The next steps in the career of many of these young and talented players is here. However, it is also about the future of the teams.
A draft pick may be small when made, but it could mean the future of the organization some time down the road. It could be everything from a Sidney Crosby to an Alec Martinez. That is what is outstanding about the draft, you just never know what the future holds and what the potential truly is.
The draft is also a chance for teams to assess where they are at and what they are going to need in the future.
The entry draft is not often about the here and now, but more about the future. Few players go from the draft floor to the opening night roster in just a few months. It happens, but it is not incredibly common. With that in mind what do the Kings need? What will they need? And who are a few of the potential targets they could be looking at with the No. 13 overall pick.
There are plenty of lists out right now, and we will reference a few of them. Have a look for yourself and get used to some of these names. This is considered one of the deepest drafts in recent history.
The Kings system is one that is good but not great. It currently borders on average to above average. They have plenty of bottom line role players and defensemen, but currently lack a legitimate group of centers or scoring wingers. Considering the log jam that the Kings currently have at center that is understandable why they have not been stockpiling that position. In terms of the legitimate scoring threat from the wing, or even a top pairing defensemen, the Kings have not had a high enough pick. That comes with the territory of being successful and trading away a few picks here and there to acquire “Win now’ pieces. Now though, the Kings have a chance to acquire what could be an excellent top line, blue chip prospect with a selection inside the top half of the draft.
Here are just a few players that the Kings might be scoping out if available at No. 13.
Timo Meier, C/RW, Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Meier screams Kings. He is a forward capable of playing multiple forward positions including center. He is a player who does not shy away from the physical side of the game. Finally, he can flat out score.
At 18 year’s of age, the Swiss native was one of the nastiest goal scorers in the QMJHL this past season. He had 44 goals and 90 points in just 61 games this year for the Mooseheads. The other thing that the Kings might like with the 6’1… center, is that he is strong in his own zone. Meier is by no means a prototypical flashy Q forward. He can score with the best of them, but he does not shy away from his own end or from the physical aspect of the game. He is already built like an NHL player and will only continue to grow and gain strength as he matures. He has been slotted in at anywhere from 10-15 in the various end of the year prospect rankings, which bodes well for the Kings potentially having a shot at him. If you are looking somewhere down the line, he could be a nice addition to what already projects to be a young top 6. He is a full 200-foot player which brings you a bit of everything. There are not very many holes in this kid’s game.
Travis Konecny, C/RW, Ottawa 67’s (OHL)
The Kings had success going out to the Ottawa 67’s back in 2010 when they selected Tyler Toffoli. Could they potentially go back out to the 67’s in 2015?
Travis Konecny is another forward who brings an element of versatility to a roster. He, like Meier, can play multiple forward positions that include center. CSS had the young man ranked at No. 14 in their year end rankings, and he has hovered around 13-20 in other lists. Unlike Meier, Konecny is not a big and rugged forward, but rather a pesky and determined forward. He will not dominate you physically, but he certainly has a tenacious side that can ware down opponents. Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects had this to say about Konecny
A talented scoring forward that can play either as a center or on the wing; plays with the bite and intensity of a guy who is willing to do anything to win a game. Possesses dynamic skating ability that allows him to accelerate rapidly with each step, incredible hockey sense, electrifying puckhandling skills, and a lightning release on his shot; when you put this skillset together with hard-nosed determination, proactiveness in all three zones, and a physical willingness to grind and persevere, you get a game-changer who can be extremely difficult to play against.
However, given his size and tenacity, he has come upon quite a few injuries in his career. That may make his stock fall a little bit below what his actual skill warrants. Dean Lombardi has tapped the OHL well pretty hard the last few years, and Konecny has a lot of very King like qualities to him.
Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Fà¤rjestad (SHL)
This one might seem a bit out there for L.A, but Eriksson Ek looks like another very solid Swede coming out of the SEL. The Kings have had very good luck going into Sweden recently with both Kopitar and Kempe, and Eriksson might be another excellent two way center addition. From what it sounds like, Eriksson might be the best two way center available in the draft.
