With just a few days remaining until the 2023 NHL Draft, the Kings are currently holding five selections: a second-round pick at No. 54, a third-round pick at No. 78 (acquired for Jeff Carter), plus picks in the fourth, fifth, and sixth. They presently do not have a selection in the first or seventh round.
During his recent visit to Kings Of The Podcast, Mark Yannetti said he thinks they’ll leave the Draft with more than five players. It’s an interesting idea because history says they’re far more likely to trade up from No. 54 to around the 40-45th range. That would most likely involve moving two picks, so they’d actually lose a pick, not gain one.
Regardless of how it plays out, the Scouting Combine — which gives each team an opportunity to check the fitness levels of top incoming prospects, as well as conduct interviews to get to know each other better personally — has concluded. Every NHL team has gathered all the external information they can to learn more about the players, and now they shift their focus on internal discussions.
It can’t be emphasized enough the amount of energy, effort, and time all organizations spend to prepare as much as possible for what comes next. Trade scenarios get plotted, scouts passionately plead their cases, and lists are made.
The Draft will only have a total of 224 picks (give or take), yet the pool spans several hundred more players. Teams are expected to have their own short list of possible picks down to around 80. It’s fair to say, the process of identifying players expected to be available in certain rounds is a healthy mix of art and a science. Then, teams also have to prioritize their preferences and rankings.
In the days ahead, Mayor’s Manor editor John Hoven will post his annual LA Kings Draft Predictions article(s).
In advance of his notes, we’ve prepared a supplementary list of players who might be worth having the Kings focus on at pick 54. We do not think a goalie will be taken by Los Angeles in the second round, yet we are expecting one to be selected by the Kings before Day 2 of the Draft wraps up. We even previously published a list of 10 goalies LA could be narrowing in on:
2023 NHL Draft Preview: 10 Goalies for the LA Kings to Focus On
Below are 10 candidates to become acquainted with before the Draft begins. First up are a group of players who are expected to be taken before No. 54. LA could still trade up to get them or they could even fall down the board; stranger things have happened. Below that group, we’ve also added a ‘maybe’ group, i.e. players who are likely a tier or two below what the Kings are thinking at 54. Again, though, sometimes the Draft gets wonky — especially in the second round — so teams are always looking for a backup plan. This latter group could also potentially be available at No. 78 (or even higher if the Kings traded into a spot somewhere between 54 and 78).
LIKELY GONE
Andrew Cristall, Kelowna Rockets, Canada
Forward, 5-foot-10, 165 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
WHL: 54 GP, 39 G, 56 A, 95 Pts, 50 PIM, Plus-18
U18: 7 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 Pts, 2 PIM, Plus-2
Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 5 GP, 1 G, 5 A, 6 Pts, 6 PIM
The polarizing, high-octane player oozes talent and a bit of an edge. Consistency and straight line speed are both question marks. Combine these drawbacks with a smaller size, and there’s a possibility he will fall more than expected. Some may be enamored with the skillset though. His 1.76 points-per-game scoring rate was good for fourth overall in the WHL.
Andrew Cristall showing off the edges and vision. pic.twitter.com/kATQNDPXqP
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) April 20, 2023
Lukas Dragicevic, Tri-City Americans, Canada
Defense, 6-foot-2, 181 lbs, Shoots: R
- 2022-23 Statistics
WHL: 68 GP, 15 G, 60 A, 75 Pts, 54 PIM, Minus-2
U-18: 7 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 Pts, 2 PIM, Plus-1
The highly skilled offensive defenseman has adjusted quite well as he converted from being a forward most of his life. The BC native may not fit an immediate need, as he’s yet another right-shot from the blueline, though scouting circles are in agreement there aren’t many from the draft class more skilled. Despite being just 18 years old, Dragicevic was already the fourth highest scoring defender in the WHL.
Lenni Hameenaho, Ässät, Finland
Forward, 6-feet-0, 174 lbs, Shoots: Right
- 2022-23 Statistics
Liiga: 51 GP, 9 G, 12 A, 21 Pts, 14 PIM, Minus-11
U20: 5 GP, 1 G, 1 A, 2 Pts, 0 PIM, Minus-1
A versatile winger who has a mature game. This entire year has been spent punching above his weight, playing the entirety of the season in Finland’s top league with a short stint playing in the World Junior Championship. Projected to be at best a middle-six forward, the biggest criticism has been his skating.
