How Would You Grade the Kings' 2020 Draft?

[Raccoon Jesus]

What grade would you give the organization for this past draft?

Just curious for thoughts now that we've had 24 hours to let it sink in.

Feel free to add your own "+" and "-" to letter grades for more context.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

I give it a B, I think they got the players they wanted for the most part

 

[LAKings88]

I think they did good.

Byfield is a legit blue chip.

Grans has potential to be that Voynov type grab in the second round.

Faber I know little about but they traded up to grab him.

Lias Anderson is the true wild card.

Drafted some offensively gifted forwards in the later rounds.

No real complaints.

 

[KingsCourt]

was a little down after could not get another late 1st rounder ..but happy with the haul, after reading up on a few of these guys.

 

[GoldenBearHockey]

was a little down after could not get another late 1st rounder ..but happy with the haul, after reading up on a few of these guys.

That's why I gave it a B, I thought they could have moved up more, but I don't know what that cost would have been etc, like I said, I think they got the players they wanted so...

 

[KingsCourt]

That's why I gave it a B, I thought they could have moved up more, but I don't know what that cost would have been etc, like I said, I think they got the players they wanted so...

Apparently, needed to give up all 3 2nds to get into the first...not worth it.

 

[No Name The Nameless]

I think Anderson is what can turn this draft from a C+ into an A. I love the idea of trading a 2/3 turn pick for a skilled 21 year old scenery change. As of today I grade it at a solid B.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I'm on a solid B+. I like a lot of what they did, definitely got some solid guys, and they seem to have gotten 'their' guys. But would have liked to have seen more movement with so many picks, and this is a 'me' problem rather than a Kings problem, but I would have like to see some more swings for the fences given how many guys we have in the system, we can afford to take some risks. But I'm sure after I hear some more commentary from those within the organization they probably will see some of those guys a lot higher than I do which would change my view a bit (i.e. I'm dumb and limited in my viewing vs. Yanetti )

Byfield--I don't need to say anymore here. I'm as happy as can be.
Grans--Really like this pick, he fits what I said above. Definitely has some warts, but the Swedish contingent is insanely high on this guy, and you can see some serious tools there. Will need to marinate and that's fine.
Faber--Trading up for this guy tells me the organization really likes him but I'm still not sold. I know rankings had him all over the map and some that I really like had him higher so it's probably just me being stubborn or missing something entirely. Just feels like too 'safe' a pick. I mean if he projects as 2nd pairing great, and I feel better, but he doesn't seem to.
Andersson trade--love it. Low risk, medium/high reward, I think some people had suggested Poolparty as a reclamation project and I see this as the extremely diet version with a lot of in-house stuff going for him.
Simontaival--I like it a lot, big boom/bust there.
Laferriere--Like this one a lot too, especially where we got him. Great trajectory.
Markkanen--Great value, I liked other goalies better, especially Commesso and Clang and Bednar, but I appreciate where we got him and seems like there's some good talent for the goalie whisperer there.
Chromiak--another swing for the fences like Simontaival, like it, especially at value.
Meehan--got their guy, no complaints here. Seems like a good pick at face value especially this deep.
Jamsen--I honestly don't know shit so I'll just nod and smile for now but this pick is usually where our organization does much much better than the field so.

Overall I guess I just don't particularly care for the Faber pick, especially trading for it--I'd love to be wrong and I'm looking forward to hearing much much more about him and why they coveted him so much. You guys know me, I'm okay with 'boring' defensemen, I stuck up for Forbort way too long, so it's not just that. Edit: to add--and it's not so much Faber himself as the opportunity cost of the other pick as well vs. what was available around him. It almost felt like a "we missed on O'Rourke" reaction move. With all the assets we have, I thought there would be more aggressive movement for the 1st/2nd rounds, feels like we sat on our hands a lot and the one real move we made was for Faber. But again, that's still really critical looking, I'm still good on B+, maybe even A-. I just think we, along with NYR and Ottawa, were uniquely positioned with our wealth of assets and didn't tap them much. Maybe there's more to come.

And I totally forgot to add the Andersson trade above which I love. Fixed.

 

[Statto]

I'm on a solid B+. I like a lot of what they did, definitely got some solid guys, and they seem to have gotten 'their' guys. But would have liked to have seen more movement with so many picks, and this is a 'me' problem rather than a Kings problem, but I would have like to see some more swings for the fences given how many guys we have in the system, we can afford to take some risks. But I'm sure after I hear some more commentary from those within the organization they probably will see some of those guys a lot higher than I do which would change my view a bit (i.e. I'm dumb and limited in my viewing vs. Yanetti )

Byfield--I don't need to say anymore here. I'm as happy as can be.
Grans--Really like this pick, he fits what I said above. Definitely has some warts, but the Swedish contingent is insanely high on this guy, and you can see some serious tools there. Will need to marinate and that's fine.
Faber--Trading up for this guy tells me the organization really likes him but I'm still not sold. I know rankings had him all over the map and some that I really like had him higher so it's probably just me being stubborn or missing something entirely. Just feels like too 'safe' a pick. I mean if he projects as 2nd pairing great, and I feel better, but he doesn't seem to.
Simontaival--I like it a lot, big boom/bust there.
Laferriere--Like this one a lot too, especially where we got him. Great trajectory.
Markkanen--Great value, I liked other goalies better, especially Commesso and Clang and Bednar, but I appreciate where we got him and seems like there's some good talent for the goalie whisperer there.
Chromiak--another swing for the fences like Simontaival, like it, especially at value.
Meehan--got their guy, no complaints here. Seems like a good pick at face value especially this deep.
Jamsen--I honestly don't know shit so I'll just nod and smile for now but this pick is usually where our organization does much much better than the field so.

Overall I guess I just don't particularly care for the Faber pick, especially trading for it--I'd love to be wrong and I'm looking forward to hearing much much more about him and why they coveted him so much. You guys know me, I'm okay with 'boring' defensemen, I stuck up for Forbort way too long, so it's not just that.

I pretty much agree with most of this apart from liking the Fabre pick a bit more than you do. He has decent upside as a second pairing guy and for me it’s good value.

I’m terms of trading up based on all the conversations I’ve seen with Yanetti he will have looked at the cost versus which tiers these guys sit in. Especially If he has the late 1st rounders in the same tier as Grans/Faber as he will then never move up. It’s just not how he works. Based on what I’ve read most of those late 1st rounders and early second rounders were pretty closely tiered.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I think Anderson is what can turn this draft from a C+ into an A. I love the idea of trading a 2/3 turn pick for a skilled 21 year old scenery change. As of today I grade it at a solid B.

I think his game fits everything else too. he's not a great skater, but half of his highlights are stuff within 5 feet of the net. Getting guys that go there is nice. Might even fit with Kopitar.

 

[funky]

I like the Faber pick. The guy is going to be a steady solid Dman for years to come. Is that rare right shot and can move the puck with ease. He will be ready right around the time Walker hits UFA or the year prior if everything works out well.

the kid is young and could still grow a bit. We would have had basically inside info on the kid with our new AHL coach.

I truely believe Kleven was the target and when he went LA traded up to grab his partner Faber.

After grabbing a project in Grans they follow up with a great safe pick.


I personally like the draft.


we ended up with 2 Centers that will be close to ready if not this year the next

really upgraded our hole at right Defence with some great picks. They all offer a bit different skill set.

We grabbed some ultra talented wingers that all can put pucks in the net but all have flaws they will have to overcome. What else do you expect when you are picking after the mid first round though. I like the fact we went after skill.

We also grabbed a goalie that can simmer overseas for years

Plus Yannetti said we did very well so I trust his judgement

 

[Frolov 6'3]

Byfield or Stützle, you cant go wrong with either so forget them.

Helge Grans and Lias Andersson I am very okay with. Aatum Jamsen is my dark horse.

All the rest were players I had not read much about or didnt have my interest.

Trading up to get Brock Faber was really annoying.

I am not an expert, they should be, but obviously I am going to whine when Brock Faber turns out be nothing in contrast to Jan Mysak. Human nature.

I was thrilled with our drafts in 2018 & 2019 and so far it looks like that feeling was the right one.

 

[KINGS17]

Right now, I give the Kings a solid B. It's too soon to know. If Byfield turns out to be a dominant 1C for a decade, that in and of itself makes it an A for me, because they have plenty of assets to go out and get other pieces to surround him when the time comes.

The Kings need to keep stockpiling assets at this time. We will likely see one more draft where the Kings have a top 10 pick.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I like the Faber pick. The guy is going to be a steady solid Dman for years to come. Is that rare right shot and can move the puck with ease. He will be ready right around the time Walker hits UFA or the year prior if everything works out well.

the kid is young and could still grow a bit. We would have had basically inside info on the kid with our new AHL coach.

I truely believe Kleven was the target and when he went LA traded up to grab his partner Faber.

After grabbing a project in Grans they follow up with a great safe pick.


I personally like the draft.

That would make it more--not less--annoying for me. Because that would be the double whammy--reactionary trade AND drafting for 'need'. We haven't seen that out of these guys before so I'm not sure how to assess it.

 

[The Gabe Blade]

 

[Schrute farms]

I can't imagine Kleven being the target and when gone they instead moved up for Faber -- totally different players and defensive positions. That just doesn't fit at all into Yannetti's post-draft comments and how he views the drafting process. I think they just really liked him a lot, puck moving RHD, decent size, 2-way D, going to college so can simmer there for 2-3 years, etc. He seemed like a really smart and composed kid too in his interview -- came off very impressive to me.

 

[bland]

Faber is easily my favorite pick in the draft. Byfield is obvious, but Faber is such a Lombardi era Kings pick: focused, determined, aggressive, excells in the transition game, just a gamer.

Grans is a very good bet, and I am excited to watch him develop.

The rest of the draft is questionable for me. Admittedly I do not know much about the selections aside from Simontaival and Chromiak, but those two are definitely risky choices. A tad too risky for my preferences. Simontaival is so damn tiny and easy to separate from the puck, but his top end speed and playmaking from the deep wing is really impressive. He gets brushed aside like a gnat in set defensive coverages, but he doesn't shy away from his responsibilities in transition. Just not sure he has the grit to make it at that size. Good thing is he has 3 years, at least, to develop in Finland.

