LA Kings: Seven-round mock draft 1.0
By Ryan Sikes
2nd Round, 35th Overall: Tyson Foerster, RW
This year’s version of Arthur Kaliyev. Tyson Foerster has first-round talent, but he’s consistently been mocked in the early second round. Good news for the Kings, who can add to the winger position a guy that scored 36 goals with 44 assists for 80 points in 62 games for the Barrie Colts of the OHL.
A big-bodied forward with deceptive speed. Foerster’s shooting accuracy is arguably his best trait, and he led the OHL with 18 power play goals last year. He features terrific stickhandling and passing abilities as well and projects to be a player like T.J. Oshie.
NHL’s scouting report:
"“A gifted offensive player who displays excellent vision and playmaking ability. High hockey IQ. Excellent puck protection ability. Has a lethal shot with a quick release and the ability to score from multiple angles.”"
2nd Round, 50th Overall: Lukas Cormier, D
Think Quinn Hughes when you watch Lukas Cormier. Smaller in stature, but extremely quick and can light up the box score in bunches. The 18-year-old defenseman tallied six goals with 30 assists for the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMHJHL this past season. During the 2018-2019 campaign, Cormier finished with seven power play goals, but that number dropped to one this year in 19 fewer games.
He’s a guy that loves to put the puck on net, as demonstrated by his 10.9 shot percentage two years ago, which decreased to just 3.4 percent this season. He stands at 5-foot-10, 176 pounds, and he should get stronger as he physically matures. Cormier is not a physical defenseman, but he has good speed to control the gaps and utilizes an active stuck to disrupt opponents.
Hot. Three prospects who could have impact at NHL in 2020-2021. light
2nd Round, 59th Overall: Yan Kuznetsov, D
After grabbing a speedier, puck-moving defenseman, I have the Kings taking a more traditional, stay-at-home defenseman in Yan Kuznetsov. Hailing from Murmansk, Russia, he stands at a towering 6-foot-4, and 201 pounds as an 18-year-old. Prior to his freshman year at the University of Connecticut, Kuznetsov transitioned to North America, playing 34 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede while tallying four assists.
At Connecticut, he scored two goals with nine assists and had the Gold Medal-winning goal for Team Russia at the World Juniors in January 2019. For his size, Kuznetsov has excellent speed and physically imposes his will on opponents. He’s great around the net, knocking down players camped out in front of the goal.