Prospect Info: Los Angeles Kings Top Prospect Rankings - #6

[dman3474]

Mikey Anderson

Add Phillips?

 

[Mats26]

Jokiharju isn't any better a prospect than Bjornfot, arguably Anderson...

I just used an example of how we can trade a forward prospect for a D prospect. There are trades to be made to get those prospects that are lacking in the organization.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I just used an example of how we can trade a forward prospect for a D prospect. There are trades to be made to get those prospects that are lacking in the organization.

Right, but they aren't lacking, that's my point. Not at the 2nd-3rd pairing level anyway, and we have at least 4-5 with a first pairing ceiling, as well.

The D prospects we need are bluechippers OR guys that can emerge from this pack. Getting more lottery tickets is good I guess, but ultimately I don't see it as a significant issue that our best d prospect may be our 5-6th best overall prospect, that's not an indictment of their abilities. The kind of players we'd need to move to get better d prospects are guys we've already voted at the top of our prospects order, and even then, it's unlikely...

 

[Basilisk]

That Sodergran isn't on this list yet is criminal.

 

[LB]

Seriously, when Carl Grundstrom can't garner top votes here, and could probably play 3rd line on ALL 31 NHL TEAMS NOW. ...

Still going with Anderson..but JAD and Grundstrom right there. People are not calling JAD a goal scorer and that is part of his game. 39 goals in his draft year (and Cozens and Dach couldn't score 30 in their draft year in the same WHL) and he followed with 40 the follwing year and then 20 in 32 games this year. I think JAD surprises to the upside in offensive performance and makes the team this season.
May be 4th line. I hope Lewis is moved to make room for a Lizotte or JAD. Time for the new.

I voted for JAD, but I think Grundstrom is right up there with him. I think we all have a bit of a bias toward JAD because he's been a Kings Prospect for over 2 years and Grundstrom just came in a trade this year. However they both have solid goal scoring abilities and plenty of grit/compete to their game. Would make for great linemates on an impressive 3rd line down the road.

 

[Mats26]

Right, but they aren't lacking, that's my point. Not at the 2nd-3rd pairing level anyway, and we have at least 4-5 with a first pairing ceiling, as well.

The D prospects we need are bluechippers OR guys that can emerge from this pack. Getting more lottery tickets is good I guess, but ultimately I don't see it as a significant issue that our best d prospect may be our 5-6th best overall prospect, that's not an indictment of their abilities. The kind of players we'd need to move to get better d prospects are guys we've already voted at the top of our prospects order, and even then, it's unlikely...

I disagree. Kings had Byram #1 at 5 on their draft list for a reason. They wanted \need a top pairing D man.
I think if you look at the pool we may have 1 potential #2. Mikey Anderson.
Clague I am not high on and Bearfoot is ideally a potential 2nd pair LD (replacing Martinez)
I don't want another Forbort situation where we move a player in that top spot to play with Doughty and can't add anything to that pairing.
We need players that can support their own pairings. I prefer a prospect vs prospect trade at this point then waiting for a draft pick to turn into NHL defencemen.

 

[Rorschach]

I like to start my defensemen and goaltenders earlier in the pipeline than the forwards. They take longer to develop. I think we have the goalies in Campbell and Petersen.

That being said, we may just round out our back end with vet UFA cap casualty signings in a year or two. Maybe Fobort turns from frog to prince just like Muzzin did. Maybe our slow roll with Clague pays off too.

Or we sign UFA Muzzin, wouldn’t that be a hoot.

I like that we have a lot of nice center prospects. Last time we had to get super lucky to acquire both Richards and Carter. If anything I’d like to see us get ANOTHER blue chip center prospect in the draft. Worse comes to worse we can trade a center for a defenseman a la Johansen for Jones.

 

[Mats26]

I like to start my defensemen and goaltenders earlier in the pipeline than the forwards. They take longer to develop. I think we have the goalies in Campbell and Petersen.

That being said, we may just round out our back end with vet UFA cap casualty signings in a year or two. Maybe Fobort turns from frog to prince just like Muzzin did. Maybe our slow roll with Clague pays off too.

Or we sign UFA Muzzin, wouldn’t that be a hoot.

I like that we have a lot of nice center prospects. Last time we had to get super lucky to acquire both Richards and Carter. If anything I’d like to see us get ANOTHER blue chip center prospect in the draft. Worse comes to worse we can trade a center for a defenseman a la Johansen for Jones.

