Kings will get the fifth pick in this year’s NHL draft
The Kings, in the draft lottery for the third straight year, were unable to hit the jackpot Tuesday as the New York Islanders, owners of the NHL’s worst record, were rewarded with the top pick.
The Kings, who were represented by assistant general manager Ron Hextall, will choose fifth. They had an 8.1% chance of winning the weighted drawing.
The top two prospects, according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, will be gone by then: center John Tavares, who is playing in the Ontario Hockey League where he set the career goal-scoring record, and 6-foot-6 defenseman Victor Hedman, who is in the Swedish Elite League.
They are considered by some the best pair of prospects since Sidney Crosby and Bobby Ryan in 2005.
Fortunately for the Kings, it is also a strong draft for centers, a position of need.
Matt Duchene, Evander Kane, Brayden Schenn and Jordan Schroeder are among those whom the Kings might be able to choose from in the June 26 draft.
Another possibility is left winger Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi from Sweden.
The Kings have 13 selections in the seven-round draft, though 10 picks are after the third round, and they could be used as trade fodder by General Manager Dean Lombardi.
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