Dempsey
Mark it zero
1 Artyom Levshunov, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 1, 7th overall
The highest drafted player on this list and the only one selected inside the top-15 picks, Levshunov has extremely high potential as a top pairing defenseman who can log a lot of minutes. He's not without a few doubters, but he has the tools to land #1 on this list.
2 Brennan Othmann, forward - drafted 2021 round 1, 20th overall
Othmann is a high tempo winger who throws his weight around despite not being overly big, and should be able to play up and down the lineup in many roles. He's a bit of a pest who can score and provide a spark.
3 Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, forward - drafted 2024 round 1, 15th overall
A strong two-way forward, MBN has a high floor and many different paths to lead him to an NHL gig. He's already excellent defensively, plays a mature game and forechecks like a beast. His shot and skating are both very strong, and his ability inside the offensive zone shows promise.
4 Josh Doan, forward - acquired via trade
Doan looked great in a late-season NHL call-up and should be in the NHL full time sooner than later. He's a high character forward like his old man was for so many years and knows what it takes to be a pro.
5 Zach Bolduc, forward - acquired via trade
Bolduc was one of the youngest players in the AHL last year and held his own after scoring back-to-back 50 goal seasons in the QMJHL to finish out his junior career. In a late-season call-up to the NHL he didn't look out of place at all which should give him confidence going into the this season. He was acquired in a 1-for-1 deal for Noah Cates.
6 Joakim Kemell, forward - acquired via trade
A talented winger who's already played 2 AHL seasons since being drafted two years ago, Kemell now needs to take that next step and get some NHL action in.
7 Noah Ostlund, forward - acquired via trade
Ostlund is a talented playmaking center with plenty of speed and skill as well as a nice two-way game.
8 Sam Rinzel, defenseman - acquired via trade
6'4" dman Sam Rinzel was draft riser when he was taken in the first round by the NHL's Blackhawks. As a freshman for Minnesota he put up 28 points in 39 games.
9 Ben Danford, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 2, 45th overall
Danford is a physical defender who's defensive game was among the best in the entire 2024 draft class, while his passing game gives him enough skill to have top-4 potential.
10 Joel Blomqvist, goaltender - drafted 2020 round 2, 45th overall
Blomqvist had an excellent transition to the AHL and has quietly risen the ranks of goaltending prospects league-wide. Should start to get some NHL games soon.
11 Teddy Stiga, forward - drafted 2024 round 1, 24th overall
Determined US-born winger Teddy Stiga will join Boston College this fall along side 2025 top propect James Hagens. The 5'10" Stiga lacks ideal size but his hockey sense is undeniable.
12 Julius Miettinen, forward - drafted 2024 round 2, 39th overall
The 6'3" Miettinen scored 30 goals in the WHL for Everett as a rookie and will look to build on that this season. While he's not the fastest skater he has the smarts and defensive game that should see him become an NHLer down the road.
13 Oliver Kapanen, forward - acquired via trade
Kapanen is a 6'1" Finnish two-way forward who has a realistic shot at becoming a good third line center for the Kings in the next few years. He will head to the SHL this season and had a good showing at the World Championships with 6 goals in 8 games.
14 William Wallinder, defenseman - acquired via trade
Wallinder is a 6'4" Swedish defenseman with excellent skating and mobility. He's got the tools to be an NHL defenseman but will need more development time. Kept things simple as an AHL rookie and put up 15 points in 65 games.
15 Christian Kyrou, defenseman - drafted 2022 round 2, 57th overall
Kyrou was another rookie AHL defenseman this past season who improved as the year went on. The 5'11" defender had 7 points in 7 playoff games.
16 Sawyer Mynio, defenseman - drafted 2023 round 3, 89th overall
Mynio had a nice D+1 season in the WHL and will go back for one more year before turning pro. Kings are high on him and this he has some underrated potential as a really smart two-way defender.
17 Ondrej Becher, forward - drafted 2024 round 3, 96th overall
Becher is ready to turn pro after being drafted as a 19-year-old out of the WHL. His game away from the puck is arguably as good as his offensive game which will bode well for him. With a good 6'1" frame and a strong passing game, he has the potential to hit the ground running and start contributing soon.