Unfortunately both Forbort and Campbell are UFAs at the end of the year and will need to be traded this year.
Forbort will ask for 3 million + and that is way to much for a 5-6 D man.
Campbell can be signed, but we need to trade Quick then. Also we might lose him for nothing at the expansion draft, we have to protect 1 goalie, Peterson.

I like your ideal of a trade though. I think this year we may add some NHL level players to the roster with all the UFAs we need to trade.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

I disagree. Kings had Byram #1 at 5 on their draft list for a reason. They wanted \need a top pairing D man.
I think if you look at the pool we may have 1 potential #2. Mikey Anderson.
Clague I am not high on and Bearfoot is ideally a potential 2nd pair LD (replacing Martinez)
I don't want another Forbort situation where we move a player in that top spot to play with Doughty and can't add anything to that pairing.
We need players that can support their own pairings. I prefer a prospect vs prospect trade at this point then waiting for a draft pick to turn into NHL defencemen.

I agree with that 100%.

I simply disagree that Alex Nylander for Jokiharju is the kind of trade that would help.

The caliber of D you're looking for is rarely available. It is the big hole in our system, I agree, a true high-draft-pedigree, blue chip d-man that is. We missed the window on someone like Conor Timmins with Barrie's departure, and most of the other bluechippers are needed by their teams to the extent the wouldn't trade them for anything.

 

[SFKingshomer]

I've read that Byram was #2 on the Kings list and Turcotte was #1. It's all speculation anyway...

 

[Mats26]

I agree with that 100%.

I simply disagree that Alex Nylander for Jokiharju is the kind of trade that would help.

The caliber of D you're looking for is rarely available. It is the big hole in our system, I agree, a true high-draft-pedigree, blue chip d-man that is. We missed the window on someone like Conor Timmins with Barrie's departure, and most of the other bluechippers are needed by their teams to the extent the wouldn't trade them for anything.

Some teams just have a surplus of D prospects it's up to Blake to find a trade that fits. If I would of said a week ago Joker will be traded for a borderline bust, after not even drafting Byram, I think half the board would of blocked me. But it happened. In the mean time let's hope our prospects pan out. Not easy for a 21 year old to play 20 effective minutes a night next to Drew, unless he is special. All I am saying is that is doesn't look like we have that sure fire D prospect to do that right now but let's give the kids a shot.

 

[Mats26]

I've read that Byram was #2 on the Kings list and Turcotte was #1. It's all speculation anyway...

Watch the draft video, the look on their faces when Byram was off the board, they wanted him.

 

[Basilisk]

Some teams just have a surplus of D prospects it's up to Blake to find a trade that fits. If I would of said a week ago Joker will be traded for a borderline bust, after not even drafting Byram, I think half the board would of blocked me. But it happened. In the mean time let's hope our prospects pan out. Not easy for a 21 year old to play 20 effective minutes a night next to Drew, unless he is special. All I am saying is that is doesn't look like we have that sure fire D prospect to do that right now but let's give the kids a shot.

Who's Joker?

 

[Mats26]

Who's Joker?

Jokiharju (Hawks D prospect that got traded)

 

[Lt Dan]

Anderson-Dolan the more last names the better . We need to target Antonio López de Santa Anna Pérez de Lebrón in the next draft

 

[King'sPawn]

That Sodergran isn't on this list yet is criminal.

I mean, most people aren't nominating him. There hasn't been more than 2 nominations in any of the threads.

I could make assumptions, but that can lead to other issues, which is why I specifically ask for nominations. Plus it gets more posts/activities/discussion

 

[King'sPawn]

voted Prohorkin and will continue to vote there until he makes it. Played in a better league then everyone and put up a point per game. Not sure if he qualifies but add DANIEL BRICKLEY if he does please

Hey KingCanadain1976, just so you know, Brickley IS eligible. If someone else gets added in the next poll, it would be due to nominations, so I encourage you and others to keep nominating until you get the prospect(s) you want added

 

[KingCanadain1976]

Hey KingCanadain1976, just so you know, Brickley IS eligible. If someone else gets added in the next poll, it would be due to nominations, so I encourage you and others to keep nominating until you get the prospect(s) you want added

Oh no worry I have been lol and thanks for adding them Consider Brickley nominated then

 

[Choralone]

I'm just going to keep voting Bjornfot in these lists until enough people agree.

 

[Ghetty Green]

I'm just going to keep voting Bjornfot in these lists until enough people agree.

Im with you bro. I find it funny how posters keeping talking about how we need a young stud defenseman yet completley underestimate bjornfot. I consider him to be a sure fire top pairing dman and i think he will be to dd what norstrom was to blake.

Ill take it a step further and predict that he will be on the opening night roster

 

[Peter James Bond II]

It's not like there's this hard line where a defenseman is offensive or defensive. And when people talk about elite defensemen, it's mainly about offense and carrying your team...playing in all situations.
And there's several offensive defensemen, that are subpar on the defensive side...can be a great PP guy and also not one you'd ever put out on the PK.

There's also this seemingly 'defensive defensemen' are all pretty much the same - good on the PK, effective getting out of the zone...good at blocking shots, solid checking game.
But there's also varying levels of skating. Norstrom was such a good skater, even though he didn't have an offensive game at all. He was a leader and great character.
Then there's ones like Voynov (not so much his last year here) in which he was equally good on offense or defense. He was great, one on one and hard to beat in battles.
Pretty tenacious. And he could also be great on the PP.

Speaking of Bjornfot, it's not right to pigeonhole him as a defensive defenseman. He's a gifted skater and is quick to make the right plays....from reading everything and watching
footage, it seems he has never really worked on his offensive game. With his hockey IQ, skating, and poise, he can now work on that. There are articles that said he got better
on the offensive side of things later in the year. Offense is more of a talent / skills / vision element, besides being a great skater. I think Bjornfot possibly ends up closer
to Voynov (with better character and work ethic! I though Voynov was lackluster his last year-plus here) in terms of play.

When Ruutu says that Bjornfot 'is not flashy' it's like, ok, so he's a rock on defense, makes vurtually no mistakes and is a leader...and a close to elite skater. This is great.
But 11 goals and 11 assists in 39 Swedish Jr League are pretty much good offensive numbers.

Kings are even calling him having a "2 way game' in this new article. I love the pick. If the Kings took Kaliyev at 22....I do not think they get a player as good as Bjornfot is and will be, at the 33rd slot.
The Kings got both Bjornfot and Kaliyev.

Bjornfot impressing Kings with two-way game

.

 

[lumbergh]

Fortunately both Forbort and Campbell are UFAs at the end of the year and will need to be traded this year.
Forbort will ask for 3 million + and that is way to much for a 5-6 D man.
Campbell can be signed, but we need to trade Quick then. Also we might lose him for nothing at the expansion draft, we have to protect 1 goalie, Peterson.

FTFY.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

It's not like there's this hard line where a defenseman is offensive or defensive. And when people talk about elite defensemen, it's mainly about offense and carrying your team...playing in all situations.
And there's several offensive defensemen, that are subpar on the defensive side...can be a great PP guy and also not one you'd ever put out on the PK.

There's also this seemingly 'defensive defensemen' are all pretty much the same - good on the PK, effective getting out of the zone...good at blocking shots, solid checking game.
But there's also varying levels of skating. Norstrom was such a good skater, even though he didn't have an offensive game at all. He was a leader and great character.
Then there's ones like Voynov (not so much his last year here) in which he was equally good on offense or defense. He was great, one on one and hard to beat in battles.
Pretty tenacious. And he could also be great on the PP.

Speaking of Bjornfot, it's not right to pigeonhole him as a defensive defenseman. He's a gifted skater and is quick to make the right plays....from reading everything and watching
footage, it seems he has never really worked on his offensive game. With his hockey IQ, skating, and poise, he can now work on that. There are articles that said he got better
on the offensive side of things later in the year. Offense is more of a talent / skills / vision element, besides being a great skater. I think Bjornfot possibly ends up closer
to Voynov (with better character and work ethic! I though Voynov was lackluster his last year-plus here) in terms of play.

When Ruutu says that Bjornfot 'is not flashy' it's like, ok, so he's a rock on defense, makes vurtually no mistakes and is a leader...and a close to elite skater. This is great.
But 11 goals and 11 assists in 39 Swedish Jr League are pretty much good offensive numbers.

Kings are even calling him having a "2 way game' in this new article. I love the pick. If the Kings took Kaliyev at 22....I do not think they get a player as good as Bjornfot is and will be, at the 33rd slot.
The Kings got both Bjornfot and Kaliyev.

Bjornfot impressing Kings with two-way game

.

