Kings Can Target a High-Quality Left-Shot Defenseman in Round Two

The Los Angeles Kings added a second-round pick, 57th overall, before the start of Friday's draft and should have the opportunity to draft a quality left-shot defenseman at pick 57.

They already took a swing on a high-upside forward in round one, drafting Liam Greentree 26th overall and can do the same with a defenseman in round two.

Over-ager Jesse Pulkinnen might be gone by pick 57, but if he isn't, the Kings should be calling his name.

A toolsy 6-foot-6 defenseman, Pulkinnen has the opportunity to be an absolute steal in the second round.

After not getting drafted in his first go around, Pulkinnen had a breakout season last year, particularly in the second half.

He was over a point-per-game player in the Finnish U-20 league and earned himself 29 games in Liiga. 

Pulkinnen uses all of his 6-foot-6 frames to defend, killing plays in transition with his long reach and physicality. 

He's a good skater for such a big man and uses that skating to make forecheckers miss regularly. He can also join the rush and act as a fourth forward, capitalizing on a plus-level shot.

With soft hands he can make some high-level plays with the puck, however, his decision-making needs a lot of work. Pulkinnen frequently holds onto the puck too long and tries a home run pass when a simple play would be better.

He's a risk-taker who knows he has the tools to make high-end plays but relies on that too heavily at times.

If Pulkinnen can start playing a more structured game, he has the potential to be a unicorn in the league. A 6-foot-6, two-way defenseman who can play in all situations. 

There would be some risk in this pick, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

Another toolsy player, Alfons Freij is one of the best skaters in this draft and has an excellent shot from the point.

At 6-foot-1 he has enough size and competes well too. There are some hockey IQ questions though.

Freij isn't too sound positionally and makes errors in his pinches and gaps but can bail himself out with his skating. Some scouts are concerned he won't be able to get away with those mistakes at the next level.

If you're a big believer in an excellent tool kit and think Freij will figure things out mentally he can be a top-four, two-way defender.

A teammate of Feij, Leo Sahlin Wallenius has a toolkit that reminds me a bit of Tobias Bjornfot.

He's a good skater with solid hockey IQ, but doesn't have the size to be a true shut-down defenseman at just 6-foot, but doesn't have the skill to be an offensive-defenseman, although he does have a good shot.

Of course, there are solid two-way players at his size, but he will need one of his tools to take a big step up if he's to reach that projection.

If the Kings are bought in on his IQ or skating, I could see this pick working out.

Brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson, Cole Hutson is a similar undersized offensive-defenseman.

He doesn't have the elite puck skills of Lane but is a better skater and has high-end hockey IQ as well.

Betting on a 5-foot-10 defenseman is always a risk, especially one with defensive question marks, but there's real offensive upside with Hutson.

Aaron Kiviharju profiles very similar to Hutson but is an inch shorter at just 5-foot-9. Once viewed as a top prospect in this class, Kiviharju lost most of last season to injury and fell as a result.

Again, the tools are there but there aren't many 5-foot-9 defensemen in the NHL for a reason. 

You have to believe the skating is, or will be, elite and and the offense is too if you're going to take Kiviharju.

If the Kings are sold on his traits, this could be a steal at 57.

Of the listed defensemen, Pulkinnen is my top option if he's available at 57. There's just too much upside to look anywhere else.

He could become a core piece for the Kings' blue line alongside Brandt Clarke if he hits.