18 Logan Sawyer, forward - drafted 2024 round 6, 171st overall
Sawyer is a long-term prospect with great work ethic and some decent offensive potential. He has one more season of Jr A before heading to Providence.
19 Tristan Broz, forward - drafted 2021 round 2, 52nd overall
Broz is a former second rounder who plays a bit of a power game despite an average 6'0" frame. He turned pro and will play in the AHL this coming season. 40 points in 43 games for the U of Denver last season.
20 Chris Pelosi, forward - drafted 2024 round 5, 145th overall
Pelosi is the older brother of upcoming top prospect Rocco Pelosi, and will be heading to Quinnipiac now after a couple years in the USHL. He's a battler who goes hard to the net and is dangerous in close.
21 Luca Marrelli, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 3, 71st overall
Marrelli is a strong defensive defenseman who put up some good numbers albeit it in third OHL season. As a late bday he has one more year until he turns pro.
22 Luke Osburn, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 5, 132nd
Osburn has some good raw potential as a two-way defenseman with some nice puck skills and smart game in his own zone. He will eventually go to the U of Wisconsin but will likely return to Youngstown of the USHL this year where he could be one of the league's top defensemen.
23 Jacob Julien, forward - drafted 2024 round 5, 135th overall
This 6'4" lanky center is a late bloomer who was passed over the the OHL draft before making his way from Jr B to the London Knights. A smart player who's skating and pace has improved enough that he now has realistic NHL ambitions.
24 Sam Lipkin, forward - drafted 2022 round 7, 217th overall
6'3" center is yet another forward with potential to fill out a depth role with the Kings in the coming years. Played for the US at the WJC and has turned pro now after two very strong seasons with Quinnipiac where he averaged a point-per-game.
25 Tanner Ludtke, forward - acquired via trade
Ludtke was a 2023 third rounder who had a nice freshman season with the U of Nebraska-Omaha. The Kings acquired him as a piece in a trade late last season and believe he can be a nice depth player in the future.
26 Ryan Conmy, forward - drafted 2023 round 7, 217th overall
Conmy is a 5'10" winger who put up big numbers in the USHL but was a 7th rounder mostly due to size. His transition to Hockey East went well with 31 points in 34 games for New Hampshire which has gotten him some recognition as a player with nice potential for a recent 7th rounder.
27 Tory Pitner, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 4, 103rd overall
Pitner is a smart two-way defenseman who was a favorite of the Kings going into the 2024 draft. He's a long-term project but he has some nice raw untapped potential that will be worth following in the coming years.
28 Yevgeni Volokhin, goaltender - drafted 2024 round 4, 122nd overall
Volokhin is a talented 6'3" Russian goaltender who the NHL Habs are quite high on. It will be a few years until we truly know what we have with Volokhin but it's always nice to have goaltending prospects stashed away.
29 Bryce McConnell-Barker, forward - acquired via trade
BMB is a nice two-way center who slipped a bit after more was expected last year. His talent is still there and his smart game could translate nicely to the AHL when he starts his pro career this fall.
30 Ilya Fedotov, forward - drafted 2021 round 2, 49th overall
A smart offensive player drafted in the 2nd round and could likely be higher on this list but has now re-signed for several more years in Russia.
Why stop there? Here are 10 more Kings prospects as honorable mentions:
D Louis Crevier - 6'8" dman already played 24 NHL games by age 22.
G Kirill Gerasimyuk - Agile 6'1" Russian goalie working his way up to the KHL via the VHL at age 20.
C Justin Gill - Dominated as an overaged in the QMJHL. 6'1" center will now turn pro.
W Noah Powell - 6'1" power forward broke out big time in his D+1 in USHL.
W Lucas Van Vliet - Smart defensive forward has some checking line potential.
W Noel Gunler - Hopefully will return to the AHL this season but time is ticking.
D Mattias Norlinder - Had a so-so first year in North America. More was expected but chance he gets back on track in 2025.
D Parker Alcos - Some real untapped potential here. We're counting on a big breakout in 2024-25 with the Oil Kings.
W Simon Knak - Hasn't really progressed overseas and we'd like to see him come over to North America.
C William Nicholl - Breakout potential with the London Knights this coming season. 7th rounder could be a nice value pick.
