Matt Murray has been a Kings fan since the late '80s, when Wayne Gretzky grabbed headlines by defecting to the West Coast. Since then, he has been a card-carrying bandwagon member as the club soared in popularity with their sole Stanley Cup appearance to their position near the bottom of the Pacific. But things are looking brighter, as he is anxious to witness the rise of the new Kings.
With the fourth pick, the Los Angeles Kings could select...
Karl "The Hitman" Alzner?
This according to NHL prospect website HockeysFuture.com, which came out with their draft analysis for the Kings this morning.
With the NHL Draft quickly approaching, many names have been thrown around. At number four, the Kings will be able to get some good talent still left on the board. And since the Kings are well-stocked in wingers and forwards, the logical pick would be a defenseman. And Alzner is the highest-ranked d-man in the draft.
"The Hitman" has played the last four years in the WHL's Calgary Hitmen. (Hence the nickname I have just deemed upon him). Last season, the 19-year-old defenseman had 8 goals and 39 assists for the club.
The Kings may have the top-ranked prospect pool, their most pressing need is for more defensive options. Other than Jack Johnson, the Kings really don't have much in the D cupboard. Alzner would fill that need well. The Hitman is the highest rated defense prospect, according to our friends over at International Scouting Services. Here's some analysis from HF's WHL prospect report:
Alzner prides himself in being a mobile, physical defenseman. He has successfully moved up the ranks in Hockey Canada programs, culminating in a gold medal at the recent WJC in Sweden. Although he did not log a lot of ice time with Team Canada, he was likely being groomed to return as a valuable leader next season. Mature for his age, Alzner has developed into a reliable puckhandler who makes wise first passes from the defending zone.
Here's a funny interview by NHL.com with The Hitman:
In my small, worthless opinion, I think Alzner is the right pick for the Kings right now. Last season, "The Don" Dino Lombardi picked the highest-rated goaltender in Jonathon Bernier, and he has matured well in his first season down in the QMJHL. With his nose for talent, I fully expect Lombardi to continue to fill the Kings' farm system with NHL-caliber draft picks. Alzner would be the perfect compliment to Jack Johnson when the Hitman finally reaches the NHL.
