And, just like that, the NHL Draft is almost here. The first round of the draft takes place Friday in Pittsburgh, only 11 days after the Kings celebrated their Stanley Cup Finals win. Dean Lombardi and his staff will fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow for final preparations in this most unusual of years. In recent years, Lombardi and the scouting staff would have spent the bulk of their time in the past few weeks huddled around a conference-room table, watching video and moving names around a master list of prospects. Clearly, things have been a little different in the last few weeks. To be certain, there aren’t any complaints from the Kings’ camp. The Kings are scheduled to pick at No. 30, but that is there only pick among the first 120 selections. Today, Lombardi talked about preparing for the draft within the whirlwind of the playoff run…
Question: With everything that was going on with the playoff run, did you try to keep things as normal as possible with draft preparations?
LOMBARDI: “Actually, in a way the scouts didn’t miss a beat. It was important for them to be here (for the Finals), so they were able to be together probably more than for just the meetings we usually have. So they were able to chip away at it. Obviously it’s a little hard, because they get jacked up too, but they went pretty hard there. They started coming in for the first and second rounds, and obviously through it. I don’t think we missed a beat in terms of putting in the necessary time. They guys worked their butts off and, like I said, because they were here for the playoffs, they were able to chip away at more than they usually would.”
Question: And it’s an unusual year anyway, with you only having one pick in the first three rounds…
LOMBARDI: “I don’t want to make a habit of that but, you know, people always said, `He’s in love with his draft picks.’ Well, at the time, we were, but sometimes you have to move them to improve the team. Obviously if you’re going to have a down year with (number of) picks, this is probably the one, but in no circumstances do we want to make a habit of this. But it isn’t like we used them for old players. That’s the other consolation. If they’re going into a Richards deal and a Carter deal, you’re still dealing with guys that are 26, 27 years old. Again, that said, I don’t want to make a habit of this.”
Lord Lombardi of Los Angeles,
We Salute You!
[Reply]
Shuchuk Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
@Duncanz, yeah, he has built this team to the point that it now gets to draft the best player available instead of reaching to fill a need. this is the position that GREAT teams try to reach. this should pay off in the coming years when this year’s picks are ready…
[Reply]
How great is it that the Kings have the last pick of round one? Last pick = Stanley Cup Champions!
[Reply]
NOW IMPRESSED Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
@Coach Mike, Yea, and we didn’t trade down for it. We EARNED IT!
[Reply]
fuzzerson Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
@Coach Mike, Plus we get Mr. Irrelvant in the 7th round.
[Reply]
JohnPaulSly Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 5:46 pm
@fuzzerson,
Easy now with jrrelevant stuff. I beleive Nolan was a 7th rounder.
[Reply]
Ah, good ol’ Dean.
Given the Kings’ history with trading away draft picks and prospects, I have always been good with having a GM who erred a bit in the other direction, being “in love” with them. And now we see the result of placing a high value on the future and not selling it too cheaply.
Been drinking the Kool-Aid for 6 years now, and I can attest that it has only gotten sweeter and more satisfying over time.
[Reply]
Chris Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@DougS,
In Dean we trust.
P.S. This is VoluminousTuna.
[Reply]
They might not even have that pick if CBJ wants it.
[Reply]
mrbrett7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
@FaceWash, If you were Columbus, would you take the pick next year, when you have a greater chance of picking 29th or better with that pick, or just settle for the 30th pick?
It’s an obvious answer…Columbus will claim the Kings pick for next season.
[Reply]
Weasel Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
@mrbrett7,
Depends on whether or not a player they like falls to that position – Next year’s pick may only be marginally better. One of mock drafts has us picking Pontus Aberg at 30 – another has us going for Lukas Sutter. In early rankings Aberg was sometimes up pretty high (Hockey prospectus has him about 8th in forwards) — Sutter was ranking in the 90′s but has moved up recently so he may be a hotter property than thought.
So, who knows. Based on the scouting reports I’d be thrilled with Aberg at 30th.
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
@mrbrett7,I don’t think it’s that obvious since we project to be in the 24-30 range again next season and using the pick THIS season gets you a year’s head start on your draft pick maturing.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@bbb7, that’s actually pretty fantastic reasoning. it’s also dependendent of course on how you deep one thinks this class is versus next year too (i.e. a 30th overall pick next would be a better player than a 30th overall pick this year), but you’re right, at the end of the day we’re talking about the variability in maybe 3-5 slots lower with one year less of development for a team that’s rebuilding. Columbus may actually have a greater ability to give a raw talent more ice time this year at the big club then next year…when they’re hopefully further along in their team’s progress
Quisp Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
@mrbrett7,
Or, Howson may reason that he won’t have a job in a year. Depends on who he has his eye on and if anyone he likes is available at 30. I would be inclined to take the bird in the hand.
