Originally Posted by AKAY47
Lombardi's first round drafting hasn't been the great. I've said this before and I'll say it again: Derek Forbort's slow development has really daunted this organization. He's someone I'm sure the Kings would love to have up here instead of Jamie McBain and Brayden McNabb. Sheesh, he's entering bust territory.
Forbort has been playing well at Manchester, and probably deserves his shot. He's in the top 10 in the AHL in plus minus, and sure, he does not put up many points, but he seems to handle AHL play rather easily. Not saying it would translate, but we won't know unless we see it. I don't think he's any where near bust territory, and i think other teams would love to have him. Should he have been 15th overall? Maybe not. But if he were a second or third we'd feel like we got a bargain. Is Forbort better than McBain or McNabb? I would say at this point that defensively he will be. Offensively, he could still be somewhat of a sleeper, but doubtful. He does break up plays very well with his skating and long reach, and is only physical when he needs to be. He seems to concentrate on his positioning, and doesn't go for hits that might take him out of position. He makes good first passes, and because of his skating, doesn't get caught eating the puck. He certainly tries to avoid eating the puck, unlike McNabb who seems to go into eat mode almost every time he touches it. I don't think the development has as much to do with college as much as it has to do with a young 6'5" 18 year old kid growing into his body, and getting much stronger. It took some time. I agree there is no rush in his progression, but I do think the Kings should start playing him in some games. Especially next year while in Ontario. He still won't have to clear waivers next year also, so even next year he can play in both places to get his minutes in. Also, Miller won't have to clear waivers also, and the Kings need to be thinking about him this way too. He does a lot of things well, and can really shoot. Winning the AHL shot comp doesn't really mean anything. You get a running start at the puck. However, Miller skates so well, and his ability to change angles, get shots through, and still get off very hard shots is impressive. For both these kids, it'll be hard not seeing them in a Kings uniform soon with how the rest of the D have looked.
