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In the fifth round, with the 134th overall pick, the Los Angeles Kings have selected Matt Schmalz.
He's very tall.
Elite Prospects:
Schmalz is a huge, powerful forward who has grown into his body this season. If not for playing on such a weak team. Schmalz would have put up better numbers. He is not the best skater, but knows how to use his massive frame well.
Mark Seidel, North American Scouting:
I think even he would admit he had a disappointing year last year. It was his draft year and I said at the beginning of the year that there was no way he wasn't a draft, but he really struggled. To his credit, he worked hard, he had a great camp in Montreal, then he came back here and he's become the player most thought he should be, or he's becoming that player.
I think the biggest thing is he has shown a toughness that I don't think anybody knew he had in him. Sure, he's a big, strong kid, but I don't think I've seen him lose a fight and certainly, that aspect of the game is being diminished year by year, but his ability to stand up for his teammates and be a physical force and intimidate opponents is becoming part of his package and it's pretty impressive.
OHL Prospects:
Schmalz was undrafted last year, in his first eligible season.