DRAFT RECAP:
2nd (49th) Hudson Fasching, RW, USNTDP (USHL)
Big (6'3'', 214 lbs) and strong power forward who has committed to University of Minnesota. Will probably need 3 or 4 years as a Gopher, but has good chances to become at least a 3rd line energy winger. Elite player behind the net and close to the boards, protects the puck well. Fasching also has a
somewhat interesting background story.
3rd (80th) Mason Geertsen, D, Vancouver Giants (WHL)
Playing in a bottom feeder like Giants can really ruin your stats, but Geertsen's play isn't that much depending on goals and assists. He's a hard-hitting defenseman who isn't afraid to fight either. Good character on and off the ice, captain material. After finishing his junior career, Geertsen could probably use couple years developing in Manchester. Kings blueline looks pretty good at the moment, so therefore there's no need to rush Geertsen to the spotlights.
4th (110th) Blake Heinrich, D, Sioux City Musketeers (USHL)
Another player who's decided to take the NCAA route. This UMD commit is a smaller guy who could become a good puck-moving offensive defenseman. Certainly isn't guaranteed to make the NHL, but has some potential.
4th (111th) Tyler Motte, LW, USNTDP (USHL)
Second USNTDP player and third future college kid of this Kings draft class, Motte is a offensive winger with a small frame, but he plays bigger than he actually is. Will be attending University of Michigan next fall, and should be able to put up some nice numbers there after he gets some experience.
4th (112th) Myles Bell, LW/D, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Without the unfortunate incident that happened couple years ago, Bell would've been a 2nd round pick as a defenseman in the 2011 draft. Now, after being passed in the draft twice and being converted into a winger, it's finally the time for him to hear his name called. Monarchs could use him already next year. If pro career as a forward doesn't seem to work, Bell could also drop back to defense and see if that would be more successful.
4th (113th) Blaine Byron, C, Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)
Despite playing in an inferior league, Byron has been able to garner some attention among scouts. Will play in University of Maine next year, and could play there for a while before turning pro and trying to get into the Kings' roster.
6th (170th) Henrik Haapala, RW, Tappara (SM-liiga)
Small winger who has great vision and passing ability. Size is the biggest concern, and the biggest reason why he didn't get selected last year. Playing in my hometown team also helped him to get my attention.
7th (200th) Melvin Nyffeler, G, GC Küsnacht Lions (NLB)
Goaltending isn't really the biggest need for Los Angeles, but you can never have too many goaltending prospects. Nyffeler played well in this year's WJC tournament, but may suffer the same fate that his predecessor Benjamin Conz did. Size is a concern, but he still has some clear talent.
-----
Kings' future obviously isn't really tied to this draft, so there's the possibilty to make some bigger risk selections and draft some project guys. In overall, I think I had a decent draft. Not great, but not awful at all either.
Possible future lineup for Kings (2017/18):
Tanner Pearson - Anze Kopitar - Tyler Toffoli
Tyler Motte - Mike Richards - Jeff Carter
Myles Bell - Linden Vey - Hudson Fasching
Dwight King - Jarret Stoll - Jordan Nolan
(First call-ups: Blaine Byron, Tomas Hyka)
Jake Muzzin - Drew Doughty
Alec Martinez - Slava Voynov
Derek Forbort - Keaton Ellerby
(First call-ups: Mason Geertsen, Blake Heinrich)
Jonathan Quick
Christopher Gibson
(First call-up: Melvin Nyffeler)
Some feedback would be appreciated. And don't worry, I can take negative comments as well.
DRAFT RECAP:
