The NHL Draft is, to say it politely, long. Fortunately, if you missed it (or you lost interest when the picks stopped being televised), we’re here for you. Here’s a quick roundup of the selections made by the Los Angeles Kings.
1st Round
Pick 29: LW Adrian Kempe, Modo (SHL)
CSS Ranking: 6th in Europe
The Quick Assessment: See here.
So Proud to be selected by the best team in NHL! @LAKings
— Adrian Kempe (@adriankempe) June 28, 2014
2nd Round
Pick 50: D Roland McKeown, Kingston (OHL)
CSS Ranking: 27th in North America
The Quick Assessment: See here.
What an amazing day today! Unbelievable feeling being picked by the Stanley Cup Champions @LAKings #dreamcometrue
— Roland McKeown (@McKeown20) June 28, 2014
Pick 60: D Alex Lintuniemi, Ottawa (OHL)
CSS Ranking: 187th in North America
The Quick Assessment: See here.
Big congratulations to @Ottawa67sHockey Big Bird @lintu95 on being selected 60th overall by the @LAKings! #NHLDraft
— Travis Crickard (@TCrickard1) June 28, 2014
3rd Round
Pick 90: C Michael Amadio, North Bay (OHL)
CSS Ranking: 68th in North America
The Quick Assessment: Amadio has the physical tools (6’3″, 200 pounds) and has been described as offensively skilled, though his 38 points in 64 games aren’t blowing anyone away. He and his Battalion had an unexpected run to the OHL Championship Series this season.
Such an honour to be selected by a great organization @LAKings , excited for a new beginning!
— Michael Amadio (@M18amadio) June 28, 2014
4th Round
Pick 118: D Steven Johnson, Omaha (USHL)
CSS Ranking: Not Ranked
The Quick Assessment: For the second straight year, a Minnesota commit was selected by LA in the fourth round. But while Hudson Fasching fell from a lofty ranking, Johnson was off the radar from the beginning. We’ll see if he has an equally great first season with the Gophers.
Honored and humbled to be drafted by the @LAKings ! Extremely thankful for everyone who has helped me get to where I am today!
— Steve Johnson (@Steviej5) June 28, 2014
5th Round
Pick 146: G Alec Dillon, Victoria (BCHL)
CSS Ranking: 13th in North America (among goalies)
The Quick Assessment: The Kings took a goalie in last year’s fifth round as well (Patrick Bartosak). Dillon’s 6’5″ frame has to be appealing, though his .911 SV% in the BCHL didn’t hurt either.
Extremely proud to be apart of @LAKings family, thank you to my friends and family #speechless
— Alec Dillon (@adilly96) June 28, 2014
6th Round
Pick 157: C Jake Marchment, Belleville (OHL)
CSS Ranking: Not Ranked
The Quick Assessment: Bryan Marchment’s nephew, and similarly, a handful to play against. Already 6’3″ and 201 pounds, but don’t expect scoring.
Congratulations to Jake Marchment! 6th round, 157th overall pick of the @LAKings! @JMarch11 #NHLDraft2014 #OHL
— Belleville Bulls (@OHLBulls) June 28, 2014
Pick 180: LW Matt Mistele, Plymouth (OHL)
CSS Ranking: 88th in North America
The Quick Assessment: Mistele dropped from 34 goals and 60 points in 2012-13 to 18 goals and 37 points in 2013-14. A steal if he returns to form, but otherwise, will be a major project.
Couldn’t be happier to be drafted by the @LAKings excited to see what happens in future #cali time to celebrate
— Matt Mistele (@mmistele22) June 28, 2014
7th Round
Pick 209: RW Spencer Watson, Kingston (OHL)
CSS Ranking: 59th in North America
The Quick Assessment: A teammate of both McKeown and #4 overall pick Sam Bennett. Too undersized for the Kings to pick earlier, but the Kings had an extra pick thanks to the Dan Carcillo trade, so why not? Watson has a twin brother (woo!) and it would have been hilarious if LA had picked the other Watson with the final pick at #210. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be.
What an amazing day!!! Extremely happy to be part of the @LAKings organization. A dream come true!!
— spencer watson (@swatty96) June 28, 2014
Pick 210: D Jacob Middleton, Ontario (OHL)
CSS Ranking: 172nd in North America
The Quick Assessment: Big defenseman who played with Lintuniemi in the OHL. Had an up-and-down season which led to a big drop in the rankings, but he held on juuuuust long enough to become the NHL’s Mr. Irrelevant.
Holy heart attack
— Jake Middleton (@MiddzClassy) June 28, 2014
Congrats to all the picks; we hope to see you in black and white someday.