No. 15: Forbort to Kings

With the 15th overall pick, the Kings selected defenseman Derek Forbort of the USA under-18 team. Forbort had been ranked No. 9 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Forbort is a 6-foot-5, 198-pound native of Duluth, Minn. Check out Forbort’s bio by clicking here.

92 Comments

  1. pautna says:

    Sweet jersey!!!

    [Reply]

    Matt George Reply:

    @pautna,

    UG!!

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    USHA#17 Reply:

    @pautna,

    The second generation of the forum gold jerseys s***. If they were gonna do it they should have gone for the (solid) gold!

    [Reply]

    John Reply:

    @USHA#17,

    I totally agree…but prefer the solid purple. I REALLY wish they’d go with that one!

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  2. Adam says:

    I wonder if they could have had him without trading up? Oh well, we’ll see how this pans out in 5 years.

    ANOTHER D MAN?

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  3. gboi says:

    seems like a good pick to me! we shall see! our D prospects r stacked.

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  4. Ravens says:

    Nice pick up,,BIG guy—http://www.mynhldraft.com/2010/NHL-Draft-Profiles/Derek-Forbort

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  5. Chuck says:

    Welcome to LA Forbort!

    I’m a little suprised about taking another D-Man. We need a Winger more.

    Nice touch going with the Purple & Gold jersey, BTW!!!

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    Real 9 Reply:

    @Chuck,
    we need a winger more….
    which immediately suggests [to me, at least]
    that there’s a trade in the wind; not necessarily today or tomorrow….
    we trade some of that depth of top prospects
    for an experienced, proven, goal scorer….
    hint:
    Chi needs some “light” contracts…
    but lots of other possibilities other than Chi…

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  6. Buster says:

    I’m disappointed that we didn’t get Etem or Watson out of this.

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  7. gcheng says:

    man. i was hoping for Etem……. another defenseman ….

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  8. McDonalds says:

    Why not Etem? and another d-man?

    regardless, welcome to the team!

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  9. tantrum4 says:

    TSN said Forbort was the highest ranked player they had still not drafted. Another solid pick by DL. Our d is going to be sick and it’s also frees up another d prospect for a trade…

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    Ersberg Reply:

    @tantrum4, I agree. Maybe DL is looking to deal Hickey or Teubert.

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    KFAN Reply:

    @Ersberg, That was my first thought aswell. I agreed with the both of you that they will trade either Teubert or /and Hickey

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    ryan Reply:

    diffently a trade comming , since we are stacked of d-men. Seems good DL is going to make a splash if we don’t get what we want in the offseason.

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    LB Reply:

    @tantrum4,
    I asked EJ McGuire (director NHL central scouting) about Forbort and he said, “he’ll be another Rob Blake in 5 years” but not in 2 years…he’s going to take some time to develop, so this pick is for 3 to 5 years down the line. When I asked why another dman, he said – you can never have enough quality defensemen.

    [Reply]

    Buster Reply:

    @LB,

    In being another Rob Blake, you mean ripping off the C in a contract dispute, right?

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @LB, “he’ll be another Rob Blake in 5 years”

    Boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

    [Reply]

  10. Tookie says:

    I’ll take Forbert, Seems like a monster BUT I was chanting Etem the whole time…

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  11. Datacloud says:

    The VS guys like the pick – say he has the most pro potential of the top ranked d-men, but is a few years off.

    The trade was conditional, that it wouldn’t happen if FLA didn’t get who they wanted with the 25th pick. Anybody care to explain what that means? The pick is done – they can’t wipe that clean, can they?

    [Reply]

    Arron Reply:

    @Datacloud,

    They are referring to the trade the Panthers have with the Canucks not the Kings.

    [Reply]

    Datacloud Reply:

    @Arron, Got it. Thanks for the clarification.

    [Reply]

    Datacloud Reply:

    @Arron, Got it. Thanks for the clarification fellas.

    [Reply]

    -J Reply:

    @Datacloud,

    that’s the florida-vancouver trade.