The highest drafted player on this list and the only one selected inside the top-15 picks, Levshunov has extremely high potential as a top pairing defenseman who can log a lot of minutes. He's not without a few doubters, but he has the tools to land #1 on this list.
2 Brennan Othmann, forward - drafted 2021 round 1, 20th overall
Othmann is a high tempo winger who throws his weight around despite not being overly big, and should be able to play up and down the lineup in many roles. He's a bit of a pest who can score and provide a spark.
3 Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, forward - drafted 2024 round 1, 15th overall
A strong two-way forward, MBN has a high floor and many different paths to lead him to an NHL gig. He's already excellent defensively, plays a mature game and forechecks like a beast. His shot and skating are both very strong, and his ability inside the offensive zone shows promise.
4 Josh Doan, forward - acquired via trade
Doan looked great in a late-season NHL call-up and should be in the NHL full time sooner than later. He's a high character forward like his old man was for so many years and knows what it takes to be a pro.
5 Zach Bolduc, forward - acquired via trade
Bolduc was one of the youngest players in the AHL last year and held his own after scoring back-to-back 50 goal seasons in the QMJHL to finish out his junior career. In a late-season call-up to the NHL he didn't look out of place at all which should give him confidence going into the this season. He was acquired in a 1-for-1 deal for Noah Cates.
6 Joakim Kemell, forward - acquired via trade
A talented winger who's already played 2 AHL seasons since being drafted two years ago, Kemell now needs to take that next step and get some NHL action in.
7 Noah Ostlund, forward - acquired via trade
Ostlund is a talented playmaking center with plenty of speed and skill as well as a nice two-way game.
8 Sam Rinzel, defenseman - acquired via trade
6'4" dman Sam Rinzel was draft riser when he was taken in the first round by the NHL's Blackhawks. As a freshman for Minnesota he put up 28 points in 39 games.
9 Ben Danford, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 2, 45th overall
Danford is a physical defender who's defensive game was among the best in the entire 2024 draft class, while his passing game gives him enough skill to have top-4 potential.
10 Joel Blomqvist, goaltender - drafted 2020 round 2, 45th overall
Blomqvist had an excellent transition to the AHL and has quietly risen the ranks of goaltending prospects league-wide. Should start to get some NHL games soon.
11 Teddy Stiga, forward - drafted 2024 round 1, 24th overall
Determined US-born winger Teddy Stiga will join Boston College this fall along side 2025 top propect James Hagens. The 5'10" Stiga lacks ideal size but his hockey sense is undeniable.
12 Julius Miettinen, forward - drafted 2024 round 2, 39th overall
The 6'3" Miettinen scored 30 goals in the WHL for Everett as a rookie and will look to build on that this season. While he's not the fastest skater he has the smarts and defensive game that should see him become an NHLer down the road.
13 Oliver Kapanen, forward - acquired via trade
Kapanen is a 6'1" Finnish two-way forward who has a realistic shot at becoming a good third line center for the Kings in the next few years. He will head to the SHL this season and had a good showing at the World Championships with 6 goals in 8 games.
14 William Wallinder, defenseman - acquired via trade
Wallinder is a 6'4" Swedish defenseman with excellent skating and mobility. He's got the tools to be an NHL defenseman but will need more development time. Kept things simple as an AHL rookie and put up 15 points in 65 games.
15 Christian Kyrou, defenseman - drafted 2022 round 2, 57th overall
Kyrou was another rookie AHL defenseman this past season who improved as the year went on. The 5'11" defender had 7 points in 7 playoff games.
16 Sawyer Mynio, defenseman - drafted 2023 round 3, 89th overall
Mynio had a nice D+1 season in the WHL and will go back for one more year before turning pro. Kings are high on him and this he has some underrated potential as a really smart two-way defender.
17 Ondrej Becher, forward - drafted 2024 round 3, 96th overall
Becher is ready to turn pro after being drafted as a 19-year-old out of the WHL. His game away from the puck is arguably as good as his offensive game which will bode well for him. With a good 6'1" frame and a strong passing game, he has the potential to hit the ground running and start contributing soon.