Chromiak (forgive any misspelling!) is a sore spot for me. My first knowledge of his game came from a decidedly negative Scouching Report, and I fully admit that it influenced my opinion since, but this kid just appears to have absolutely no interest in determined defensive efforts. His one touch plays and reads suggest he might be the kind of guy who plays better at the NHL level than the minors, but he will have to work much much harder to get that chance even in the AHL.

 

[Fat Elvis]

B+
I think LA not being in a position where any of these players need to play soon (possibly QB). All of them can develop and marinate properly. I'm really curious to see what becomes of the players drafted this draft and last years. Definitely some interesting looking prospects. Not all will pan out. Some could bust. But some could shine. It'll be fun to watch it play out.

I think their new HC in Ontario had input on the Faber selection.

 

[bland]

That would make it more--not less--annoying for me. Because that would be the double whammy--reactionary trade AND drafting for 'need'. We haven't seen that out of these guys before so I'm not sure how to assess it.

Drafting for "need" happens with every team, every year. There is absolutely no such thing as "best player available" outside of the top few picks. Its really a combination of best fit/potential available.

The Kings took more swings - especially slower boil swings - with this draft than any in recent memory. As i said in a couple of other threads, these choices indicate that next years picks are now open for business. Some of these picks look to have a longer developmental curve than other similar picks around their draft position. Contracts won't have to be offered for a couple of years in most cases. The tiers are clear not just in terms of positions, but also in expected development time. Its such an amazing collection of potential.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Drafting for "need" happens with every team, every year. There is absolutely no such thing as "best player available" outside of the top few picks. Its really a combination of best fit/potential available.

The Kings took more swings - especially slower boil swings - with this draft than any in recent memory. As i said in a couple of other threads, these choices indicate that next years picks are now open for business. Some of these picks look to have a longer developmental curve than other similar picks around their draft position. Contracts won't have to be offered for a couple of years in most cases. The tiers are clear not just in terms of positions, but also in expected development time. Its such an amazing collection of potential.

Yeah, I get that. Especially in rounds outside the 1st where everything is much more in flux. Agree. I just feel like there was a lot left on the table is all. But that's really the only 'fault' I can identify frankly, it's not a big criticism.

And I probably need to do more to take a step back and look at this draft in context. Re: what you say about collection of potential for example, and how much flexibility we have to do more beyond this (ie trades for other youth, lateral moves like forwards for d prospects, etc).

When Yanetti is this stoked on things it's hard for me to be so contrarian.

 

[kingsfan28]

That's why I gave it a B, I thought they could have moved up more, but I don't know what that cost would have been etc, like I said, I think they got the players they wanted so...

I guess they tried really hard, like 7 times to make deals and nobody would do it. My guess is they weren't going to give up that high 2nd , which I'm sure most teams asked for.

Overall , I'd say an A. They got all they guys they wanted, and caught a few steals in the last two rounds. Our prospect pool is pretty deep now. What a difference 3 years makes.

 

[Peter James Bond III]

Will take a stab at this - all from memory, so I will probably forget a few - so many prospects. Not sure if Gabe should be on it...he's graduated, but only 10 NHL games.
Hard to rank atm. Once season gets underway, will be easier to rank them. I will get called out for having Bjornfot at #4....but think he's the next Voynov,
with more intensity and with the impeccable character / leadership element. How do you rank a guy like Simontaival now? Really can't. I just wanted to
make a list and see it.

Byfield
Vilardi
Turcotte
Bjornfot
Kaliyev
Fagemo
Kupari
Grans
Lias Andersson
Madden
Thomas
Mikey Anderson
Grundstrom
Anderson-Dolan
Clague
Spence
Nousiainen
Hults
Faber
Simontaival
Ingham
Durzi
Dudas
Moverare
Strand
Laferriere
Chromiak
Villalta
Markannen

 

[funky]

In his Kings of the Podcast interview Yank said they basically tier there draft prospects into groups. Basically if they have 4 prospects they grade the same and it is their selection they basically have subsets whether it be size skill skating etc that will use to make the actual pick or they may try and move back a bit knowing One of these players will still be there.

They may have had Kleven, Faber , Colangelo and Evangelista in one of those groupings as a tier above the rest and maybe after the other 3 went of the board they traded up to get there guy.

Just my speculation as to what may have happened for them to get that aggressive. Either way we can’t pick all 11 picks and they moved a low percentage pick to get a guy they obviously liked

 

[Token]

I was riding the B+ train until they pulled out the Chromiak pick that deep in the draft.

Pushed me right into the A with that one.

Now I got to track the Frontenacs when they kick off in mid-November.

Kid has the tools to be the next Pasta once he bulks up and gets used to more contact. Could be the sleeper pick of the draft.

 

[BringTheReign]

I know that this doesn't mean much for some here, but both Wheeler and Pronman at The Athletic listed the Kings among the best results for the draft as well. Wheeler loved most of our picks, while Pronman was more focused on Byfield, Grans, and Faber.