Prospect Info: 2024 Entry Draft Thread - Let's Talk About Picks, Bay-bee

[SaltyElkHunter]

What kind of dog do you have

Actually I bet anyone that doesn't have a dog autofails the interview

I have 4 dogs 2 French bulldogs and 2 Labs. Does that mean I get Lucs job?

 

[bland]

The organization is going to have to address the glaring lack of LHDs with upside at some point.

 

[TheBannermen]

The organization is going to have to address the glaring lack of LHDs with upside at some point.

This is where I think they should target Cole Hutson somehow. His draft projection is all over the place, but seems to be climbing by the day.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

The organization is going to have to address the glaring lack of LHDs with upside at some point.

THey'll draft 10 and trade 9.

 

[Schmooley]

The organization is going to have to address the glaring lack of LHDs with upside at some point.

And after they trade Spence this offseason they will have 0 RHDs in the system close to ready besides Clarke.

 

[King'sPawn]

Sorry to article bomb or seem like there are shameless plugs. But these are the ones I've written so far.

Obviously some of these are outdated, as they were written during different times of the season. Like Lindstrom was during their skid (though eventually published after McLellan's firing). And Buium and Iginla were before going up the rankings:

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Norway

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Terik Parascak, Canada

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Cayden Lindstrom, Canada

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Defenseman Adam Jiricek, Czechia

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Tij Iginla, Canada

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Defenseman Zeev Buium, USA

mayorsmanor.com

EJ Emery and Stian Solberg should both be up soon. At least one of them should hopefully be up by Thursday.

 

[Peter James Bond II]

This is where I think they should target Cole Hutson somehow. His draft projection is all over the place, but seems to be climbing by the day.

From reading Pronman, Wheeler, the Hockeywriters, etc....I also think Cole Hutson would be great. I just wish the Kings had a second and third roud pick! Maybe they can deal Roy's rights for one?
Hutson could slide rd 2, but the Kings will probably have a shot at one of the 2 dynamic LHD. Kiviharju or Hutson. The Kings really need more offense from the backend...especially LHD. Maybe LHD Solberg is good as offensive d? Have not seen footage yet...You see them putting RHD Spence with DD at end of games? . Like desperation to get more from the backend, to help a pretty enemic offense. Just think if they had a dynamic LHD / RHD duo. Didn;t Anaheim win their cup with Pronger / Neidermayer?

What can propel the offense, without any sure fire 40 goal scorers? What can make a 14 goal scoring forward, a 20 goal scorer? - 2 surefire offensive defensemen that bring the puck up and become a 4th person in the zone, sees the ice and hits them with passes for high quality scoring attempts. Perhaps Clarke playing 18 mins and continually creating offense. How abou/t making that 2X? IF a Kiviharju or Hutson are that LHD catalyst in 2 yrs...and they actually are like Dallas Stars draftees, that make their hoped projection (ie Johnston, Stankhoven, Harley and really even Robertson was a pipedream to call him a future 30+ goal scorer) and truly become a dynamic offensive dynamo, you then have both Hutson / Kiviharju and Clarke, injecting offense into a forward group that can truly benfit from a couple unicorns on the backend...I mean, if the Kings have Hutson and Kivi around tier whatever...18-30...why not take one? Need a homerun. Kivi was once a potential #1 OA a few yrs ago for this draft..but had some injuries and Hutson broke USA dev records for a defenseman,...is a little bigger and more physcial than his brother Lane....I mean, there could be any of Hage, Boisvert, Kivi, Parascak, Beaudoin, Chernyshov, Greentree, Connelly, Hutson, Luchanko, Solberg....the Kings WILL get a great prospect...at least better than Kupari, Bjornfot, that were in the 19-23 area from their drafts.

Even if Hutson has any warts...love his work ethic and upside. Most around 21 will have a wart or an issue to work on. Kivi? It seems not much pay this year, to see where he's at. What weapon can the Kings possibly get, that could be better than their comp? 2 dynamic offensive defensemen would be one....they do not have any 40 goal scorers on the way and drafting 21 and probably won't be a lottery team next yr either. What would the Avs be witout Makar or the Nucks without Hughes? I want a defenseman like that. Full knowing Hutson or Kivi are not going to be that level...but feel worth a shot, if Yannetti's guy is clealry not better at 21. Miss a player like Visnovsky...not elite, but damn good, near elite at what he did...maybe Kivi or Hutson could attain that level.