[Reply]
Wrt ending up, as the Kings are in 2012, bereft of high-end draft picks, DL makes a habit of saying, “We don’t want to make a habit of this”.
This is a good tendency..
[Reply]
I stated this in another post but I am really not concerned with Dean’s ability to find hidden gems in the draft. He has proven in the past he can find guys even in weak draft years. Also, when is it official that CBJ gives up or keeps this years 1st rounder?
[Reply]
luuc Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
@Bob Bobson,
Can’t remember the exact draft position, I’m sure someone can jump in, but there is a point in the mid 20′s I believe at which they have to decide.
[Reply]
DanielC Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
@luuc, they have up to 2 picks before 30th to let the Kings know if they’re going to take the pick I believe
[Reply]
Bob Bobson Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
@DanielC, Thanks for the info. Did not realize it was that tight. That must really handcuff Dean b/c if he decides to make any trades, having that 1st rounder for sure would really impact what you can do.
Steve Jensen Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
@Bob Bobson,
As I understand, they have up to the two picks ahead to give notice that they will take this year’s LA Kings pick. If they don’t notify by #28, then they lose the option and get next year’s pick.
[Reply]
Steve Jensen Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
@Steve Jensen, Daniel C beat me to the punch.
[Reply]
Go Kings Go!
[Reply]
370455VinSD Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
@Gailweb, It never gets old:)
[Reply]
“Move to improve”; Lord Dean Lombardi (2012)
Yeah! Who needs a stinking draft, anyway?!!
Actually, that’s precisely what I say whenever I pull the tab on yet another refreshing can of Frederick Pabst’s award winning, PBR!!!
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@Duncanz, I love PBR….Ive been called white trash on more than one occasion for it but I dont care(I am white after all). There is a local watering hole by my house that sells tall cans for $4…cant beat it IMO! In fact…I now know what im doing after work.
[Reply]
Well when you use picks to selct Hickey it’s better to trade them anyway.
[Reply]
Lake Forest Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
@Perro, DAMN GINA!
[Reply]
LuckyNumber20 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
@Perro, Hickey is developing well most D-men do not mature until they are 26-28 so he is still on track. Wouldn’t be to hard on the kid yet.
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
@LuckyNumber20, I’m still bitter he didn’t take Alzner, or at the very least trade down and draft hickey.
[Reply]
steve mcqueen Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
@Perro, DL tried, and nobody would trade down with him. As for Alzner, just where would he be playing right now? In place of Scuds,Mitchell or Greene?
Kenny44 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:40 pm
@LuckyNumber20, The easy comeback is that “most” D-men don’t get drafted that high.
[Reply]
HockeyNerd Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
@Perro, Wow. Where is this attitude coming from? Am I mistaken or did we just win a STANLEY CUP thanks to how DEAN LOMBARDI built the team?
Guess some people will just continue to post certain things.
Incidentally name me ONE GM in any sport that has not let talent walk at some point or blown a draft pick.
I’ll even help you. There is no greater GM in history than Jerry West and even he could have drafted Kobe without having to trade Divac to get him.
[Reply]
Deke'r Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
@Perro, …hahahahahaha….that’s hilarious….
[Reply]
I have a feeling that DLhas something up his sleeve that will blossom about 4-5 years from now. Not like he has ever done any type of planning like that before
OH, er, wait, um, nevermind, WE GOT THE CUP!! WE GOT THE CUP!!!
[Reply]
Simply a genius!! Dean, thanks to you and your staff who put in countless hours to make our team who they are today…..CHAMPIONS!!!!
[Reply]
While we have one pick in the top 120, the Washington Capitals have 6 in the top 120 picks. Like Dean Lombardi clearly understands, we don’t want to make a habit of this.
While we’re screwed on picks this year, I don’t feel like Dean Lombardi mortgages our future. Most of the core is mid-twenties in age and they are now proven winners. Of course in 5 years, we will needs a full crop of new mid-twenty year olds. With the guys we got now a lot of younger guys now in system might not find a spot in our lineup and could be exchanged for picks. Should be good to go.
[Reply]
DL needs to ensure that the Cup is at the HOF on August 21st, even if it means trading the 183rd pick in the draft. My son and I will be there to touch the Cup, get our picture with it and touch the Lucky Loonie, just like we did last summer. It is imperative that this occur so we can win the Cup AGAIN.
[Reply]
LA_1968 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
@DesertKing, Sounds like a great plan. I want to do it too. I wonder if they post a schedule at any point.
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
@DesertKing, There usually have a replica there. Can’t tell the difference. There are a few different replicas out there.
