5 LA Kings storylines to watch leading up to the 2025 NHL Draft

It should be a busy week in Los Angeles leading up to the NHL Draft.
Apr 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) during an NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov (84) during an NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
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If they don't trade their first-round pick, what position do they target?

If the Los Angeles Kings don't trade their first round pick, there will be plenty of options for them when they are on the clock with the 24th overall pick. The Kings prospect pool is very shallow right now and they have a lot of needs outside of goalie.

The goalie position is certainly the strength of this group with prospects like Carter George, Hampton Slukynsky and Erik Portillo. Last year's first round pick of Liam Greentree looks like a great selection and hopefully will be in the NHL not long after this next season.

While the Kings seemingly have a lot of needs, it is something that could actually work out in their favor. They may not need to reach for a position and can really take the best player available when it is their turn to pick.

One thing that is worth watching is whether they go with a younger player who has a higher ceiling but might need more time before he is NHL-ready or a player that could be closer to contributing on the Kings to align with their goal of winning now.