Los Angeles Kings Select Matt Schmalz with 134th Overall Pick

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:

Easily one of the most improved players in the OHL this year. At 6’6, 210lbs, Schmalz can be a very difficult player for opposing defences to stop. A lot of defenders had a difficult time stopping Schmalz off the rush this year, where he’s excellent at using his size to drive the net coming down the wing. His skill with the puck has greatly improved and it’s allowed his offensive game to blossom. He’s also a physical player who thrives on taking the body. Once the key piece of the Corrado/Leivo deal, Schmalz is finally living up to expectations.

Schmalz was undrafted last year, in his first eligible season.