Everything compares pretty favorably to Hampus Lindholm. I agree it's not fair to pigeonhole such guys as straight up defensive d-men.

 

[Mats26]

It's not like there's this hard line where a defenseman is offensive or defensive. And when people talk about elite defensemen, it's mainly about offense and carrying your team...playing in all situations.
And there's several offensive defensemen, that are subpar on the defensive side...can be a great PP guy and also not one you'd ever put out on the PK.

There's also this seemingly 'defensive defensemen' are all pretty much the same - good on the PK, effective getting out of the zone...good at blocking shots, solid checking game.
But there's also varying levels of skating. Norstrom was such a good skater, even though he didn't have an offensive game at all. He was a leader and great character.
Then there's ones like Voynov (not so much his last year here) in which he was equally good on offense or defense. He was great, one on one and hard to beat in battles.
Pretty tenacious. And he could also be great on the PP.

Speaking of Bjornfot, it's not right to pigeonhole him as a defensive defenseman. He's a gifted skater and is quick to make the right plays....from reading everything and watching
footage, it seems he has never really worked on his offensive game. With his hockey IQ, skating, and poise, he can now work on that. There are articles that said he got better
on the offensive side of things later in the year. Offense is more of a talent / skills / vision element, besides being a great skater. I think Bjornfot possibly ends up closer
to Voynov (with better character and work ethic! I though Voynov was lackluster his last year-plus here) in terms of play.

When Ruutu says that Bjornfot 'is not flashy' it's like, ok, so he's a rock on defense, makes vurtually no mistakes and is a leader...and a close to elite skater. This is great.
But 11 goals and 11 assists in 39 Swedish Jr League are pretty much good offensive numbers.

Kings are even calling him having a "2 way game' in this new article. I love the pick. If the Kings took Kaliyev at 22....I do not think they get a player as good as Bjornfot is and will be, at the 33rd slot.
The Kings got both Bjornfot and Kaliyev.

Bjornfot impressing Kings with two-way game

.

Good post.

First off, I like the Bjornfot pick. Having a steady D-man that can play in the new NHL with his skating and character set was a good consolidation prize for not getting Byram. But if we are honest here, right now he looks like a Martinez replacement. Like Ruutu said, he is boring to watch play. He just turned 18, 3 months ago, so there is lots of development still to go. If his offense turns around I think he can possibly replace some if not all of Muzzin’s production. He’ll never replace Muzzin’s physical play. I would hope we get a 5 or 6 D-man that can play a physical game in the near future.

I disagree with you a bit here. One thing he will never be is a Voynov replacement.
Voynov played 3+ years in the AHL, getting seasoned. He was brought up the right way. When he broke in the league he made an immediate impact. He was the only d-man we drafted and developed that actually pushed Doughty in the ass to nudge him off his throne a bit. After his rookie year he was on par point wise to Doughty for the next 2 years playing second fiddle to him. We are talking Doughy in his early 20s here. Voynov played big minutes in the playoffs, poised and under control with some big fore-checking teams we had to go through back then. It’s sad we didn’t see him fully develop because a D-core of Doughty, Muzzin, Voynov and Martinez would of kept our hopes for contention if we just properly fixed the lack of offensive leaders that left the team back then. He decided to end his NHL career with an idiotic act, and the rest is history.

Enough of the past let’s look ahead.
Next year’s draft class is very limited in quality D prospects, although Drysdale\Barron both RD would be very nice additions. Let’s all hope our current D prospects reach their full potential.
As far as Bjornfot goes. He went first round so my expectations of him is nothing less than a top 4 D–man. If he ends up playing 15-20 effective minutes a night NOT next to Doughty, I will be ecstatic.

 

[Basilisk]

I mean, most people aren't nominating him. There hasn't been more than 2 nominations in any of the threads.

I could make assumptions, but that can lead to other issues, which is why I specifically ask for nominations. Plus it gets more posts/activities/discussion

Though I understand your reasoning, was it really necessary to begin your sentence with "I mean, ..." ? LoL, I realize that societal trends in the last 4-6 years entail that many MANY peeps are currently beginning their spoken sentences with either "I mean, ..." or "So, ...", but that's just when people speak. What you did was actually take the time and type out the phrase "I mean, ... ". I'm sorry, but I have to laugh at you for this gruesome infraction of societal and social & cultural influence & bias.


*...Throws things at King'sPawn for typing out "I mean"...*