Etienne Morin, Moncton Wildcats, Canada
Defense, 6-foot-0, 183 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
QMJHL: 67 GP, 21 G, 51 A, 72 Pts, 50 PIM, Plus-29
U18: 3 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pt, 2 PIM, Plus-0
A highly skilled offensive defenseman always has value. With Morin, the left-shooting blueliner led all of the QMJHL defenders with 21 goals. His 72 points was third overall for all rearguards. Of course, when players are gifted with scoring, it’s expected that there’s room for improvement defensively.
Koehn Ziemmer, Prince George Cougars, Canada
Forward, 6-foot-0, 194 lbs, Shoots: R
2022-23 Statistics
- 2022-23 Statistics
WHL: 68 GP, 41 G, 48 A, 89 Pts, 43 PIM, Plus-0
A tough, all-purpose forward who has shown responsibility offensively and defensively. His physical assets and style of play ensure that even if the tools never develop for offense, there’s still a floor high enough where he’d function as a high-energy player.
MAYBE
Quinton Burns, Kingston Frontenacs, Canada
Defense, 6-foot-1, 179 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
OHL: 54 GP, 2 G, 27 A, 29 Pts, 106 PIM, Minus-13
U18: 3 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, 0 PIM, Plus-1
Left-handed shot defenseman who never hesitates to engage in the physical element of the game. He may not be the biggest player, but the solid hits are still there. Generally pegged as a bottom-pairing defenseman among independent scouting services.
David Edstrom, Frölunda HC J20, Sweden
Forward, 6-foot-3, 187 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
J20 Nationell: 28 GP, 15 G, 13 A, 28 Pts, 12 PIM, Plus-12
SHL: 11 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 Pts, 0 PIM, Plus-2
U18: 7 GP, 5 G, 3 A, 8 Pts, 6 PIM, Plus-12
Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 5 GP, 1 G, 3 A, 4 Pts, 0 PIM
The cerebral Swede earned considerably more attention as his season wore on, up until when he scored at over a point-per-game pace at the U18 tournament. Lacking flashiness with questions on offensive upside, there’s a lot of allure to a center who knows how to read plays well before they develop.
My Swedish sleeper (ranked 15th overall by Recrutes) continues to impress. David Edstrom played another game in the SHL yesterday and assisted on Frolunda's first two goals, including the game winner. Criminally underrated prospect. pic.twitter.com/CgrC6xPC8w
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) February 17, 2023
Kalan Lind, Red Deer Rebels, Canada
Forward, 6-feet-0, 154 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
WHL: 43 GP, 16 G, 28 A, 44 Pts, 80 PIM, Plus-14
Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 5 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pt, 6 PIM
A high-energy pest, Lind has been used in several different roles given his skillset and willingness to engage physically. More strength and weight is needed in order to make a career out of that in the NHL, yet the discipline and aggressiveness are two qualities Los Angeles is surely drawn to. Skating has also been criticized, though there are a lot of avenues to improve this.
Felix Nilsson, Rögle BK J20, Sweden
Forward, 6-feet-0, 179 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
J20 Nationell: 36 GP, 19 G, 22 A, 41 Pts, 26 PIM, Plus-17
SHL: 18 GP, 0 G, 0 A, 0 Pts, 2 PIM, Minus-5
Hlinka Gretzky Cup: 5 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 Pt, 2 PIM
Lauded for his offensive abilities, Nilsson eventually was promoted to Sweden’s top league to get higher-quality play. He unfortunately didn’t adjust as easily to the SHL level, where the year ended with a total of 18 games but without a point. Unfortunately, the struggles at higher levels might have hurt his stock a bit. There’s still a lot of offensive upside with more time.
Anton Wahlberg, Malmö Redhawks J20, Sweden
Forward, 6-foot-3, 185 lbs, Shoots: L
- 2022-23 Statistics
J20 Nationell: 32 GP, 14 G, 13 A, 27 Pts, 53 PIM, Plus-4
SHL: 17 GP, 2 G, 2 A, 4 Pts, 0 PIM, Plus-3
U18: 7 GP, 3 G, 3 A, 6 Pts, 16 PIM, Plus-4
Wahlberg is a physically gifted power forward. An impressive frame, competitive edge, and offensive skills means he has a lot to offer – with time. Bigger players typically take longer to meet their potential, so patience must be exercised. It takes even longer when the bigger player is raw, like this physical specimen.
This is the first in a series of articles. More to come heading into this year’s NHL Draft.
Chat with David: You can find him on Twitter @Davidenkness to talk more hockey.
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