    If the player van wants is still available at 25, they’ll keep the pick and give florida their 1st rounder next year.

    [Reply]

  12. king_stoner says:

    DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!!!

    [Reply]

    IceGuy Reply:

    @king_stoner,
    I thought goals actually won games, which in turn win championships. Looks like Quick/Bernier better live on shut outs for the next couple of years.

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  13. Michael says:

    WHY MORE D??? UGH

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  14. rick says:

    I hope this means that DL is planning on trading other of our young D-men. Otherwise, I don’t get this one.

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  15. Ravens says:

    Let’s hope Dean feels he is getting a big time winger through free agency or trade

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  16. Jason says:

    this is dumb, another D man, what a horrible choice

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  17. contreras says:

    cmon guys,.
    Great D-Men are hard to come by.
    this kid was ranked higher, and while Etum was ecpected to be available for LA,.this kid wasnt!
    We are lucky to have him,
    and with Teubert, Hickey, Johnson and Doughty,.we are so stacked at a position many teams are trying to improve at.
    Offensmen can be had, via trade or FA…
    future Doughtys you grab when you can.
    who would we have grabbed at 56?

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  18. DLB says:

    Drafting a winger today still wouldn’t fix our needs as they are now. Looks like a good pick!

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    OneTimer Reply:

    @DLB,

    This is precisely what 90% of the folks on here don’t seem to grasp. This is an 18 year old- and he’s still many years away (when we’ll need him.) Meaning- TODAY is not the day to get our “winger” (unless it’s thru a trade yet TBD).

    And not to say that a forward can’t make the NHL right out of the gate, but they are named:

    Stamkos
    Crosby
    Tavares
    Kane
    Ovechkin
    Nash

    … and they are taken 1st or 2nd overall … not FIFTEENTH (or 19th).

    [Reply]

    PRMan Reply:

    @OneTimer,

    Schenn…

    [Reply]

    DLB Reply:

    @OneTimer, Precisely. When you’re outside of the top few picks, it’s all about long-term investment. This is part of Dean’s “draft at least two bona-fide future NHLers every year to sustain the dynasty” strategy. I like the sound of that.

    Even Schenn needed a year of seasoning, but he’s definitely something special — that’s why he went at #5.

    [Reply]

  19. funky says:

    our future 2nd pairing partner with Hickey?

    maybe D.L is moving out a dman prospect in a trade?

    Like the pick

    [Reply]

  20. WWAMD says:

    Is this Deans way to make up for Tyler Myers screw up?

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    number 6 Reply:

    @WWAMD,
    It wasn’t a screw up…. to you it was… but that doesn’t make it a screw up. I think fifteen teams passed on Mike Bossy… Toronto I think passed on him twice.

    [Reply]

    AZ King Reply:

    @number 6,

    The draft is such a gamble. Think of how many teams passed up on 2 guys named Zetterberg and Datsyuk. I think they’ve ended up being pretty good players. There are also a couple #1 picks that ended being total busts.

    [Reply]

    Puck2dahead Reply:

    @number 6,

    Right! Remember, Simmonds was passed up for 2 whole drafts if I read Hammond’s interview correctly. Who doesn’t think he was worth it now?

    [Reply]

    Histkng23 Reply:

    @WWAMD, I was thinking the same thing, in that this was a “Make-Up” pick for passing on Myers a couple of years ago. After reading his profile in the 2010 issue of THN’s Draft Preview, they described him to be very similar to Tyler Myers. Even though Myers has only played one year, and looked good during it, it remains to be seen how he’ll be 5 years from now. But if Forbort is anything like Myer’s 1st year was, I’ll be happy.

    [Reply]

  21. Belexes says:

    Like this pick alot!

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  22. Steve McQueen says:

    This is a solid solid pick. The guy was ranked much higher and when he fell to 15, DL had to jump on it.

    [Reply]

  23. Jim S. says:

    Lombardi trends towards D… so I am not surprised. Just keep on loading up on defense and I see trades & UFA as the way to acquire scoring. Hopefully Forbort is a more mobile version of Teubert.

