Prospect File: The Buzz on Muzz'

We're about ready to start ramping up our draft coverage heading into the big event next weekend. However, before we move forward with the 2010 class, let's take a look back at one of the more recent missed opportunities via the NHL Draft.

Jake Muzzin, a 6'2" defenseman playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, found himself back in the draft last June...after not being signed by the Penguins, who had originally drafted him in 2007.  When all 30 teams were given a second crack at him - seven rounds came and went, his name was never called.

Then, Nashville invited him to training camp last September. Ultimately, they passed on him as well.

Kings President and GM Dean Lombardi is hoping the third time (or team) is a charm - he swooped in and signed him as a free agent back in January. A few months later Muzzin was named the OHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman. He then went on to play 13 games with the Manchester Monarchs during their recent playoff run.

Now, the Muzz' is getting plenty of buzz - with some reports saying he has a chance to make the Kings roster next season.

So, I spoke with a couple of people that should know what the kid is all about...take a look at what they had to say about Jake Muzzin...

A former Greyhounds executive who was part of the team that selected Muzzin in the first round of the '05 OHL draft: Jake is a horse - he is a big strong young man who competes every shift. He has always had a heavy and accurate shot. He logged an extraordinary amount of ice time...playing in a shut down role versus Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall 12 times a season. In addition, Jake was counted on for a lot of offense in the Soo. Of course, there will be an adjustment for him to the size and speed of the game at the pro level but I think he has a bright future with the Kings organization.

His defensive partner this season, Brandon Archibald: Muzz is a big, strong guy and expect some big hits to come out of him. He has a great shot and will produce some offense. He also is very reliable in his own end.

Another teammate this season, defenseman Brock Beukeboom: Jake is a great leader. He leads by example and couldn't have done a better job for us this season. Every team needs a Jake Muzzin.

Greyhounds GM Dave Torrie:  The Kings made a real astute signing in getting Jake as a free agent. Jake is ready for the pro game on the ice and his attitude and maturity will allow him to be a great teammate. Like many young players Jake's game needs to continue to mature and adjust to each level that he reaches but I do feel that Jake will play at the NHL level, whether this coming season or down the road. He has good offensive skills and he has the ability to punish opposing forwards with some real physical hits without taking needless penalties.

Looks like another solid addition to the Kings already strong prospect pool.

The Mayor
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Interview with Brandon Archibald - Soo Greyhounds defenseman, member of Team USA junior team and drafted by the Columbus Blue Jackets

Interview with Brock Beukeboom - Soo Greyhounds defenseman, member of Team Canada junior team and drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning

Ron Hextall interviewed on NHL Live

The guys at NHL Live had Kings Assistant GM Ron Hextall on earlier this morning for a quick interview.  Among the highlights - they talked playoffs, the draft and if the Kings are looking to trade a goalie.  Here's a recap...

As somebody who has ties to Philly were the Stanley Cup Finals tough on you?  I was pulling for them.  Moving to LA, away from the Flyers, was the hardest decision of my life.  To take the next step in my career I knew I needed to leave though.  I've gone through some things here that I hadn't gone through there - like rebuilding the infrastructure here.  So, it's been a good experience.

Making the playoffs for the first time in many years, what do you think the organization got out of it?  The players realized the emotion and intensity that goes along with it.  You have to play well every night.  You need depth on your team.  It's hard to plug guys in when you have injuries.

The draft is next week in LA, are you a "best available player" guy or are you trying to fill a need?  We're "best available" this year.  If you're drafting real high in the first, you can think differently.  However, it's so hard to project three or four years from now what our needs will be.

This is now a different situation in LA than it's been the last few years.  Is it a different approach becuase of where the team is at in their development?  The focus has changed.  A few years ago we were looking for draft picks, now we're looking for live bodies.  The main focus is on improving the team for next year.

Going into this offseason, what does the team need? 

Kings First Round Pick: WHL, OHL or KHL?

Nobody knows exactly what's going to happen when the 2010 NHL Draft lands at Staples Center next Friday night. 

For the first time in many years the Kings won't be picking near the top.  And although Dean Lombardi and his staff have spent more than a year going over the crop of talent, there are thousands of scenarios surrounding what might happen before it's their turn at the podium.

That hasn't stopped a myriad of NHL experts from weighing in with their mock drafts.  We've been following the various versions on NHL.com throughout the season.  Their trio of prognosticators are back with their THIRD (and perhaps final) mock drafts.  Here's who they have the Kings picking at #19...

Adam Kimelman's mock draft
KINGS SELECT: Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Novosibirsk (KHL)
COMMENTS:
(AK) Excelled in KHL despite being one of that league's youngest players
(MM) Possesses quick hands, lethal shot and likes to play physical
(BH) The chance to play with Evgeni Malkin and possibly Sergei Gonchar will be enough to draw Tarasenko over to the Pens

Mike Morreale's mock draft
KINGS SELECT: Jeff Skinner, RW, Kitchener (OHL)
COMMENTS: