Un gros draft pour Los Angeles

Depuis le début de la saison dernière, les Kings avait comme objectif de regarnir une banque de prospects très clercemé.  L’équipe n’avait pas le droit de se tromper et devait faire des choix justicieux qui allaient assurer l’avenir de l’équipe.

Les Kings avait principalement deux joueurs sur leurs radars en début de première ronde. Après avoir reculé dans un échange pour acquérir Alex Goligoski, le directeur-général Fournier à effectué un coup d’éclat en acquériant le 8ième choix de la cuvée 2012.

Avec ce choix, les Kings ont mis la main sur le joueur désiré par l’organistion :

Mikhail Grigorenko, 8ième overall

Le grand joueur de centre à le potentiel de devenir un joueur élite dans la LCHV. Il possède une vision du jeu exceptionnel et des qualités athlétiques qui pourrait lui permette de faire le saut avec l’équipe californienne très rapidement ! 

Scouting report  ISS :
After what some might view as a disappointing season, ISS still believes in this young man's natural ability and potential to take his game to another level. Mikhail has all the offensive tools to be a big time Pro player. He can be the best man on the ice when he wants to be & he has exceptional vision & on ice awareness. His ability to enter the zone & dictate the pace of play is simply amazing.He is a big skilled RW with high Hockey IQ and very good puck presence. He protects puck well, has great reach & super puck control. He moves effortlessly as he goes on the attack. He sees the ice well & generates chances making room for his linemates. A case of Mono may expain his lackluster Playoff performance.

Par la suite, une multitude de choix se sont enchainé pour les Kings :

Cody Ceci, 26ième overall

Excellent dans les deux sens de la patinoire, la direction des Kings était extrêment surprise et contente d’avoir la chance de mettre la main sur ce joueurs de joueurs au 26ième rang.

Scouting report  ISS :
Cody plays a dynamic two way game. He continually shows his ability to shutdown the opposition using his speed and smarts. This season he showcased his superior offensive talents where he quarterbacked the Ottawa 67's offense. Cody has shown strengths on both sides of the puck from anticipation in laying the big hit and awareness in rushing the puck up ice. Ceci has tons of confidence on the backend and although being able to shutdown top opponents he has definitely added a high risk, high reward aspect to his game. When he keeps it simple in his own end he is generally more effective. Headsy D-man with tremendous upside. Possesses the right attitude to continue to develop his game.

Slater Koekkoek, 31ième overall

Il était de la paire de défence #1 du Canada dans l’équipe des moins de 17 ans. 

Scouting report  ISS :
Koekkoek is an offensively minded, puck moving defender that possesses a wealth of physical tools. he has a very good stick & he is a tremendous skater. Before his injury Koekkoek was the clear leader on the Petes defence. He displays super mobility & quickness allowing him to cover a lot of territory in all three zones. When he is on his game you notice him all over the ice controlling and really influencing the play. Early in the season at Ivan Hlinka tournament Koekkoek was Canada’s best defender in many games and their best player a lot of the time.

He showed excellent chemistry and quarterbacking ability on the top PP unit with Dumba.

Stefan Matteau, 35ième overall

Attaquant de puissance (power forward) est vraiment le qualificatif qui décrit le mieux Stefan Matteau. 

Scouting report  ISS :

Matteau's energetic and determined style makes him easy to notice. He is capable of putting up good offensive numbers as well. He has size, skill, very good feet, toughness and he competes at a consistently high level. He is strong on the wall and works hard to protect the puck and get it out of the zone. He also moves and distributes the puck quickly.

An entertaining player to watch. He has emerging power forward potential and does a lot of the little things right every shift. Matteau's rights have been traded to Blainville-Boisbriand where his dad is coaching. Stefan is the son of Ex – NHLer Stephane Matteau. He has committed to North Dakota, however we expect him to be in the QMJHL.

Jordan Schmaltz, 46ième overall

Défenseur fiable qui possède un potentiel intéressant à long terme.

Scouting report  ISS :
A player that oozes potential. Schmaltz found himself under the microscope most of the season and did not disappoint. Although he did not explode offensively or jump out in most senses, Schmaltz managed to showcase his strengths and ease worries about his consistency throughout the season. An intelligent and offensive minded defender with good size. He has good vision and is confident when carrying the puck. Regarded as a potential top 2 round pick in this year’s NHL entry draft, Schmaltz played well enough this season to justify the hype but maybe not well enough to increase it. He could use a little more jam in his game considering his size. Either way, there is strong potential and a bright future for the young American blueliner.

Andreas Athanasiou, 52ième overall

Main incroyable, coup de patin excellent ! Manque de constence mais possède les attributs techniques d’un joueur de la NHL

Scouting report  ISS :
This talented offensive speedster had everyone in awe of his ability during the summer with his play at Canada’s U18 evaluation camp and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, but was not been able keep that pace throughout the OHL season. Consistency has been the biggest factor for Andreas this season. He hasn't been able to fully piece his game together. One of the fastest skaters in the draft, he's a jigsaw puzzle that when assembled will be a very good Pro player. He has a quick first step and lightning speed. He must improve his balance and overall strength. He is able to get himself out of contact and traffic because of his speed but at the next level he will be challenged. A dynamic forward with great talent but inconsistent production.

Patrick Sieloff, 59ième overall

Défenseur qui est dur à jouer contre.

Scouting report  ISS :
Sieloff is a defensemen that most players don't like to play against. He is so competitive that he usually wins most battles for the puck in the defensive zone. He can play in all situations, is a super penalty killer and is great at even strength because he can match up against the other team's top line. He is a decent puck handler and a very good skating defenseman who moves well in all four directions. He was outstanding for the American squad at recent World Under-18 Championship helping his team to another Gold medal. Sieloff, who will be joining Barber at Miami, finished with a +3 rating. The assistant captain didn’t record any points, but was part of a defensive core that allowed only four goals over six games.


Brady Vail, 61ième overall

Attaquant two-way, possède une excellent vision de jeu.

Scouting report  ISS :
Vail is an effective two-way forward that projects the potential to produce offensively at the next level. Brady plays a physical and defensively responsible game. He gets his nose dirty in the corners and shows good grit with the ability to win those puck battles. Overall strength is good and has no trouble battling through checks and keep it protected. Keeps the flow moving up ice through his vision and smart passing to enter the offensive zone. Developed very good patience with the puck as the season went on and proved himself as one of the Spits biggest leaders. Game excels when in his own zone or in penalty kill situations, through a combination of his speed, aggressive play and stick he is a tough opponent to compete against.

Chandler Stephenson, 78ième overall

Un marqueur de but et possède déja un tir des grandes ligues.

Scouting report  ISS :
Stephenson is a true goal scorer and has proven it all season. He excels one on one and uses his speed and elvusiveness to beat the opposition. He shoots the puck like a pro with a quick release & can snipe while moving his feet which not many players at this age can do. He does a great job at getting open and finding space in the offensive zone where his teammates can find him. He competes hard and does things with the puck that will get him to the next level.

Samuel is a player that does all the little things that most coaches love. One of his bigest attributes is his keen hockey sense. He reads and understands the game impressively.