 

[KopitarGOAT420]

History of the 21st Overall Pick:

2000 – Anton Volchenkov (D, Ottawa Senators)
2001 – Colby Armstrong (RW, Pittsburgh Penguins)
2002 – Anton Babchuk (D, Chicago Blackhawks)
2003 – Mark Stuart (D, Boston Bruins)
2004 – Wojtek Wolski (LW, Colorado Avalanche)
2005 – Tuukka Rask (G, Toronto Maple Leafs)
2006 – Bobby Sanguinetti (D, New York Rangers)
2007 – Riley Nash (C, Edmonton Oilers)
2008 – Anton Gustafsson (C, Washington Capitals)
2009 – John Moore (D, Columbus Blue Jackets)
2010 – Riley Sheahan (C, Detroit Red Wings)
2011 – Stefan Noesen (RW, Ottawa Senators)
2012 – Mark Jankowski (C, Calgary Flames)
2013 – Frédérik Gauthier (C, Toronto Maple Leafs)
2014 – Robby Fabbri (C, St. Louis Blues)
2015 – Colin White (C, Ottawa Senators)
2016 – Julien Gauthier (RW, Carolina Hurricanes)
2017 – Filip Chytil (C, New York Rangers)
2018 – Ryan Merkley (D, San Jose Sharks)
2019 – Samuel Poulin (RW, Pittsburgh Penguins)
2020 – Yegor Chinakhov (RW, Columbus Blue Jackets)
2021 - Fabian Lysell (RW, Boston Bruins)
2022 - Owen Pickering (D, Pittsburgh Penguins)
2023 - Charlie Stramel (C, Minnesota Wild)

That gives you some perspective.

I mean geez at that point maybe they should've just traded the pick as part of a package for a #1 goalie.....

 

[Peter James Bond II]

The organization is going to have to address the glaring lack of LHDs with upside at some point.

Agreed!
You can say the Kings have some 19-23 year old talent at LW, C, RW, G (between Portillo, Slukynski and even Ingham, I believe in Slukynksi even more than Portillo....he looks like a young Quick, somewhat) but not at LHD. I think Dvorak may be a 2nd or 3rd pairing...but a ways to go.

I mentioned Kiviharju and Hutson (both may end up second rd, but who knows) but there are also 2 that may be some true LHD gems available at 21. Both are rising as of the moment. Stian Solberg and Alfons Freij. I watch Will Scouching channel a lot come May and June and Scouching has Freij #5 OA on his list! He even admits it's way off from the pundits. Check out his video. Seems pretty intriguing. 6'1" 195 and looks pretty solid and these 2 on the video love his game, in total raving level. He had 2 goals, 4 asssits 6 pts in 8 games for Swe in WJC.

Alfons Freij - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Alfons Freij, 2006-02-12 Sölvesborg, SWE Sweden. Most recently in the undefined with Växjö Lakers HC J20. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

Solberg has been on the rise and is playing for Norwat in the Worlds right now and saw he had 24 mins in a game...pretty studly, for an 18 year old
in the Worlds. Pronman just did a mock with Solberg at 17th. 6'2" 201.

The Kings were hoping for a little more from Mikey, offensively...but know they've got to be very pleased with him...but when you see coaches take him off of Drew's shift at the end of the game and put Spence on left....that says a lot. And Spence is not a true offensive savant...but truly good at everything.
The Kings do need a high end defenseman on the left.....and actually, Mania is the only one on the right in the system, with offensive upside.

Stian Solberg - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Stian Solberg 'most VIOLENT defenseman in the 2024 draft'. If true? And has all around game...take him at 21....but Freij looks great.
The thing with Toby...he didn't have size, a high end offensive game...or any dynacism I see in Freij and Solberg..and they're bigger as well,
Kings can use some violent players.
he plays a heavy, old-school game and is a menacing hitter with a clinical hip-check
—Draftin Europe 2023



Nice 1:16 clip includes him in a fight....pretty violent one, trading bombs. Damn. He's my favorite for 21 atm.



Wish the Kings had 2nd and 3rd round selections. They cannot F up on #21 and better not trade it.

 

[Trash Panda]

The organization is going to have to address the glaring lack of LHDs with upside at some point.

*Glaring lack of any prospects with upside

 

[Reaper45]

Sorry to article bomb or seem like there are shameless plugs. But these are the ones I've written so far.

Obviously some of these are outdated, as they were written during different times of the season. Like Lindstrom was during their skid (though eventually published after McLellan's firing). And Buium and Iginla were before going up the rankings:

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Norway

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Terik Parascak, Canada

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Cayden Lindstrom, Canada

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Defenseman Adam Jiricek, Czechia

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Forward Tij Iginla, Canada

mayorsmanor.com

2024 NHL Draft Preview: Defenseman Zeev Buium, USA

mayorsmanor.com

EJ Emery and Stian Solberg should both be up soon. At least one of them should hopefully be up by Thursday.

