Remember when the draft was a chance to see which teams would keep it classy & congratulate the Los Angeles Kings on their Stanley Cup victory? Well, that was all forgotten when we had the surreal experience of killing time at work running the NHL Draft Lottery simulator over & over to see how often the Kings would lock down the chance to get Connor McDavid.

For the record, the Kings snagged the first pick on my first try.

Kings fans are going old school here, having spent the past two months watching other teams play for the right to lift Lord Stanley’s Cup & have reverted back to geeking out on NHL draft prospects we’ve never seen, playing in towns we’ve never heard of.

The Kings have the 13th draft pick in a draft that many feel will be among the deepest in recent memory.

John Hoven, founder & editor of Mayor’s Manor, told Even Strength Heroes that it is difficult to predict the Kings approach to this year’s draft.

“They might move up, might move down. Every scenario brings a different answer regarding the player Los Angeles might select,” said Hoven.

“That said, the Kings already have a lot of defense and goaltending prospects. Their early picks will likely be used on forwards.”

So let’s take a look at nine prospects that likely will be on the Kings radar. The list is based on Bob McKenzie’s draft rankings, which were just released. Like Rhys Jessop, managing editor of Canuck’s Army, wrote in a similar post – “McKenzie’s rankings carry a lot of weight because they’re not actually his rankings per se, but rather an industry survey of a variety of scouts that work for NHL teams. McKenzie’s rankings are also generally the most accurate prognosticator of the first round, meaning he’s usually bang-on in terms of the range of picks a guy will be selected in.”

Here are the players that McKenzie has ranked from #10 (wishful thinking) to #18 to get a sense of who the Kings may be drafting in a few weeks. The analysis comes from various sources – TSN, Elite Prospects, & The Projection Project (a new site that applied advanced stats guru Rob Vollman’s NHL Equivalency stats to project a prospects chances & predicting whether they will be a bust, an elite player, or a functional third liner. You can read more about their methodology here).

#10. Mikko Rantanen, RW – 18 years old 6’4, 211 lbs (HC TPS in Finnish Liiga)

TSN’s projects him as a top six two-way forward comparable to the Flyers’ Jakub Voracek.

Mikko is comfortable in a skating game as well as a physical game and because of this, he finds multiple ways to contribute. An all around player who can play in all situations and is highly productive without having to score. Closer to playing in NHL than farther away.

From Elite Prospects

An exceptionally talented playmaker and always a consistent threat on the ice; Rantanen is a combination of elite-level hockey sense, silky smooth hands, and nimble skating. Needs to improve his shot and physical play, as he doesn’t take advantage of his size in many situations. All-in-all, an intelligent, big-bodied forward that oozes skill.

The Projection Project says…there is an 80% chance Rantanen is a bust & there is a 53% chance that he is a bottom six forward, a 20% chance that he is a second line player, & only a 7% chance that Rantanen becomes an elite player.

#11. Zach Werenski, D – 17 years old 6’2, 206 lbs (University of Michigan)

TSN projects Werenski as a top pair complete defenseman, comparable to Brent Seabrook. Adding…

Has ease to his game and is always under control but in command. Werenski is a fluid skater who beats pressure and can create space for himself offensively. He sees the play well and combined with very good passing skills, can create offence. I’ve always felt he deserved to be discussed in the same light as Hanifin.

From Elite Prospects:

A smooth-skating, puck-moving defenceman that has a strong understanding of the game. Excels in key situations and is able to execute under pressure. Possesses good vision and awareness on the ice; uses his abilities to put offensive and defensive pressure on the opposition. All-in-all, a very strong all-around defenceman that consistently brings his game every night.

#12 Timo Meier, RW – 18 years old 6’1, 209 lbs (Halifax Mooseheads)

TSN projects the Swiss right winger as a top line power forward, comparable to Marian Hossa.

Timo is about power, skill and undeniable determination. He can beat you multiple ways either with finesse or power. He has astute awareness of how to play off his linemates and take advantage of opportunities. Relentless in his approach and potential to be an elite power player.

Elite Prospects adds…

A physically dominant winger with the ability to play in a skill or character role. In the offensive end, Meier is very aware and gets himself into spaces where he can easily make seeing eye passes or snap hard, accurate shots. Can impact the game in a number of different ways, and is very consistent in his efforts. All-in-all, the kind of versatile player that you can put on a skill line, and trust to create dangerous chances, or on a shutdown line, and trust to help stop pucks from going into your net.

The Projection Project says…there is a 2/3 chance that Meier will end up as an NHL player. Furthermore, they project that there is a 57% chance that he will be an elite &/or first line player & only a 24% chance that he ends up a bottom six player.

#13. Kyle Conner, C/LW – 18 years old 6’1, 185 lbs (Youngstown Phantoms)

TSN projections have Conner, who will play with the University of Michigan next season, as a top line skilled winger who is comparable to Brandon Saad.

His combination of smarts, skating ability and puck skills makes him a very dangerous offensive player because he can make any type of play as the situation dictates. He can speed the game up or slow the game down. Plays with great confidence and projects as a top line player who can complement others.

From Elite Prospects:

A dynamic two-way center with speed and creativity to burn. Consistently displays elite-level skating ability, and an astonishing top speed. Sees the ice very well and is constantly looking to either score or make a player; the confidence he has in his abilities lets him do things with the puck that other players wouldn’t even try. Skillful puckhandling skills, paired with a deceptively accurate shot, make him a lethal scoring threat. His will to compete and, ultimately, win fuels his defensive game; he tracks the puck well and creates a lot of turnovers. All-in-all, a highly skilled, proactive center that can dominate in all three zones.