18 Logan Sawyer, forward - drafted 2024 round 6, 171st overall
Sawyer is a long-term prospect with great work ethic and some decent offensive potential. He has one more season of Jr A before heading to Providence.
19 Tristan Broz, forward - drafted 2021 round 2, 52nd overall
Broz is a former second rounder who plays a bit of a power game despite an average 6'0" frame. He turned pro and will play in the AHL this coming season. 40 points in 43 games for the U of Denver last season.
20 Chris Pelosi, forward - drafted 2024 round 5, 145th overall
Pelosi is the older brother of upcoming top prospect Rocco Pelosi, and will be heading to Quinnipiac now after a couple years in the USHL. He's a battler who goes hard to the net and is dangerous in close.
21 Luca Marrelli, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 3, 71st overall
Marrelli is a strong defensive defenseman who put up some good numbers albeit it in third OHL season. As a late bday he has one more year until he turns pro.
22 Luke Osburn, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 5, 132nd
Osburn has some good raw potential as a two-way defenseman with some nice puck skills and smart game in his own zone. He will eventually go to the U of Wisconsin but will likely return to Youngstown of the USHL this year where he could be one of the league's top defensemen.
23 Jacob Julien, forward - drafted 2024 round 5, 135th overall
This 6'4" lanky center is a late bloomer who was passed over the the OHL draft before making his way from Jr B to the London Knights. A smart player who's skating and pace has improved enough that he now has realistic NHL ambitions.
24 Sam Lipkin, forward - drafted 2022 round 7, 217th overall
6'3" center is yet another forward with potential to fill out a depth role with the Kings in the coming years. Played for the US at the WJC and has turned pro now after two very strong seasons with Quinnipiac where he averaged a point-per-game.
25 Tanner Ludtke, forward - acquired via trade
Ludtke was a 2023 third rounder who had a nice freshman season with the U of Nebraska-Omaha. The Kings acquired him as a piece in a trade late last season and believe he can be a nice depth player in the future.
26 Ryan Conmy, forward - drafted 2023 round 7, 217th overall
Conmy is a 5'10" winger who put up big numbers in the USHL but was a 7th rounder mostly due to size. His transition to Hockey East went well with 31 points in 34 games for New Hampshire which has gotten him some recognition as a player with nice potential for a recent 7th rounder.
27 Tory Pitner, defenseman - drafted 2024 round 4, 103rd overall
Pitner is a smart two-way defenseman who was a favorite of the Kings going into the 2024 draft. He's a long-term project but he has some nice raw untapped potential that will be worth following in the coming years.
28 Yevgeni Volokhin, goaltender - drafted 2024 round 4, 122nd overall
Volokhin is a talented 6'3" Russian goaltender who the NHL Habs are quite high on. It will be a few years until we truly know what we have with Volokhin but it's always nice to have goaltending prospects stashed away.
29 Bryce McConnell-Barker, forward - acquired via trade
BMB is a nice two-way center who slipped a bit after more was expected last year. His talent is still there and his smart game could translate nicely to the AHL when he starts his pro career this fall.
30 Ilya Fedotov, forward - drafted 2021 round 2, 49th overall
A smart offensive player drafted in the 2nd round and could likely be higher on this list but has now re-signed for several more years in Russia.
Why stop there? Here are 10 more Kings prospects as honorable mentions:
D Louis Crevier - 6'8" dman already played 24 NHL games by age 22.
G Kirill Gerasimyuk - Agile 6'1" Russian goalie working his way up to the KHL via the VHL at age 20.
C Justin Gill - Dominated as an overaged in the QMJHL. 6'1" center will now turn pro.
W Noah Powell - 6'1" power forward broke out big time in his D+1 in USHL.
W Lucas Van Vliet - Smart defensive forward has some checking line potential.
W Noel Gunler - Hopefully will return to the AHL this season but time is ticking.
D Mattias Norlinder - Had a so-so first year in North America. More was expected but chance he gets back on track in 2025.
D Parker Alcos - Some real untapped potential here. We're counting on a big breakout in 2024-25 with the Oil Kings.
W Simon Knak - Hasn't really progressed overseas and we'd like to see him come over to North America.
C William Nicholl - Breakout potential with the London Knights this coming season. 7th rounder could be a nice value pick.