    [Reply]

    rick Reply:

    @Jim S., I hope he is better than Teubert, too. Which, if true, makes the trade for the Teubert pick all the more questionable. For all his successes, DL has pulled up lame more than once. I hope this isn’t one of those times.

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  24. dannybuoy1 says:

    favorite NHL team the North Stars? They left when he was like what 2?

    [Reply]

  25. DLB says:

    Check this out. At least one scout thinks he’s way better than Fowler et al :)

    http://www.goduluthschools.com/?p=4739

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @DLB,
    Thanks for that link. I had a good feeling about this kid the moment they made the pick.

    [Reply]

    Moondoggie Reply:

    @DLB, Nice review…..thx!

    [Reply]

  26. Retroactive says:

    I wonder if this is the replacement for Johnson. He will be a tough contract next year and they can’t pay everyone. Johnson could also be the chip needed to bring the #1 scorer – like Nash?

    I would have liked Watson or Etem.

    [Reply]

    Tookie Reply:

    @Retroactive,
    There’s no way the kid makes the team this year. Sounds like he’ll need at least a couple more years.

    [Reply]

    Retrocative Reply:

    @Tookie, I’m not talking this year but there are other assets in the system to soften the blow if Johnson does get delt – which I think he will. He will want Dougty dollars and the Kings have a lot of other young players to pay. Can’t pay them all what they want.

    [Reply]

    Retroactive Reply:

    @Tookie, I’m not talking about this year but in 2-3. There are assets in the system the soften the blow until he is ready. I think Johnson will be trade because he will want Doughty dollars and the kings have a lot of young talent to pay. Including a yet to get stud forward. They can’t pay everyone what they want.

    [Reply]

    Real 9 Reply:

    @Retroactive,

    Forbort is commited to U. of North Dakota….
    a couple of years there and he might be ready
    for the big jump….

    [Reply]

    kingfish Reply:

    @Retroactive,
    no way we are trading JMFJ he is a core piece of the team. I like this pick, hes gonna be a beast but this kid is at least 4 years away from possibly making the roster. Good move by DL, get the best player you can. We can always trade.

    [Reply]

  27. Tookie says:

    Rich is so getting us an interview right now….
    Thanks Rich!

    [Reply]

  28. Moondoggie says:

    Yep, I was pulling for Etem too…..but……

    In DL, we trust. Forbort will work out just like everything else DL has done. Good argument here too, defense does win championships…..

    GO KINGS!

    [Reply]

  29. DW says:

    Interesting pick. Hopefully we pick up a wing in free agency. Kings need some offensive production in their first two lines.

    [Reply]

  30. Alex says:

    Nice pickup, he is a dang big guy, hope he is one that uses his size,

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  31. tantrum4 says:

    Wow I didn’t know Bennett played in Penticton last year. That’s about a 45 minute drive from where I live here in Kelowna..

    [Reply]

  32. gcheng says:

    i hope the kings trade up and snatch up etem b4 ducks gets to pick in the first round

    [Reply]

    Tookie Reply:

    @gcheng, This is the only reason I’m still listening. If the Sucks get him I’ll be pissed a little. stupid ducks…..

    [Reply]

  33. Michael says:

    is rich getting an interview? is that why the updates stopped

    [Reply]

  34. KingsfaninWNY says:

    if the Kings were as stacked on D as some here think, i don’t think DL makes this move. as for a trade, does anybody think other GM’s are blowing up DL’s cell for CT and TH? i have no hope for TH, and CT i have very little hope for. peeps in here who were able to follow Manchester didn’t think highly of CT.

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  35. Miller29 says:

    Didn’t take long for him to take the Jersey off…

    [Reply]

    Darrell Reply:

    @Miller29, They had a “modern” Kings jersey they wanted him to put on for the media interviews, that’s all.

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  36. HBfan says:

    I can’t believe anyone thinks that a forward drafted here would help the big club this year. You gotta take the best player available regardless of what position you need

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  37. Kingsfanforlife says:

    Met etem earlier in the day and he said he would have liked to go to minnesota but they passed. Also met his mom great family!! Great kid good luck to him!!

