The 2024 NHL Draft is an exciting event for hockey fans, and this year promises to be especially thrilling with the Los Angeles Kings making a first-round pick for the first time since selecting Brandt Clarke eighth overall in 2021. The Kings, having secured the 26th pick in a highly anticipated and deep draft, are poised to add a promising prospect to their roster.
Kings’ Draft Picks and Trades
The Kings have made strategic moves leading up to the draft, including a trade with the Montreal Canadiens, which granted them the 26th pick. In addition to this, the Kings have amassed a total of six picks across the two-day, seven-round draft. Their picks include:
- First Round: 26th overall
- Second Round: 57th overall (via Montreal Canadiens)
- Fourth Round: 118th overall
- Sixth Round: 182nd overall
- Seventh Round: 198th overall (via Montreal Canadiens) and 214th overall
Several key trades have shaped the Kings’ current draft position. Their original second-round pick was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers along with Cal Petersen, Sean Walker, and Helge Grans in exchange for Kevin Connauton and Hayden Hodgson. The third-round pick was traded to the Buffalo Sabres for goaltender Erik Portillo. Additionally, the fifth-round pick went to the Flyers as part of a deal that included Brendan Lemieux for forward Zach MacEwen.
Historical Context and Draft Highlights
The NHL Draft has a rich history dating back to 1963, when it was first established to help teams build their rosters with fresh talent. Over the decades, the draft has evolved, becoming a pivotal event where future stars begin their journey in the NHL. Notable moments in draft history include the selection of Wayne Gretzky in 1979, although he was already a professional player, and the drafting of Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, who have since become generational talents.
The Kings have had their share of draft successes, with players like Drew Doughty, selected second overall in 2008, and Anze Kopitar, 11th overall in 2005, both becoming cornerstone players for the franchise. This year’s draft, held at the Sphere in Las Vegas, offers the Kings another opportunity to secure a future star.
Key Information for the 2024 NHL Draft
- When:
- Friday, June 28th @ 4 PM (Round 1)
- Saturday, June 29th @ 8:30 AM (Rounds 2-7)
- Where: The Sphere, Las Vegas, NV
- Watch:
- Friday, Day 1 (Round 1): ESPN
- Saturday, Day 2 (Rounds 2-7): NHL Network & ESPN+
What to Expect
This year’s draft class is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, with a plethora of talent available across all rounds. Scouts and analysts have highlighted several top prospects who are expected to make immediate impacts in the NHL. The Kings’ strategic trades and multiple picks position them well to capitalize on this talent pool.
For fans, the draft is not just about the first-round selections but also about finding hidden gems in the later rounds. The Kings’ scouting department will be working diligently to identify these prospects who can contribute to the team’s success in the future.
In summary, the 2024 NHL Draft is a significant event for the Los Angeles Kings and their fans. With strategic trades and a keen eye for talent, the Kings are set to make impactful additions to their roster. Tune in to ESPN and NHL Network to catch all the action live from the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on the available data and current events around the time of publication, to the best of our staff research and knowledge. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as professional advice, financial advice, sports betting advice, or life advice. It is simply our best guess, something to add to your research. We at Las Vegas Top Picks do our best to get stories accurate, but sometimes mistakes and biases happen, and it is always good to double-check other sources and media outlets to confirm stories and the factual details. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the overall opinion of Las Vegas Top Picks.
