 things going on while anticipating the rest of their career.
I still like the idea of a draft in person, as the players seem to like it. It's almost like a graduation, as some players effectively say goodbye to other teammates as their futures change. It's definitely a fun experience for the player, friends, and family.
It will be interesting to see if the vibe is the same this year.