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
@Perro,
I guess we could all fly to Slovenia after pulling an Ocean’s Eleven and stealing the Lucky Loonie from the HOF?
[Reply]
Duncanz Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
@Perro,
** Kiddies Spoiler Alert
Oh dear. This thing is starting to sound more ubiquitous than Santa … or Munters!
[Reply]
LBlocal Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Not to be a buzz kill. But the Stanley Cup(s); they are all replicas. The original sits behind glass, permanently, inside the vault at the HHOF. Fortunate enough to visit in person several times in the early nineties. gKg!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Hhof_vault_rotated.jpg
[Reply]
DesertKing Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@LBlocal,
Ah Ha! Brilliant! (actually, we did see it there last summer in the vault)
Ill trade only having 1 pick in exchange for the Cup any day of the week.
[Reply]
Speaking of the Kings draft pick @ 30th. What type of player does DL & staff decide on? Character? Potential? Best Available? I say ‘MORE GRIT’!
My three choices: (if available @ 30, or trade up to 20 or 21 & include rights to a (Euro) prospect or signing rights to JS#28.
1. Thomas Wilson
2. Stefan Matteau
3. Lukas Sutter
gKg!
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
@LBlocal,
The mother of an nutter Sutter..
Matteau, Matteau, …..!!!!!!!
[Reply]
BrokeKingsFan Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
@SLIM, all I could think about waas Nutter Butters when i read this…I like nutter butters
mmmmmmmmm
[Reply]
Kenny44 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
@SLIM, You mean this guy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDsIaTmO_k
He’s draft eligible again?
[Reply]
SLIM Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
@Kenny44,
Believe it or not…..That guy….Again
Funny though…..Stefan is HIS son….Spelled different..
Go figure!
Kenny44 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:46 pm
@SLIM,
I remember watching one of his games on TV with someone, and she said something like: “Why do hockey players have names like race hoses? Step On My Toe, The Grim Reaper, who are these guys?”
Perro Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
@LBlocal, with the likely departure of Bernier once Quick resigns there could be some highly touted goalies available
[Reply]
I wonder if the public can attend. I’d like to go there and gloat.
[Reply]
Shakes Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Robert R, the draft? yes i believe so… at least i always remember coverage to have random fans sitting in the stands
[Reply]
Perro Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
@Robert R, public can buy tickets to the draft
[Reply]
Here’s a man who’s ready for the Kings draft party. LOL (My apologies if this has been linked here before, but this is fantastic!)
http://offthebench.nbcsports.com/2012/06/19/office-prank-turns-new-jersey-devils-fans-cubicle-into-los-angeles-kings-shrine-video/
[Reply]
bbb7 Reply:
June 19th, 2012 at 6:07 pm
@Capt Jam, That made me laugh; his co-workers have too much time on their hands. I liked those “Game of Zones” pix; never saw those before. Great idea.
[Reply]
Derek Fisher comes to mind when a champion picks last in the draft. If the prospect know they’re going to a SC team they WILL play to their potential.
[Reply]
So, does DL want to make a habit of this or what?
[Reply]
feels so good to pick 30th where ya always wanna be GO KINGS GO BABY
[Reply]
I think the Kings have the depth in the organization to miss having a large influx of talent from this 2012 draft. I also think it will be important to work some of the seasoned prospects into the NHL for the 10 games they are allowed and maintain non-NHL status. That depends greatly on how well the team starts the season. I think we need to see Hickey, Muzzin, Loki, Hollaway, Elkins, Cliche, Weal, and others at the NHL level to really evaluate them and also if they are to be used as pieces in a trade they need to be seen at the NHL level. I wonder about the roster space allowing this Gagne has another year, if we re-sign Stoll, Fraser, & Penner that likely means DD2, Cliffy & Richardson sit( 7th D, 5th LW, & Utility Guy). With all the injuries Gagne has suffered I wouldn’t be against platooning him 2 games in 1 game rest, or something like that. This roster means no prospects will be getting any NHL time unless there are injuries. Then there is always the game of who can come up without exposure to being claimed thru the waivers, but that whole system may change with a new CBA hopefully being agreed to this summer.
[Reply]
Dl builds with patience, the other local team fast tracks.
[Reply]
Good to see our GM values draft picks. I remember when Harry Sinden and Sammy Pollock built powerhouse teams by giving the Kings veteran players of dubious quality for L. A. draft picks. I believe the Boston Bruins got Ray Bourque, a superstar, via a Kings’ draft pick.
Jack Kent Cooke loved the veteran players and other NHL teams exploited his attachment to the likes of Dickie Duff and Eddie Shack to fill their rosters with talented, young players. Dean is the best GM the Kings have had.
[Reply]