The ongoing discussion has been a blend between getting skill at left defense or boosting team toughness. In a perfect world, both qualities could be addressed in a singular player, yet the reality remains that multiple sources may need to be utilized to fill the cupboard.
Sometimes, that source can be quite unexpected on multiple levels. This upcoming prospect is from a smaller hockey market, and he plays a position in which the Kings have a surplus.
Marco Kasper
Vitals
Date of Birth: April 8, 2004
Height: 6’2
Weight: 187 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Forward
2021-22 Season
Kasper spent most of the season with Rögle BK of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He had 11 points (7 G, 4 A) in 46 games.
First!
Austria has had very little output of NHL players, having a total of 16 in the league ever since the original expansion. Of those 16, only one has ever worn a Kings sweater: Dominic Lavoie. Los Angeles picking him would be historic, as he would be the first Austrian player to be drafted by this franchise.
He Is The Champion, My Friend
The native of Innsbruck, Austria has spent the last couple seasons in the Rögle organization, bouncing up and down at different levels of competition. Ultimately, he was part of the SHL team when they competed in the Champions Hockey League. For context, this CHL has a collection of European teams from various leagues where they compete against each other. Kasper scored 6 points (2 G, 4 A) in 12 games en route to winning a championship.
Age Before Beauty
The skilled power forward truly left a footprint in his second season against SHL competition. He was recognized for scoring most points by an Under-18 player in the league this year.
Rankings by Independent Scouting Services
Ranked No 12 by Elite Prospects. “If you’re looking for a throwback forward in this year’s draft, look no further. Marco Kasper is as violent and competitive a hockey player as you’ll find in the entire class.
He plays every shift like it’s his last and it’s taking place in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Nearly every one of our staff’s Kasper viewings starts with the Austrian winger taking a run at someone on his first shift, and the hits just keep on comin’. They’re a part of his game from puck drop to the final horn, no matter the score or the stakes.”
Ranked No. 9 by Corey Pronman.“Kasper was easy to spot even in SHL games because of how powerful an athlete he is. He would often be the guy to wind it up in his own end to carry the puck due to his great speed and skill. Kasper has a strong 6-foot-1 frame, isn’t afraid to attack the hard areas, and can win some battles versus men as a 17-year-old. Kasper attacks with speed and skill, and while he can pull up to make a play or use his hard shot, his direct style of play will translate to the NHL. He projects as a quality top-two line center.”
Ranked No. 18 by DobberProspects. “However, Kasper’s honest work ethic and competitive mindset will be important on his way to the NHL. While the lack of goal-scoring threat and high-end skills do limit his upside and drop him out of the top-15 discussion, he is a player with relatively high NHL certainty, having the upside of a two-way, playmaking middle-six center with occasional production. He’s not your go-to powerplay generator but he could be a net-front guy and provide value on the penalty kill.”
See For Yourself
Here is a shift by shift video of Kasper at the U20 level.
Final Comments
The very first reaction will very likely be “Not another center prospect with the first round pick.” Of course, up the middle is arguably one of the least tempting positions for which the Kings to target in the draft. Between Vilardi, Turcotte, Byfield, Kupari, Pinelli, and other picks, Los Angeles has already had to shift some prospects to wings to accommodate the lack of room.
The reality of the situation, though, is no prospect has yet to solidify a spot in the top-six. Because of this, one can always argue that there’s “always room for one more.” Especially when Kasper himself brings an element of toughness, grit, and two-way play.
With the Austrian-born center, Kasper brings responsibility and physicality every shift he’s on the ice. He’s not expected to be a game-breaker, yet he brings respectable skill and competitiveness on the ice.
Rob Blake has a couple options for the young power forward should they take him. As always, the current league he’s in (SHL) and the NHL are available. However, given that he’s also being drafted out of Europe, he could cross the pond and play in Ontario. No team in junior hockey currently owns his rights, though they do have an opportunity to snag him during the CHL Import Draft on July 1. If a team from the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL choose him, that would leave another element of development.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-522840723937225840-1’); });
RELATED CONTENT:
Note to webmasters/reporters: When recapping news or interviews from this site please remember to include a link to www.MayorsManor.com