He has been pretty good in the SHL junior, but like most young prospects has struggled to find form on the transition from U18 to the bigs. Curtis Joe of Elite Prospects had this to say:
A very competitive center who uses his size, skill, and skating to power to the net and create scoring chances. Possesses an elite-level shot, great vision, and slick puckhandling skills; as a result, it's no surprise that he has a natural knack for scoring big goals. Offensive catalyst, but also defensively responsible. Plays a creative, 200-foot game. All-in-all, an intelligent, scoring center that is productive at both ends of the ice.
Again, you want to project to the future? Kopitar, Eriksson, Shore. Size, skill, defensive responsibility, offensive ability. The Kings like the idea of strength down the middle, and that has diminished somewhat over the past season. He may be on the fast track to the NHL as well given that he is only 18, and has already played a full season of pro hockey against grown men at the age of 17.
Nick Merkley, C, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
The Kings have slowly transitioned to a more speed oriented game in their top 6 recently. Carter, Toffoli, Pearson and Gaborik have really opened up the Kings offense to more rush and carry based chances versus a cycle and grind style.
Either of these systems works for Nick Merley of Kelowna, but he would be a welcome addition if the Kings wanted to improve on overall team speed.
Red Line Report gave a sparkling review of him, which you can find right here in full
And here is the brief excerpt/highlight of the young center:
Has tremendous vision and is a natural playmaking centre with soft hands and deft passing touch off both side of the blade. Determined, tenacious and relentless puck pursuit opens up space for his linemates. Skating ability showcases how strong his lower body is - fantastic balance and rarely gets knocked off the puck. Will beat ANY defender to the outside with his speed.
It would be a slight departure from the Kings natural idea of using a winger as a puck retriever instead of a center. However, it seems as though Merkley has the right report for a Kings brand of hockey.
Jakub Zboril, D, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
Yes, everyone wants Hanifin to fall to them. Everyone wants Werenski to fall to them. Unfortunately the odds of that are pretty slim. The Kings could have a chance to draft the third best defenseman in the draft though if they so desired. That would be Czech born Jakub Zboril. He looks like he could be quite a consolation prize for those waiting on a defenseman.
After having played most of his junior career in the Czech Republic, Zboril came over to North America to play for the St. John Sea Dogs of the Q. He had a very solid showing in his limited appearances.
Here is a good little bit on him from Future Considerations :
A good two-way blue liner...plays a complete game and relies on his impressive footwork to maintain defensive coverage as well as put himself into the offensive play...has a good top speed and all-round mobility...has a dangerous point shot that is both accurate and hard...has a physical element to his game and will step up to make a hit...clears the crease and separates opponents form the puck with his body in the defensive zone...has an active stick...good upside as an all-round NHL defender.
He is also left shooting to boot. The Kings have been in pretty heavy need of some left shooting offensive oriented defensemen in recent years.
Mikko Rantanen, C/W, TPS (Liiga)
The big kid from Nousiainen, Finland, has been an outstanding 18-year old at the top level of Finnish professional hockey. Playing with TSP in Turku, just over ten miles from his home town, the center has been one of the standout young players in Finland this year.
He is one of those players that would have to slide just a little bit, given that most lists have him in the 9-11 range. However, some teams are not as willing to go into Europe to dig out talent. The Kings have showed a willingness to do so recently, especially when it comes to big forwards with plenty of size. It would also be a nice addition to the Finnish contingent of Kings prospects. Right now that group only includes Alex Lintuniemi, so a little familiarity for the duo would be nice.
Here is a good write-up from Future Considerations once again.
A strong three-zone playmaker who is also defensively responsible…has an awkward upright skating stride, but gets from Point A to Point B just fine…not a big …wow… factor to his game, but is a smooth, fluid, big-bodied forward who can be hard to handle…uses his strength and reach, along with his vision and hands, to protect the puck…has good instincts when to pass and when to hold…puck seems to follow him around the ice…good in his own zone and consistently makes himself available for a breakout pass…has impressive hockey sense and awareness…needs to work on his shot and add more muscle mass to his growing frame.
These are six of many players that the Kings could draft. We tried to stay in semi-realistic range of what could be available. So sorry to all those wanting Hanifin to fall. There are also other players like Lawson Crouse, Kyle Connor, and Zach Werenski that might be available around the Kings position. Have other suggestions? Let’s hear them! Who would you like to see the Kings go after?