The Kings could draft a later first-round gem with the 21st pick in the NHL Draft
With the 2024 NHL Draft right around the corner, it is time to start looking at who the Los Angeles Kings can draft with their 21st pick in the first round.
Some draft experts feel that the NHL draft takes a small drop off after the 20th pick in the draft, which is why the Kings are in a very unique spot.
Owning the rights to the 21st pick in the draft, which may have a drop in talent after the 20th pick, could work in their favour.
If the Kings have one player in mind, they may be able to facilitate a deal with a team that has their selection a few picks behind them and, by doing so, receive another draft pick for a later round.
Or they can make the selection at 21 and potentially draft the later-round gem in Cole Beaudoin from the Barrie Colts of the OHL.
The Kings have had success when drafting Colts' players; they drafted Tanner Pearson in 2012, Kyle Clifford in 2009, and most recently Brandt Clarke in 2021. While Clarke's career is still young, both Pearson and Clifford went on to win Stanley Cups with the organization.
As for Beaudoin, he is a very good two-way centerman. He can drive the offensive up the ice or make a strong breakout pass and then find his way to the net for the rebound.
This season with the Colts, he had 28 goals and 34 assists for 62 points in 67 games. He was one of the most trusted players on the team by his coach, and he played in all situations.
At 6-foot-2, 209lbs, Beaudoin is a big-bodied 18-year-old who, if drafted by the Kings, will likely return to the OHL, similar to what Clarke did for more seasoning. Based on the depth of the Kings' roster, he will realistically see time in the AHL before making the jump to a full-time NHL player.
However, when he does make the roster and even before that, he will prove that he is one of the very few later picks that can be considered a gem, and the Kings may be fortunate to draft him with their 21st pick in the first round.