This past week has been crazy in the NHL but we knew it would be insane. The Los Angeles Kings were busy and not just at the NHL Entry Draft. For this week, we will look at the draft selections, with the signings to be looked at next week.
The Kings selected defenseman Brandt Clarke with their first pick (8th overall). With some comparing him to current Kings defenseman Drew Doughty, Clarke has all of the offensive tools to lead a powerplay or jump in the play and create offense as Doughty does. Defensively, he could use some polishing and could also fine-tune his skating.
The Kings then selected Francesco Pinelli in the 2nd round (42nd overall). The center was considered a 1st round pick with a ton of skill but fell into the King’s hands in the 2nd. A very skilled player who is more of a playmaker but still capable of scoring 30 goals.
Then the Kings drafted a monster on skates. Samuel Helenius, at 6-foot-6 and 200 pounds, was taken in the 2nd round (59th overall). Although his game is more of a defensive game, he can provide offense if given the time and space. He plays a nasty game that will help the grinding game in the playoffs.
With their last pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, the Kings chose defenseman Kirill Kirsanov in the 3rd round (84th overall). A solid, thick blueliner at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, he plays a simple, defensive game. He is a gap closer who doesn’t shy away from the physical game. An in-your-face, hitting style of physical, not a penalty minute leader.
Those are the newest Los Angeles Kings. Who were you surprised they took? Who did you want in Los Angeles? Next week we will look at the Kings signings.
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(photo: rawcharge.com ; Lauren Kelly) (photo: lakingsinsider.com ; Zach Dooley)
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