Iginla would be nice.

 

[Mcsorley47]

Agreed!
You can say the Kings have some 19-23 year old talent at LW, C, RW, G (between Portillo, Slukynski and even Ingham, I believe in Slukynksi even more than Portillo....he looks like a young Quick, somewhat) but not at LHD. I think Dvorak may be a 2nd or 3rd pairing...but a ways to go.

I mentioned Kiviharju and Hutson (both may end up second rd, but who knows) but there are also 2 that may be some true LHD gems available at 21. Both are rising as of the moment. Stian Solberg and Alfons Freij. I watch Will Scouching channel a lot come May and June and Scouching has Freij #5 OA on his list! He even admits it's way off from the pundits. Check out his video. Seems pretty intriguing. 6'1" 195 and looks pretty solid and these 2 on the video love his game, in total raving level. He had 2 goals, 4 asssits 6 pts in 8 games for Swe in WJC.

Alfons Freij - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Alfons Freij, 2006-02-12 Sölvesborg, SWE Sweden. Most recently in the undefined with Växjö Lakers HC J20. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

Solberg has been on the rise and is playing for Norwat in the Worlds right now and saw he had 24 mins in a game...pretty studly, for an 18 year old
in the Worlds. Pronman just did a mock with Solberg at 17th. 6'2" 201.

The Kings were hoping for a little more from Mikey, offensively...but know they've got to be very pleased with him...but when you see coaches take him off of Drew's shift at the end of the game and put Spence on left....that says a lot. And Spence is not a true offensive savant...but truly good at everything.
The Kings do need a high end defenseman on the left.....and actually, Mania is the only one on the right in the system, with offensive upside.

Stian Solberg - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Stian Solberg 'most VIOLENT defenseman in the 2024 draft'. If true? And has all around game...take him at 21....but Freij looks great.
The thing with Toby...he didn't have size, a high end offensive game...or any dynacism I see in Freij and Solberg..and they're bigger as well,
Kings can use some violent players.
he plays a heavy, old-school game and is a menacing hitter with a clinical hip-check
—Draftin Europe 2023



Nice 1:16 clip includes him in a fight....pretty violent one, trading bombs. Damn. He's my favorite for 21 atm.



Wish the Kings had 2nd and 3rd round selections. They cannot F up on #21 and better not trade it.

Unfortunately this guy is too Alfa for the Kings Beta type hockey.

He doesn’t fit the 5’10 and under, non-physical, type player.

I miss Dean and our winning ways.

 

[Lt Dan]

I miss Dean and our winning ways.

Another reason to give Luc the bird whenever we see him

 

[Basilisk]

What's the highest draft pick we can get for Dubois's contract? Thanks!!!

 

[Sol]

I think whats hurt the Kings too is that they still dont have a bomb shot from a Dman from the blueline. From what I know and seen Clarke doesn't seem to be a long range shooter with a cannon.

We need a voynov type rocket from the back. f***ing Slava. UGHHHH

 

[kilowatt]

What's the highest draft pick we can get for Dubois's contract? Thanks!!!

A 2045 7th

 

[Statto]

A 2045 7th

Overpayment

 

[Peter James Bond II]

I know the correct way is to draft BPA and when Yannetti talks, it seems that is their approach, but if they have a few players in an exact tier, they then look at a few tie breakers - do they have a need at a certain position in the system and that becomes their pick, maybe intangibles as a tie breaker, etc.

I'm sure they're accutely aware what is lacking in the pipeline and with so many that have graduated and lack of a #1 selection last 2 drafts, there is now needs in most every position. Goaltending was the weakest a few years ago, but not at the moment...with Portillo doing well (except last game) and Slukynski really impressing this year...add in that Ingham has re-established himself in the ECHL and should be in Ontario next yr. I'd let go of Dell and Copley.

Last 3 drafts :

Center is now a weak spot, as the last 3 drafts have seen Hughes, Pinelli and Helenius. Helenius has a shot to become a 4C...Pinelli had an okay first yr in Ont, but came on at the end...and yet gets benched in the playoffs, as Sturm goes with vets...what kind of development is that for Pinelli? And Hughes moves to BU and his numbers still underwhelming...esp for his 3rd year. I don't get that pick and would be surprised he ever gets a contract.

