Kings trade with Anaheim to select defender Jared Woolley (Round 6, Pick 164)

After making their second trade of the day, the LA Kings selected defenseman Jared Woolley in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Draft, 164th overall. Woolley played on the London Knights roster with Kings prospect Kaleb Lawrence last season, his first in the OHL.

The Kings sent Anaheim picks 182 (sixth round) and 214 (seventh round) in today’s draft to move up and select Woolley.

The Vitals
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
DOB: February 27, 2006
Height: 6-4
Weight: 214
Hometown: Port Hope, ONT
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 73 (North American Skaters)
THN/Ryan Kennedy’s Final Ranking: 98
FCHockey Final Ranking: 254
McKeen’s Hockey Final Ranking: 290
Stats (London, OHL): 37 GP, 3G, 2A, 5PTS, 21PIM, +5

What The Experts Said

TheHockeyWriters.com
He was a force on the back end and made a major impact in helping the Knights win the OHL championship and make it to the Memorial Cup Final. He laid some big hits along the way and at six-foot-four and over 200 pounds he’s a frightening opponent to go up against. While his offence did take a step back with the Knights, don’t let that mislead you. He can walk the line with poise and finds the openings to get heavy shots on net and set up slot opportunities for his teammates. Given the opportunities in 2024-25, Woolley could be a big impact player for the Knights — both offensively and defensively.

Eliteprospects.com
Defensively, Woolley’s overpowering. He throws big hits at his blue line, beats down opponents in front of his net, set picks, and traps attackers along the boards. In transition, he’s always looking for the high-value breakout pass and deceives opponents to get it. He joins rushes, walks in space before firing, and tries to set up chances around the slot.

Dominic Tiano, OHL Writers
Leveraging his size and reach, Woolley adeptly takes away time and space from the opposition with poise and calmness. His large frame also allows him to add physicality. While not the fastest skater, Woolley has demonstrated the ability to move the puck out of his defensive zone.

Quick Take – Woolley is poised to take a big step next season when he returns to London, a team that consistently competes near the top of the OHL. Evaluators noted his physical, shut-down defensive style was effective when he was able to work his way into the lineup last season. Another full year of development will be key for the big blueliner, whose measurements no doubt impressed the Kings scouts. Woolley’s transition game, as well as his decision-making and offensive zone vision were also noted as strengths by scouts. Although he only played 37 regular season games, Woolley did his best work in the postseason, appearing in 16 contests during London’s playoff run, which saw them compete for the Memorial Cup. It’s also notable that THN’s Ryan Kennedy had him as one of his “sleeper” picks in this year’s draft.