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  38. PuckHead27 says:

    Some of you people like to read way too much into things.

    Forbort, BPA at 15, he dropped a little and I highly doubt he would have been there at 19, DL and the scouting staff saw an opportunity and they took it. Well done IMO.

    You can’t draft for need, BPA is the way to go. The Kings may need help on the wing next season, but they weren’t gonna find it at 15 or 19.

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  39. Joel says:

    Nice little interview by Forbort after his selection.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVmNiDlCpLE

    [Reply]

  40. Orphios says:

    This is going to be a great pick..Doughy/Johnson/Hickey/Teubert/Voynov/Campbell/Martinzez/Forbert/Muzzin = YIKES!!!!

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  41. King John says:

    Forbert must feel like the Kings REALLY like and want him, having traded up for him!

    [Reply]

  42. Quisp says:

    I can’t believe Forbort was still available at 15. I guess neither could Lombardi. Thus, the trade.

    Note to people looking to get a winger for 2010-11: you know this is the entry draft, right?

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @Quisp,

    :-)

    [Reply]

    Moondoggie Reply:

    @Quisp, Good perspective Quisp. None of these guys are NHL ready, possibly Hall or Sequin and that’s pretty much it. Everything you read on Forbort is positive and is there any team in the NHL with a better core of young defensemen??

    [Reply]

    Quisp Reply:

    @Moondoggie,

    It’s a solid pick. People forget, defensemen take years to ripen. Doughty is a freak of nature.

    You need a steady stream of these kids coming up, year after year. I really am surprised Forbort was available to us. I think somebody (9-14) screwed up.

    [Reply]

    number 6 Reply:

    @Quisp,
    Yeah Quispie. In all the pre draft ‘mock drafts’ each journalist had him going anywhere from 10th and 11th but never lower than 12th and that was in only one mock draft out of five that I saw.

  43. Yes!
    Buy American
    Hopefully he will ready early for
    NHL and Our Kings

    [Reply]

  44. IceGuy says:

    Forbort is huge – skinnny, but huge. Yes he will eventually fill out. And I hope he pans out as well. But, to those who say this is an “entry draft” you are correct. However, I am reminded of the fact that over a year ago, even before the 2009 Entry Draft, several people pointed out to Lombardi that what the Kings really needed was a sniper Left Wing. His reply, “Get in shape”. Kopi improved. Brown was a better Captain. Left Wing? No help there. Hickey is not the answer. Teubert is not the answer. And it is way too early to even consider Forbort being a question. Left Wing? Offensive help for the team? I don’t see it. And with this pick, Lombardi forces himself to navigate into Trade waters, where he has proven to be much less an expert than a Drafter. The Forbort pick plays to Lombardi’s strength, and to the team’s continuing weakness.

    [Reply]

    Arron Reply:

    @IceGuy,

    What makes you an expert to say that Hickey is not the answer or Tuebert is not the answer? What credentials do you have?

    Defensemen take a lot longer than forwards to mature into the NHL. Doughty is the exception not the rule. I don’t think anyone should be ready to dump these guys or dump on these guys.

    [Reply]

    Joel Reply:

    @IceGuy, Don’t be so quick to give up on Hickey. He’s just been limited by injuries. The talent and intelligence are there. Muzzin had major injuries that kept other teams from even considering him, and he turned everything around in a short period of time to make himself a highly sought after prospect. I think the same thing will happen with Hickey next season. He’s my pick to make the club.

    I know some people are down on Teubert, but I wouldn’t give up on him either. You can’t teach his size and nastiness. Some of the hits he dishes out are brutal. He just needs a couple seasons with Manchester to develop better instincts.

    I’m pretty excited about the depth on defense the Kings have in their system now. They’re pretty stacked for the next few years, and it will cushion the blow a bit if they can’t keep Johnson.

    [Reply]

    LBlocal Reply:

    @IceGuy, Chill, bro. Building a “winning organization, the right way” takes time. Patience my friend. Summer just begun. No meltdowns, please. DL & staff know exactly what they are doing, IMO.