Wings - Ziemmer was a great 3rd rd pick and was surprised he didn't go in the second rd. Too bad the anke injury set him back most of the yr. I think he can play in the AHL, but WHL may be best, to get a full season there, UNLESS he shows he's really ready for the AHL and has a good Summer and camp...I guess they can make that decision in a few months. LW Conmy had a great Freshman year. Led New Hamp in scoring...saw some of his high;ights. Impressive. Was like a young Cammaleri. Maybe there's a player in 2 yrs? Good instincts and nice shot. Great for 6th rd. Connors seemed to tail off. Jared Wright had a great yr at Denver U and out of his 15 goals, 5 were game winners, including a big one in finals. Great 6th rd pick and may be a pro after next yr?
Aatu Jamsen goes back to 2020 draft and has had 2 good years in Liiga and now coming over. This is great....good skills and scoring touch. Kaleb Lawrence...had a good season and surpased 20 goals and 9 pts in 8 playoff games...2 suspensions? Did not see why...but Kings could use a 6'7" 220 lb winger that does some rough play...I was not impressed with him at rookie camp, but hopefully he's come a long way. May get a contract, apparently. The Kings really need a few in this list to SURPASS the ones that have not turned the corner and made a bigger impact: Chromiak, Madden. Fagemo..I cannot figure out, except that he does not have more elements than a pro shot and goal scoring touch...to be a top 6 in the NHL...Or to be effective bottom 6er. Too bad. Seems like he deserves a shot, but no spot. Andre Lee goes back to the 2019 draft and may yet get a shot at line 4 on the Kings...yet, I do not see the Kings bringing in more than Akil and Turcotte for 24-25...UNLESS Lee or Helnius truly beats one of those out? Or, Turc gets traded? I'd rather keep Turcotte and finally see what he has at NHL level for a full season.

Defense -

Clarke. His time has come. Let Roy go...try to get a pick for his rights and give Clarke a spot. 3 years sonce drafted? Geez...Clarke would somehow be second pairing on most NHL clubs now. No, he's not a dumpster fire on D. Give him a spot. Kings BADLY need offense from backend.
The rest is kind of weak. Dvorak was a great pick and has upside, I would surmise he will be in Ontario...still 18! Turns 19 MAY 25. LHD still needs a legit top pairing type. Also - Booth signed, but seemingly a best possible future botton LHD...not much offense. Losing Toby was boneheaded. Maybe drafting Toby at #22 OA was the mistake? No size, offensive game...but some caharacter, good skating and capt of his team? Drafting vanilla not working,,.Toby, Hughes. Now, if Kirasnov comes over and can play in North America? That could be huge...turns 22 in Sept. Has a 24-25 contract in KHL Torpedo. Can he get out of that and sign here? I bet he could challenge for 3LHD now. Not sold on another year of Engund...contract or not. Gav could truly help Kirsanov as well.
Mania. RHD. I didn;t hear much about his season...I know he has good skating and decent skills....Sparkes? Looked good at rookie camp and moves pretty well at 6'8" 238. Going to Mich State this season...will be big for him and know what the Kings may or may not have by this time next yr. Salin? Has performed well...but how well? Another 5'11" defenseman and RHD? Not sure he has a future and just the next Nousiainen..albeit slighlty better?

I'd say since C is weak, would draft a center at 21 OA. As long as has REAL upside. No Jack Hughes'. Maybe Hage falls to 21. Boisvert could be there, but has some question marks, but upside. There's Jett Luchanko...the unicorn that is Letourneau. Andrew Basha. But since QB is seemingly taking center soon...and Turcotte could surprise as a 3rd center STILL YET....or Pinelli take a big step...a top winger or D would be fine at 21 OA. Maybe Greentree, Connelly, or Chernyshov fall to 21. Love Connelly's goal scoring, but seems to not fit the Kings mantra of 200 ft player...Greentree or Chrenyshov may be great picks here...IF Chernyshov could commit to coming to USA, within a yr. I think the Kings do not take a big risk with their first #1 pick in 3 years...but do not want then to go ultra safe.

D that my be good at 21: LHD Solberg, LHD Freij...both late risers. I'd be fine with either. Seems Hutson and Kiviharju are not the best for 21 OA, with some that will be available at 21. I wish the Kings had a second rd pick. Maybe they could deal Roy's rights for a #2 or #3 rd? Or deal Arty for a #3 rd? Sux.

An intriguing defenseman could be 6'6"216 lb 19 year old, Jesse Pulkinnen, He had a lackluster year at 18 and apparently busted his azz to become a player, after not being drafted.,,,talk of him sneaking into rd 1. After reading about him and seeing this video...I'd be down...If Yannetti and staff believe he's best at 21. To me, if someone improves every area of their fame from 18 to 19...who's to say he's just getting warmed up and keeps elevating year to year.. He's a beast and plays physical...why not? What's the downside? The Kings took 20 year old Pearson in 2012? Worked out pretty well...until his game fell off...yet 285 pts NHL career, pretty good for 30th overall 20 yr old.

