With their first pick of the third round the Kings selected Finnish forward Kasper Simontaival.
We’ll have more on this pick as the day develops (adding to this article). For now, this is what you need to know.
Early Notes
First text on Kasper Simontaival, Kings selection at No. 66 – Stocky. Scores. Puck follows him.
— John Hoven | The Mayor (@mayorNHL) October 7, 2020
I'm just calling it now, The #LAKings are the Kings of the #2020NHLDraft!
Kasper Simontaival is a high-octane offensive player. He has a ton of skill. Really like the draft class that they've put together. Tidy work by Rob Blake et al.@DobberProspects: https://t.co/7Rr4SRCDxC pic.twitter.com/R6Bn7Lq2CC
— Tony Ferrari (@theTonyFerrari) October 7, 2020
LAK picks Kasper Simontaival at 66 overall.
A dual-threat winger who has an excellent shot combined with really nice playmaking instincts. Skating is somewhat worrying for 5-foot-9 forward, but he’s also strong for his size. Really good pick at this range. pic.twitter.com/XR5teFDEP3
— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) October 7, 2020
Here is Kasper Simontaival's player card.
Simontaival is an undersized forward who can contribute offensively in any situation. In his DY-1, he was projected to be a 1st round pick at the #2020NHLDraft. But now, it is more likely that he'll be selected in 2nd or 3rd round. pic.twitter.com/JGNiCAAFDw
— Mikael Nahabedian (@hunterofstats) July 15, 2020
Vitals
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 172
Shoots: Right
Team: Tappara
League: Liiga
Position: Right Wing
Statistics
Regular Season
2019-20 Season: 48 GP, 25 G, 32 A, 57 Pts with Tappara U20
Tournaments
Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 4 GP, 0 G, 7 A, 7 Pt
Awards for 2019-20 Season
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Scouting Reports:
The Draft Analyst
Simontaival has been a threat anywhere he’s played. From a top-six role in the Mestis to a first-line winger at the junior and international level, Simontaival has been able to use his quickness and attack-first mentality to generate multiple chances for himself or his linemates. Creating time and space is rarely a problem for someone with quick feet and advanced puck control like Simontaival, and his anticipation off the hop is quite high. In the last under-18 Five Nations tournament, Simontaival played alongside a pair of physical forwards in 2021 draft prospect Samuel Helenius and winger Eetu Liukas, and he was actively engaged in boards battles and fought for pucks before he dished them out for one-timers or chances near the net.
McKeen’s
His offensive weapons are all high end. Simontaival’s shot, in particular, is close to the elite level and is in the running for the best shot of any player available in the 2020 draft class. He has a shot for all occasions and can score with any of a one-timer slapper, wrist shot or on the backhand. He doesn’t need a lot of space to score, as the shots are all released very quickly and with great power.
Highlights:
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