The Los Angeles Kings are set to make a first-round selection for the first time in two years, assuming there isn't some late drama from Rob Blake.
This pick is important for a few reasons. Along with trading back-to-back first-round picks, the Kings have also depleted their prospect pool in recent years and are staring down a fairly barren pipeline.
They also hold just four picks in the 2024 draft and just one in the first three rounds. There's some real pressure to hit on the 21st overall pick to restock the cupboard and ensure this draft is a success.
Firstly, the Kings need to set their priorities. On a recent AllTheKingsMen podcast appearance, director of amateur scouting Mark Yannetti mentioned the Kings would be interested in adding picks in the second or third round picks.
Whether that's from trading the 21st pick to get add quantity over potential quality or moving a piece like Arthur Kaliyev, who knows right now. But first the Kings need to nail down where they're picking.
In the same episode Yannetti mentioned that would be more of a last minute, during the draft kind of move if it happened though, so we'll assume they're picking at 21 here.
Getting back to priorities, what should the Kings be targeting? Obviously, we know they draft for the best player available and not need, however, we also know they draft through tiers and when players are in the same tier things like position matters.
With that in mind, I find it hard to believe the Kings grab a right-shot defenseman at 21. Unless someone like Carter Yakemchuk falls, who would likely be in a tier above everyone else available, that position feels off the board.
A goalie is also unlikely given the lack of quality in that position this draft.
So, lets look at some options in those positions.
Defense:
Stian Solberg: There's a good chance Stian Solberg is long gone at 21, but Bob McKenzie had him ranked 20th, so it's still possible. Solberg, a hyper-physical two-way defensemen with high-end skating would be my top choice. He's a perfect fit for what the Kings need with some legitimate upside if his offense hits.
Alfons Freij: Depending on who you ask, Alfons Freij would be a reach here, or a coup. With some of the best feet in this draft and an ideal NHL frame, Freij is a smooth puck mover with question marks surrounding his hockey IQ.
Wingers:
Igor Chernyshov: With very few holes in his game, Igor Chernyshov will likely be the best winger available at 21. He's big, has good hockey IQ, a good motor and top-six skill the only "weakness in Chernyshov's game is questionable finishing. There's real top-six potential there and a high floor.
Liam Greentree: More of a boom-or-bust prospect, Liam Greentree has ideal size, elite puck sills and a fantastic shoot. He's lacking consistent effort and a solid 'B' game though which puts some scouts off. If he hits, there's a potential 30-goal scorer in Greentree, but some scouts aren't sold on him hitting.
Trevor Connelly: Someone will bet on Trevor Connelly's high-end skating and pucks skills in this range, however, he's a do not draft player for me. I have significant hockey-IQ and off-ice questions regarding this player, but the Kings might be sold on the raw tools.
Centers:
Jett Luchanko: Jett Luchanko pushes Solberg for my ideal pick at 21. A elite skater with a mature 200-foot game, there's some real playmaking upside with Luchanko too. The tools are there for him to hit as a playdriving 2C and I'd bet on him getting there. Other team's might to though and he could be gone by 21.
Michael Hage: Another great skater with a lot of NHL traits, Hage doesn't have quite the hockey IQ or compete Luchanko does, but there's still room for a top-six forward here. He's a dual-threat offensively with game-breaking skill but might also be off the board by 21.
Cole Beaudoin: A safe but a little boring pick, Cole Beaudoin is a high floor, lower cieling type pick. He projects as more of a 3C in the NHL, but the kind of 3C that helps your team win a Cup. Very physical with impressive athletic tools and a mature 200-foot game, his skating is a slight problem and his offense won't wow you, but he'll help you win games. I have concerns about the lack of production in the OHL, but I can see why the Kings would like this pick.
Sasha Boisvert: A similar boring but good pick, Sasha Boisvert is another hard-working, competitive 200-foot center with a high-floor. He's also got questions surrounding his skating and I don't think his hockey IQ is as good as Beaudoin's, but he has an NHL-caliber shot. If the Kings are big believers in the shot aspect, I could see them going Boisvert over Beaudoin.
Egor Surin: You might be sensing a theme here, Egor Surin is another physically mature, competitive center. He is the most skilled of the Beaudoin, Boisvert group but has the biggest hockey IQ concerns. There's a lot of tunnel vision hockey from Surin, but his skill and size means it works a lot for him in junior. He'd need to improve his IQ to hit at the next level, but there are a lot of tools to like.