Jesse Pulkkinen - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Jesse Pulkkinen, 2004-12-27 Laukaa, FIN Finland. Most recently in the undefined with JYP. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

After watching this....I would love to see the Kings draft him. Who at 21, in all of the lists out there, will truly have more upside than Pulkinnen? He's a beast and going to get much better, too. I'm weary of the draft eligibles that show little growth from 17 to 18...Tanner Howe's etc....than see a player like Pulkinnen, that grew so much from 18 to 19 and seems to be already handling himself more than well in Liiga.

MASSIVE U20 numbers, before being elevated to LIIGA, Loving the 47 PIM in 18 games. 28 pts...11 goals? Then 10 pts in 7 playoff games. Just dominated. Also had a good U20 WJC. Followed by good Liiga numbers. 29 games 8 pts...24 pim and a minus 1. Most on that team were minus, for that matter. Many -10 or more.

U20 SM-sarja

18

11

17

28

47

16

Playoffs

7

4

6

10

22

5

Finland U20

WJC-20

7

1

2

3

8

6

JYP

Liiga

29

2

6

8

24

-1

 

[Mcsorley47]

Nice review!

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

I think whats hurt the Kings too is that they still dont have a bomb shot from a Dman from the blueline. From what I know and seen Clarke doesn't seem to be a long range shooter with a cannon.

We need a voynov type rocket from the back. f***ing Slava. UGHHHH

Heard Voynov won't be back with Ak Bars Kazan

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

Kings definitely have some questions that need answering from the standpoint of where certain players slot in or don't...Kaliyev immediately comes to mind as does Grundstrom...don't see Roy coming back for much less than Gavrikov's 5.8 M besides room has to be made for Clarke...if the Kings could swing some trades for draft choices in the 2nd-4th round it would a bonus with the lost 2nd-3rd Rounders and 5th rounder for 2024 draft...perhaps LA could get Provorov before the end of 2025 since we are paying a chunk of his contract and while we are at it take some of the other Russians in Columbus...hello Marchenko...

Iginla would be nice.

Can't see the youngster Tij Iginla getting past Seattle or Calgary

 

[Statto]

Kings definitely have some questions that need answering from the standpoint of where certain players slot in or don't...Kaliyev immediately comes to mind as does Grundstrom...don't see Roy coming back for much less than Gavrikov's 5.8 M besides room has to be made for Clarke...if the Kings could swing some trades for draft choices in the 2nd-4th round it would a bonus with the lost 2nd-3rd Rounders and 5th rounder for 2024 draft...perhaps LA could get Provorov before the end of 2025 since we are paying a chunk of his contract and while we are at it take some of the other Russians in Columbus...hello Marchenko...


Can't see the youngster Tij Iginla getting past Seattle or Calgary

Has a team ever acquired a player they were already retaining on? A good trivia question for a quiz.

 

[Reaper45]

Kings definitely have some questions that need answering from the standpoint of where certain players slot in or don't...Kaliyev immediately comes to mind as does Grundstrom...don't see Roy coming back for much less than Gavrikov's 5.8 M besides room has to be made for Clarke...if the Kings could swing some trades for draft choices in the 2nd-4th round it would a bonus with the lost 2nd-3rd Rounders and 5th rounder for 2024 draft...perhaps LA could get Provorov before the end of 2025 since we are paying a chunk of his contract and while we are at it take some of the other Russians in Columbus...hello Marchenko...


Can't see the youngster Tij Iginla getting past Seattle or Calgary

I would be shocked if Calgary doesn’t pick Iginla.

 

[RayMartyniukTotems]

I would be shocked if Calgary doesn’t pick Iginla.

Personally like to the Kraken take him

 

[King'sPawn]

Here's my piece on Solberg: 2024 NHL Draft Preview: Defenseman Stian Solberg, Norway

Sorry for the delay. Was hoping this was going to go up last Thursday. Yawney leaving org and AHL playoffs took higher priority as far as news immediacy.

Also made video on some players mentioned in this thread - most notably Kiviharju.

Will probably write some pieces on some players in no particular order:
Alfons Freij
Liam Greentree
Aron Kiviharju

Emery still pending review, but am hoping to get that published this week. I'll nag Hoven about it, as I actually wrote it months ago and it fell through the cracks.

A few other requests I'm considering (not guaranteeing):
Miguel Marques
Simon Zether
Carter Yakemchuk
Cole Hutson
Jesse Pulkkinen
Beckett Sennecke