    Los Angeles Kings – Season Records 2007-08, 09-10

    YEAR GP W L OTL SOL PTS W/PCT GF GA
    0708 82 32 43 4 3 71 0.433 231 266
    0809 82 34 37 3 8 79 0.482 207 234
    0910 82 46 27 1 8 101 0.616 241 219

    GO KINGS!

    ps. El Segundo, next week. D-Camp. Be there!

    [Reply]

  45. Will says:

    I don’t know people are complaining about getting another D-man? Good quality D-men are like pitching in baseball, you can never have too much, especially if they can skate and have Forbort’s size (when he fills out). Also, if you decide to trade them, you can get a lot in return. I like the pick!

    [Reply]

  46. brandyn says:

    great pick.. we can trade away a defensive prospect now.. for some offensive depth or a defencemen.. and we can sign a certain left winger now ;]

    best available player.. doesnt mean that we arent going to stock pile wingers in the next rounds people ;p…

    [Reply]

  47. sammuch says:

    I think most of the D’s were sappose to go early! But all the forwards where gone early instead!

    So he went for the best player at time. I was shock to see all the fowards taken before the d’s. The new NHL is going to be about offance. I am sure DL wanted a foward but theywhere all gone early in this year darft. I might have still taken Etem, but I leave it up to the pros…

    [Reply]

  48. Cynic says:

    Just got back from the draft. My son and I had an awesome day!

    When the announcement for the trade was made, I (And everyone around me) could have swore we were getting Emerson. The kid in front of me played with Emerson for a few years. When they announced Forbort, we were all like “Who?”. None of us could believe that we moved up to NOT pick Etem. Another D-Man??? What’re we DOING?!?!

    Another kid next to me had a copy the The Hockey News Draft analysis magazine. He let me borrow it to look up this kid we picked and it all became instantly clear. 6′ 5″, 198 lbs. Has an identical skill set to Tyler Myers when he was drafted last year and could most likely have the same result. Scouts LOVE this kid. WWAMD (Believe it or not) is partially right. I believe this pick is to make up for not picking Tyler Myers when we had the chance last year. DL doesn’t want to miss the same opportunity twice. After reading about him, he was the best player available. Looking forward to this kid solidifying our D- in the future. FINALLY a big bodied mobile d-man.

    I still cannot believe Etem dropped to 29. I will tell you that I had a close-up view when he was on the stage with Ducks Management. His jersey has his NAME on it. The Ducks KNEW he was going to fall to them. I wonder what happened.

    [Reply]

    GoKings09 Reply:

    @Cynic,

    I wouldn’t say the Ducks KNEW that he was going to fall as you said. I think its likely that teams have a few jerseys with different names on them just in case and the Ducks probably were either considering him at their first pick at 12 or were thinking about trading up from 29 to try to get him if possible until he fell into their lap at 29. Them having his jersey just means they liked him not that they knew he was going to fall in my opinion.

    [Reply]

  49. KC23 says:

    Silly, at this stage, to call any pick great or bad. Who fricken knows?

    My guess in 2 – 3 years will be real happy campers.

    [Reply]

  50. Paul From Oxnard says:

    You can never have too many good young defensemen so I think it’s a good pick. This kid is highly touted, right behind those 2 blue line kids that dropped. That being said, I did expect Dean to take a forward, but I’m not going to question his draft decisions. He’s one of the best on draft day.

    Mmmmmmmm……

    Doughty-Johnson
    Tuebert-Forbort
    Hickey-Scuderi

    Me like!

    [Reply]

  51. Buster says:

    I had 16 prospects on my own list, and NOT ONE WAS A DEFENSEMAN or a goalie. All but two or three were wingers though. I think this was what disappointed me the most in this pick.

    Note
    If Hickey does not play one game in a Kings uniform, he’s out of the will.

    [Reply]

  52. Benoit says:

    does anybody know where we can watch round 2.. is it on the internet or can we listen to it

    [Reply]

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