The Projection Project says…there is a 2/3 chance that Connor ends up as a NHL regular. There is a 57% chance that he becomes an elite &/or first line player & only a 24% chance that he is a bottom six player.

#14. Jakub Zboril, D – 18 years old 6’2, 188 lbs (St. John Sea Dogs)

TSN says that he projects to be a second pairing competitive defenseman who compares to Niklas Hjalmarsson.

Jakub is more of a puck mover and transporter to the offensive blue line but can play on the power play and contribute with a good shot. He competes physically, bears down on others, doesn’t give an inch and can be nasty as evidenced by two suspensions this season. A top three defenceman who makes it hard on opponents.

Elite Prospects:

Jakub Zboril is a smart, fleet-footed two-way defenseman that plays to his strengths in all three areas of the ice. While he doesn’t aim to impress, he does all of the little things right and plays with an edge. The neutral zone is his launching pad: he is able to take off into the offensive end, or backcheck quickly into his own end. Very sound positionally. Smooth skater with lots of energy to burn. Not afraid to lay the body, or take a hit to make the play; can and will stand up for teammates. Possesses good hands and awareness on the ice, as well as a hard shot that is quite accurate. All-in-all, a complete defenseman that is relied upon to offset any oncoming attacks, as well as create chances in the opposing end. Could end up being that home-run pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Few holes in his game. A low-risk, high-reward type of player. Reminiscent style of play to that of NHL D-man Keith Yandle. Won the National Championship of 6th, 7th, 8th grade players and Czech U16 with HC Kometa Brno.

The Projection Project says…that there is a 59% chance that Zboril is a bust. At the same time there is a 29% chance that he could become a top 4 defenseman.

#15. Travis Konecny, C/RW- 18 years old 5’10, 178 lbs (Ottawa 67s)

TSN projects Konecny to be a second line, gritty winger comparable to Pat Verbeek.

Travis is a very determined competitor who refuses to be denied. He will push through resistance and battle for every bit of space. Has a good shot and can score from 35 feet but will pay the price around net. An improvement in speed and quickness will allow him to get more room and opportunity

Elite Prospects

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.

The Projection Project says…there is a 45% chance that Konecny is a bust. If he makes it as an NHL player, there is a 42% chance that he ends up as a bottom six player.

16. Colin White, C – 18 years old 6’0, 183 lbs (USA U18s, Boston College next season)

TSN projects White to be a second/third line, two way center comparable to Brandon Sutter.

Colin has an innate sense of how to make those around him better and ultimately how to help the team win. He will not put himself ahead of the team and he finds ways to contribute in every area of the game. Steady, consistent and purposeful. No lack of skill but he’s not flashy with it. Solid second-to-third line centre.

Elite Prospects states…

A prolific scoring threat, Colin White is a strong 3-zone player with an eye for scoring chances. Thinks the game at a high level and always seeks to make an impact on the ice, with or without the puck. Never seems to be outbodied and is an exceptional skater. Puck-possession is definitely a strength. All-in-all, a skilled, 200-foot player that does all of the little things right and is able to make a large impact on the game and its outcome.

The Projection Project says…that there is a 70% chance that White is a bust. If he does make it at the NHL level there is a 51% chance that he is a third to fourth liner.

17. Nick Merkley, C/RW – 18 years old 5’11, 191 lbs (Kelowna)

TSN thinks Merkley projects to be a first line playmaking forward who is comparable to Nicklas Backstrom.

Nick has a motor that never stops. He simply doesn’t take kindly to resistance and is always pushing through obstacles. He’s smart and knows how to take full advantage of his skills and combined with his determination, he’s an undeniable force. Can play centre or wing and with improved speed will become even more dangerous and prolific.

Elite Prospects says…

A playmaking center that has an excellent eye for the game; sees the ice like a hawk from above. Creates scoring chances and on-ice energy through taking advantage of puck-possession and making the most of turnovers. Incredible work ethic; will battle against larger players and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work in front of the net. Does not possess the largest frame or a dynamic level of skating; however, he does boast a remarkably high level of Hockey-IQ and a deep understanding of the game. There is something left to be desired having observed his individual skills, such as puckhandling, footspeed, and decision-making, for a prolonged period of time; there is definitely room for improvement in the small areas of his game. All-in-all, Merkley brings a medley of skill, smarts, and work ethic to the table, making him an invaluable asset as a Center.

The Projection Project says…that there is a 48% chance that Merkley is a bust. There is a 47% chance that he is a top six forward & a 16% chance that he is an elite forward.

Here is a profile on Merkley written by Derek Neumeier for Defending Big D.

18. Evgeni Svechnikov, RW – 18 years old 6’2, 199 lbs (Cape Breton)

TSN projects Svechnikov to be a first line scoring winger comparable to Max Pacioretty.

Evgeny is a multi-faceted winger who is as capable of finishing a play as he is making one. A strong skater who threatens defenders and creates chances with an explosive step but can back them off and use space to make a play. He’s difficult to defend because he can beat you in multiple ways. Closer to NHL than most players.

Elite Hockey Prospects says…

Incredibly skilled offensive winger. Has a remarkably accurate shot to go along with some magic hands. Could be better defensively, but his game is based around his acute sense of what is happening on the ice in the offensive zone. All-in-all, a deadly player who possesses good size, elite-level skill, and smooth skating.

The Projection Project says…that there is only a 36% chance that Svechnikov is a bust & there is a 52% chance that he ends up as a elite or first line forward.

If you’re Dean Lombardi – who would you take with that first pick?

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