Here’s what Dean Lombardi had to say tonight after the first round of the draft, and after the Kings selected defenseman Derek Forbert at No. 15. The Kings enter tomorrow with seven picks, but you never know what might happen. The draft resumes at 10 a.m., and I’ll be hosting a chat at that time, so please drop in and see how the draft is going. Here’s the interview with Lombardi…
Question: Can you talk about the decision to move up and take Forbort where you did?
LOMBARDI: “The draft shotgunned pretty fast. He was next on our list and we didn’t think he would get to us (at No. 19) and he was pretty well separated from what we thought we would be able to get at our pick. Before the draft, you always think about that value analysis. `Would you give up this and this in order to get this?’ Clearly this guy was in that layer where we would say, `OK, we’ll pay for it.’ So I was trying to pay for it. I had tried to move up about three or four picks before, and then finally I got it. He was the last player left who was in that bracket. If he wasn’t there, it wasn’t going to happen. It just all goes into valuing the slot. That’s how it’s done.”
Question: It seemed like kind of an unusual first round, with guys dropping all over the place…
LOMBARDI: “That’s what was happening. In some ways, it was predictable. The two top guys were there. I kind of describe it like a slope. Sometimes you get guys on (one plateau) and then (a lower plateau). This draft had two guys, and then the slope didn’t come down very quickly. It kind of stayed up. So when you hear people say, `Hey, that guy was fifth on my list and I got him at 20,’ that’s very predictable. That’s what you saw here. It was just kind of question of where you take your guys. They’re all good players. Some people just like some players more than others. It’s kind of a deep draft, but it’s not deep in the sense of the Getzlaf draft. That draft was deep where you were going to get (top players) in the middle rounds. It’s not that kind of deep, but they’re still good players.”
Question: What was it that you liked about Forbort?
LOMBARDI: “He’s going to a great program. As you can see, he’s clearly raw. He’s young. But when you get a defenseman that size, with that type of range, there’s a lot of upside. Like I said, we like where he’s going to be [North Dakota]. With our reserve list, we can do that now. We can put a kid in college and let him go, as long as he’s in a good program. We’ve got our other defensemen to develop, so we can take our time with him. We’re not in that situation where you have to force guys into the lineup early. So you look at the potential upside. He’s raw in some areas, but there’s some things to work with there, when he’s got that size and that range.”
Question: He talked about having only a quick interview with the Kings. Did you feel like you heard what you needed to hear?
LOMBARDI: “I’m not huge on that. I think interviews just confirm things. When you get to the interview stage, that is so programmed. Your job, your scouts’ job, is to get down there during the season and get to know him and the coaches. Those interviews are really dangerous, because by that time you’ve had kids go through 25 interviews and they become scripted. It’s more about the work done by your regional (scout), to get down there and find out about this guy. Obviously, we had some inside knowledge in terms of the guy in that area. Tony Gasparini, his dad was the legendary coach there at North Dakota, so we were connected there in terms of the type of kids they pick. North Dakota is like USC. They get good players, the right players.”
Question: You mentioned trying to move up earlier. Was the price just too high?
LOMBARDI: “No. Sometimes you can’t even get a price. Sometimes you zero in on a guy, and particularly on draft day, picks have more value. At the trade deadline, we throw them around like nickels. Then on draft day, it’s almost like we hold them like gold. The other thing that happens is, you have scouts out there the whole year, and this is kind of like their day, so maybe you’re hesitant not to give them a guy they’ve zeroed in on. Only from about four picks ahead of him were people even considering it. Then, right before the pick, they go, `Ah, we’re taking it.’ Then you just keep working back.”
Question: Was he the highest player on your list in that area?
LOMBARDI: “Well, obviously he was higher on our list than a lot of other people. You see that happen. I’m pretty sure Anaheim was surprised Fowler was there. But again, that’s what can happen. But yeah, obviously he was, or we wouldn’t get that aggressive and try to move up. The guys who were around there, they were falling [getting picked], and if he goes, then we stop, and we probably move back. I had some deals to move back. Quite frankly, when we got to (pick) 10, I thought we were going back. Then it goes the other way.”
Question: Is tomorrow still about picking the best player available, or do you look more at forwards?
LOMBARDI: “It’s still the best player available. If they’re tied, then I’ll trend toward forwards. Then again, I could make one deal at some point and then it’s, `Boom, it’s a good thing we’ve got extra defensemen.’ Tomorrow is usually when you get a little more movement, in terms of people wanting picks and things.”
SO much content. Thanks Rich!
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terrific work by the staff. we basically added another top 10 player from the draft.
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Thanks DL_Tomorrow is usually when you get a little more movement, in terms of people wanting picks and things
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maybe rich you could ask if they had any thoughts about taking etem? it seemed like the stars were aligning in staples after the trade was announced…
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baileyfan Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
@Stop the Puck, On the topic of the Etem pick, has anyone noticed how the Ducks always seem to pull off steals? Think about it.
They got TWO 1st rounders, a blue chip prospect, and Lupul from Philly for one player- Pronger.
They not only got Toronto to take the worst contract in the NHL off their hands, Giguere, but also managed to get Jason Blake.
Cam Fowler is the highest ranked defenseman in the Draft, and is mysteriously left out until the 12th pick.
Same goes for Emerson Etem, who was passed over 28 times until the Ducks got him at 29.
It’s almost as if other GM’s are scared of getting a barstool thrown at them too, so they do what Murray wants.
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tantrum4 Reply:
June 25th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
@baileyfan,
I’m not sure I understand all the fuss about Etem. He was drafted 29th overall for pete’s sake. Some teams even passed on him twice! I know you guys like him because he’s from Cali, but outside of that state I don’t think he’s though of as very special.
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berniernextroy Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 1:26 am
@tantrum4,
yep, everyone is crying because he is a local kid…I’ve been really happy with this pick Dean made. Potential top two Dman in the future, if he maxes out on his potential. He could be paired with Doughty down the road. Derek is a big boy and would compliment Doughty down the road.
Again, we’re looking at the future. The DRAFT is NOT for NOW. The draft is the WRONG place to look for the present. That’s what the free agency is for, and I am pretty sure Dean is gunning for Kovie.
Kris Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 2:23 am
@tantrum4, I’m good with our pick. Just because I grew up in Long Beach as well doesn’t make me want him. Hell he probably saw my brother play for the Ice Dogs in Long Beach 7 years ago. There is a reason why so many passed on him. From a few things I read, well I am more upset at Fowler going to the Ducks than him (Granted Fowler to Ducks has led to so many wonderful jokes so far).
As for ours. I think it was the right move. But only time will tell.
HBfan Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 8:38 am
@tantrum4,
I agree on EE, but every report I’ve seen on Fowler is that he is solid with the puck. Without the puck he is soft and doesn’t battle in his own end. Everyone is saying about the steals the Ducks keep getting but their recent drafting history is very Mc Masterlike. Mark Mitera anyone? I’ll trust DL’s judgement, after all, he is the reason we have the #2 rank in Hockey’s Future farm team rankings. He is gonna shine today. Just wait. Keep in mind when DL took Simmer in the 2nd in 07 so-called experts called it the worst pick of the draft. There is a reason he’s a GM and these so-called experts are making 24k a year for their mostly worthless/what does ever one else have this kid ranked opinions
JDBiG Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 11:05 am
@tantrum4,
I completely agree. I was at the draft and a little disappointed, but I heard them compare him to Joffrey Lupul. Really? That’s not much to jump up and down about. If that’s his maximum upside, I’m not that impressed.
Etem in an interview said he modeled his game after Gaborik. If he had the upside of Gaborik, then I’d have taken him.
Again, I was a little disappointed, but I trust Lombardi. This guy is going to college, so we don’t have to worry about him for a few years.
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 10:34 am
@baileyfan, I agree! Its not so much about losing Etem. Time will tell if Dean made a blunder or not. But it does seem that the Ducks got a boat load of talent for Pronger. The deals that they make always make sense and they are always getting bargains.
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good stuff Rich.
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Is tomorrows part of the draft only being shown on the nhl network?
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Paul From Oxnard Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 4:17 am
@David, Yes, only on the NHL Network starting at 10am Pacific.
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JWR Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 8:14 am
@Paul From Oxnard,
It’s also being live streamed on Kings Vision
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David Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 8:25 am
@JWR, Thank you so much!
Great stuff as always Rich. Top notch.
I do wish you could have asked the direct question about Etem. I know myself and all thefans around me we’re stunned when we moved up and then didn;t pick Emerson. Obviously DL knows way more than we do, but I sure would be curious to know where DL had Etem ranked since everyone else had him so dang high.
Anaheim knew something. Having his name on his jersey on the stage tells me that. Maybe an interview with the Ducks GM might shed some light on this in a better way than putting DL on the spot about Emerson???
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Darrell Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 3:36 am
@Cynic, Maybe as Duthie mentioned on TSN, the Ducks were planning on picking him at #12. But by sheer dumb luck Fowler was available. Then Etem came around again and they couldn’t pass?
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Kevin Y Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 6:25 am
@Darrell,
Sounds reasonable.
I live in Long Beach, and I’m 19 years old. So I understand what it’s like.
