Some may be saying Ladue is untouchable, but fans throw conjecture out there. Where that comes from, is from a Twitter poster that has contacts in the Kings' organization...and what came out was actually "when speaking with my contacts, some say Ladue is untouchable and some say otherwise". This means that Lombardi is very high on him and it is known asst GM Rob Blake went to visit Ladue and family after his Jr year at ND and tried to get him to sign...but of course, respected if Ladue wanted to finish his Sr year. (Blake would understand, having played college hockey) They really wanted him to go pro. The reason why Ladue is 24 and in his first pro year, is that he played USHL and then played 4 yrs of college. Oh well. Some say he was the best Kings' defenseman in training camp and preseason games. That's pretty impressive. Look the AVs have scouts watching every Ontario game.
Regarding Pearson. He had a few AHL games under his belt and went on the score 12 points in the 2014 CUP win. The main reason the Kings missed the 2015 playoffs, was that he broke his leg and missed the rest of the season. He'll be a 20 goal scorer this year and may be the fastest skater on the team - faster than Carter. Plays in all situations and a very solid player. Scores lots of OT goals. I do not think they will trade him. Not saying he's untouchable, or that anyone is.
Re: myself. Born and raised in LA and had season seats in LA, up to the year I left there and came to Denver in 2006. I follow both teams closely and know how good ALL the players are on both teams. Since thr Kings won 2 cups recently, I am equal fans of both teams, and want to see the AVs rise...that said, I have Kings blood forever. Also, I have yet to see Ladue in person. I can say one thing - the Kings are very good at developing defensemen: Voynov, Martinez, Muzzin and now Forbert, McNabb , Gravel and Ladue. There's a reason organizations look at the King D prospects...they are well trained and are not liabilities on the ice. Ladue is not 6'1" 186 as the article states. His wt is 205 or so.