LA Kings traded up from No. 51 to 45 to take defenseman Brock Faber.
For now, this is what you need to know…
Early Notes
Our quick notes on Faber before the Draft:
Brock Faber (RHD, USA) – Don’t see him as Kings pick at 35. Now, will he still be there for pick Nos. 51 or 60? He’s an elite skater, very efficient puck mover. Great competitor, very athletic. Efficiency and reliability are two common words used to describe him. Has minimal offense in his game, more of a defensive defenseman. Matt Roy and Mikey Anderson aren’t necessarily offensive generating defensemen either, yet they’re pretty valuable (i.e. Anderson could be a second round pick if you did things over). Faber is a high-end character addition to any team.
Some additional notes on Brock Faber from coach Wroblewski – High-end character kid, loves to compete, already has a pro mentality. Fantastic defender who has outstanding gap control & can close on opposition, suffocate attacks. Capable offensively w/ sure stick and good vision.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) October 7, 2020
The Kings select defenseman Brock Faber 45th overall#LAKings #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/8vth3eWGQU
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) October 7, 2020
We asked Brock Faber's coach with the USA Hockey NTDP to evaluate one of the top U.S. born defensemen available in this week's NHL Entry Draft.
1️⃣4️⃣: https://t.co/susdYQXOxO#Gophers x #PrideOnIce pic.twitter.com/xiay3nv4OM
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) October 5, 2020
I am a *massive* fan of Brock Faber to the Kings in this spot. This is right where my sources pegged him for the draft. Not a reach at all.
He's one of the best technical skaters in the draft, & someone with phenomenal defensive instincts and habits. He's going to play NHL games
— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) October 7, 2020
Now that's a player you trade up for. Brock Faber was #23 on my board and the Kings just snaked him at 45
"Boasts high-end skating ability, quick processing skills, and a penchant for making the smart plays. Won’t wow you, but will eat up the minutes."
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) October 7, 2020
Brock Faber (45th, LAK): Not convinced he has much offence, but Faber's among the draft's best in transition. Beats the F1, hits teammates with speed through layers. Improving deception. Closes gaps quickly, rarely overextends/overcommits. pic.twitter.com/Z9G0pk5r2D
— Mitch Brown (@MitchLBrown) October 7, 2020
Vitals
Height: 6’0
Weight: 194 lbs.
Shoots: Right
Team: USNTDP
League: USHL
Position: Defense
Statistics
Regular Season
2019-20 Season: 46 GP, 3 G, 9 A, 12 Pts
Tournaments
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Awards for 2019-20 Season
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Scouting Reports:
From The Draft Analyst
Blessed with a sturdy frame and powerful leg drive, Faber is a beast on the penalty kill or defending against opposing cycles. Again, his read-and-react timing is a positive aspect because of his quick feet, but Faber also makes smart delays under pressure and can spin away from a forechecker multiple times in one iteration. One thing that might have hurt his draft stock is his low shot totals (only 29 in 24 games) but playing a tough NCAA schedule in addition to seeing little power play time had a significant impact on Faber’s ability to generate offense. It’s also that he is very unselfish and focuses more on keeping plays alive than creating chances on his own. He definitely has potential for greater things of the opposing side of center ice.
From Recrutes
“I’m not really sure what he is but he’s got good feet, he can defend alright, he’s got a little bit of jam,” said a scout. “His puck game is okay; there’s some things he needs to work out, but he’s got some attributes. He’s a great skater…so that will get him selected somewhere in the top 60. His feet are good enough to get him an NHL spot.”
From Hockey Prospect
Faber is a very good skater with a fluid stride. His lateral skating and agility are put to good use in his defensive game. He plays the game on his toes and with a healthy pace. The right-handed defenseman also has a good head for the
game. He doesn’t put himself in trouble defensively and maintains good gaps and stick discipline. Not only does he size up rush attempts well, but he holds his own, and then some, in battles. It wouldn’t be accurate to call him a physical defenseman by any stretch, but he has shown a willingness to make some good hits and hard close-offs along the boards.
Highlights:
