What the Second Overall Draft Pick Means for the…

After the initial disappointment of collectively thinking the NHL logo was the Kings’ logo, the Kings’ players, organization, and fans alike may now look forward to what this pick means for the future of the team.

We all remember last year: on the heals of an abysmal season, Kings fans really needed something to be excited about. That excitement was found in two prospects named Jack Hughes and Kaapo Kakko who were projected to go first and second overall, respectively, in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Needless to say, the Kings wanted, nay needed, one of these picks. With the second worst record in the 2018-2019 season, the Kings had a 26.5% chance of getting one of these touted prospects. However, the draft lottery had other plans in mind and the Kings slipped to fifth overall.

Initially not getting an NHL ready prospect was disappointing, although the Kings arguably came out on top at the end. Neither Hughes or Kakko had stellar freshman seasons; their play would have not been enough to significantly boost the Kings record or play. Instead, the Kings selected Alex Turcotte and watched him develop playing for the Wisconsin Badgers of the NCAA. This proved to be an excellent selection as Turcotte is now the Kings’ top prospect and will likely play in the NHL at some point next season.

While the Kings showed improvement in the 2019-2020 season from the 2018-2019 season, it was by no means a good year for the team. However, there was a light at the end of the tunnel: the Kings beat the odds and won the second overall pick in the draft lottery. There was a 9.6% change that the Kings chose second, compared to overwhelming odds that they would slip in the draft once again in a repeat of the previous season.

While it seems as if the Kings were painfully close to the first overall prize of Alexis Lafrenière, the second overall pick is still warrants immense excitement amongst the team and its fans. Also, historically, the second overall pick has proved to be excellent for the team: the last time the Kings chose second overall in the 2008 NHL entry draft, they selected none other than Drew Doughty.

The 2020 second overall pick should bring the Kings a potential superstar whether they select Quinton Byfield or Tim Stutzle. Now that, coupled with Turcotte and the Kings’ already stacked prospect pool, is going to significantly accelerate the team’s rebuild.

As the Kings’ prospects start making their way into the lineup, the team should improve rapidly. However, the addition of Byfield or Stutzle will simply be invaluable to the team. Either of them could play in the NHL next year or spend another season with their respective teams, saving the Kings cap space and affording the opportunity for another prospect to earn some time playing at the NHL level. Either Byfield or Stutzle will eventually bring offense and speed to a team that craves it. This pick could easily result in the next franchise player and he will hopefully be a part the next Los Angeles Kings championship team.

Getting the second overall pick is evidently amazing: it is going to add another stellar piece to an already stacked prospect pool. Sometimes things just work out. If the Kings had gotten a higher draft pick last season, it is probable that they would not have the second overall pick this year in what is, in my opinion, a better draft. If all goes well, the Kings may find themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot as soon as next season with the addition of Byfield or Stutzle.

After a few rough seasons, it is time to get excited for the future of this team because, in a few years, the Kings will be a force to be reckoned with.