I read somewhere that Etem was a Kings fan growing up (somebody here, or on Twitter said that). Must be awkward for him going to the Ducks. Kinda like Paul Pierce, a Lakers fan from Inglewood, being drafted by the Celtics and having to play the Lakers twice in the Finals.
Either way, good for Etem. A 1st round NHL draft pick from my hometown makes me proud. The fact he was picked by a local team (and where I live in LB, Anaheim’s actually closer than LA is from me), must be great for him.
And when he makes the Ducks, to see him be a part of this Freeway Faceoff will be awesome.
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Well done today Kings. And what a kick seeing the draft live at Staples. Looking forward to tomorrow, and thank you Rich for your (usual) top-notch work throughout today!
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I don’t scout 18 year olds for a living, so I will trust the opinions of DL and his staff. Based upon everything I have read, it appears that Forbert had the highest ceiling of the kids on the board.
Therefore, how can you argue taking a kid with the most potential when he most likely won’t even play in the NHL for 2-3 years? Yes, it would be great to find a LW that can store 25 goals a year and is a solid 2 way player, but there is virtually no chance that is going to happen with the 19th pick or the 15th pick.
I trust DL. Just remember, that some hack called Wayne Simmonds the worst pick in the draft. Enough said!
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Kevin Y Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 6:26 am
@OC Kings Fan,
Who was that “hack”?
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Anyone else find it odd that NO team congratulated the Blackhawks on their Stanley Cup victory?
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Doc. Mark 1968 Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 4:33 am
@Darrell,
No, this is not surprising. GM’s are too busy trying to figure out how they are going to beat them next year.
It’s like if the U.S. were to win the World Cup. It would be another reason for the world to hate us. People are suspicious and fearful of the strong and the beautiful!
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Darrell Reply:
June 27th, 2010 at 2:43 am
@Doc. Mark 1968, On the contrary, I thought it was tradition to congratulate the Cup winners. When DL made his first pick as Kings GM he kind of stood out because he paid tribute to John Ferguson Sr. instead. It kind of goes along with the “thanks for the hospitality” blurb. They only added the “shout out to the fans at home” a few years ago.
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The second to last sentence may be quite telling for todays draft, “Boom, it’s a good thing we’ve got extra defensemen”. DL could be moving around some and a dman could be part of that deal.
Great job Friday Rich, really well done.
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DLB Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 8:55 am
@DP, that perked my ears right up too.
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Great work, Rich!
I know that DL was talking with San Jose’s GM for some time. Maybe that was the possible move backwards.
This has been a real education in the draft.
Thank you.
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Interesting that he refers to ’03 as “the Getzlaf draft” and not “the Brown draft.” Heh. But that year was stacked. Parise, Kesler…
Fascinating interview. Thanks again, Rich.
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Simon Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 9:24 am
@DLB,
What about calling it the Brian Boyle Draft.
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USHA#17 Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 9:54 am
@Simon,
Speaking of Bryan Boyle
http://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/2010/5/21/1482843/boyle-tells-it-like-it-is
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Nice Pick by Deano, Round 2 should be interesting to see who trades what for who. I think more packages will be made in round 2-7.
BTW Im glad the GM’s didnt waste time with phony “congrats” to the Blackhawks. Every year its the same thing, glad they bucked the trend.
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Though I’m a little surprised about the pick, I won’t question Lombardi’s strategy.
This has been an education in the draft thanks to Mr. Hammond! Great articles and insight and Lombardi’s willingness to share his strategy and thought process is equally revealing.
About Etem going to the Ducks; I’d rather Lombardi and the Kings stick to their core beliefs (i.e. best player with right personality and character) than draft a player simply for PR purposes.
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tellmeY Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 9:50 am
@dMan, well said dman…the kid we picked was ranked 9th by central scouting and 5th by that red line publication…and he is a big boy! Interesting why the Etem kid did not go till #19 and was ranked what in the top #5? Hmmmmmm….
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At first I was a bit weirded out by the pick too, but after doing my research, a 6 foot 5 defenseman with 4 goals and 10 assistants in 20 some odd games is pretty good. He’s at 198 now, i’d say in 3 years when he makes the team he will be at the MINIMUM 210 pounds and this guy is gonna be damn beastly. He’s also being recognised as a possible # 1 or 2 d-man when he finally does make it but since we already have doughty, i’d say he lines up with him as the #2 or with Johnson as the # 4 some day. Wow, that’s a great defensive line up. Imagine…Doughty/Teubert Johnson/Forbort Hickey/Voynov.
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Good2bKings Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
@USCG, I like your imagination!
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paul Reply:
June 26th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
@USCG, My thoughts exactly i felt like dean was building around doughty with fe fi fo forbart should be interesting.It made me feel we should see a deal soon with doughty to be signed as a La king for a very long time.the kings
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