2017 NHL Draft: Los Angeles Kings Select F Drake Rymsha With 138th Pick
The Michigan-born forward was passed over in last year’s draft after missing time due to injury
Drake Rymsha is a center from Michigan who split his past season in the OHL between the Ottawa 67s and the Sarnia Sting. Rymsha will most likely return to the Sting next year, for his last year of juniors eligibility. He had a tough road to being drafted; in his first year of draft eligibility, he wasn’t selected, after having missed out on half of the season with a broken leg.
RD 5 | PICK 138 @LAKings have selected #Sting forward Drake Rymsha! pic.twitter.com/8Jcru3LKR2
— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) June 24, 2017
He looks to be a bit of a long shot project for the Kings, but it looks like they’re hoping he continues to bounce back after essentially losing a season to injury. He was second on the Sting last year in total points, and first in goals -- if you take into account points scored while with the 67s. Even without the points from his previous team, he still had a strong season, with 20 goals and 13 assists while with Sarnia.
There’s not much out there about Rymsha, so he’s one to keep an eye on this year in juniors to see what we can learn.
The Huntington Woods, Mich. native is also a Michigan fan. Can not confirm who asked that question. #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/lQo8sPJV7z
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) June 24, 2017
Rymsha is the Kings’ final selection in the 2017 draft; they traded their final sixth-round pick to the Islanders in exchange for their 2018 sixth-round pick.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Grit! Not afraid to drop the gloves
- Largely unranked by scouting reports
- Needs to work on consistency on the ice/
In the 5th round, 138th overall, the #LAKings select center Drake Rymsha#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/ugjzyGkkuZ
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) June 24, 2017
RANKINGS
NHL Central Scouting (North American skaters): 118th
Future Considerations: 108th
Kings take overage C Drake Rymsha. Hits, good in all three zones. American kid.
— Steve Kournianos (@TheDraftAnalyst) June 24, 2017
Drake Rymsha goes as an overager. I was in the building when he suffered a brutal leg break in his draft year. Long road. Physical forward.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) June 24, 2017
Nice to see Sarnia Sting forward Drake Rymsha selected by the Los Angeles Kings. Made most of his opportunity in Sarnia. Sneaky skill.
— Brendan Ross (@RossyYoungblood) June 24, 2017
WHAT EVERYONE’S SAYING
“I've worked hard for everything I've gotten. Coming to Sarnia put that confidence in me to play and show my talents.”
He takes pride in playing a 200-foot game and competing hard every night. He said NHL teams have also spoken in their pre-draft interviews about his ability to play a variety of roles.
“They just like that I'm a very versatile player,” Rymsha said. “I can play anywhere in the lineup. I can be a top-six forward and I can be a third-, fourth-line guy.”
Rymsha is optimistic about being drafted. He and his agent have each spoken to “a good amount of teams,” he said.
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