The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is just days away, and the Los Angeles Kings own the 17th pick in the draft. As they prepare to make a very important selection, let's revisit some of best draft picks the Kings have made in the 2020's.
The NHL Entry Draft takes place later this week in Buffalo, and teams are hard at work as they prepare to shape the future of their franchises. Included in that group are the Los Angeles Kings.
The Kings currently own the 17th overall pick in the first round as they hope to add a future difference maker for the post Kopitar era.
With that, it feels like a fitting time to revisit three of the best draft selections the Kings have made in the decade of the 2020's.
Brandt Clarke: 2021, Round 1, Pick 8
In 2021, the Los Angeles Kings selected Brandt Clarke of the Barrie Colts with the eighth overall pick.
Clarke, now 23, has played two full seasons with the Kings, after appearing in 25 games from 2022-2024. In 2024-25, Clarke finally found himself as a regular in the L.A. lineup. He has since became the offensive leader on the Kings back-end.
Since being drafted, Clarke ranks 15th in total points among all draftees with 15 goals, 66 assists, and 81 points in 185 career games. He also ranks 4th in points among all defensemen drafted in 2021, behind just Owen Power, Luke Hughes, and JJ Moser.
It is abundantly clear the Brandt Clarke is currently on pace to be Drew Doughty's successor to become the new number one guy in Los Angeles.
Brock Faber: 2020, Round 2, Pick 45
Yes, Brock Faber was in-fact drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in 2020, and yes he never played a single game for the Kings franchise. However that doesn't mean he hasn't provided any value.
In 2022, the Kings traded Faber and first round pick to the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Kevin Fiala.
While Faber has turned into one of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League, Fiala has been a very good addition to the Kings lineup. In 288 games with L.A. Fiala has scored 105 goals along with 140 points for 245 points.
While many wonder what life with Faber in Los Angeles would've looked like, the trade isn't a total disaster thanks to Fiala's offensive production.
Alex Laferriere: 2020, Round 3, Pick 83
The 2020 draft was a successful one for Los Angeles, and not because they had the second overall pick. The Kings were able to find diamonds in the rough in Faber and Alex Laferriere.
'Laf' didn't break into the NHL immediately upon being drafted, but when he did join the Kings lineup in 2023-24, an impact was felt. Laferriere provided depth scoring with 12 goals in 81 games during his rookie season.
In 240 career games, the 24-year-old has 52 goals and 57 assists for 109 points. His point total ranks him 18th among all 2020 draftees.
Not bad for the 83rd overall pick.
© Bob Frid-Imagn Images
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