Clifford info

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Kyle Clifford (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), the Kings’ second-round pick (No. 35 overall) ended with a rank of 182 among North American skaters, but had received some buzz, as Red Line Report had him listed as its 50th-best prospect.

Last season, in his second season with Barrie of the OHL, Clifford had 16 goals, 12 assists and 133 penalty minutes in 60 games. Red Line Report compares Clifford’s style to that of Chris Neil and says there is “no fear in his game, and has shown a propensity to score some key goals.”

International Scouting Services analysis: “Clifford is a straight ahead player with an edge. Skating is just OK – has heavy feet and needs to make sure he keeps his feet moving to get speed – skating has shown improvement over the season. If straight pass in not available does nice job of advancing pucks. During offensive plays and cycles makes it very difficult for D to contain him with his good size and strength. Responsible in D zone making strong plays getting pucks out. Plays physical style of game looking to finish hits and make contacts.”

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McCauley added as scout

Thanks to reader Jayson for finding this in a Hockey News story. Ken Campbell reports that the Kings have hired Alyn McCauley as a pro scout. McCauley, as you probably remember, had to retire in 2007 because of serious knee problems. McCauley was an assistant coach at Queen’s University last season and now, at age 32, will be a scout.

McCauley back in

That should be all for tonight. Who will be up with me at 7 a.m. for the start of the second round?

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Schenn scouting report

International Scouting Services ranks Brayden Schenn as “excellent” in puck skills, shot, physical play, competitiveness and hockey sense, and “very good” in size/strength, skating, offensive play and defensive paly.

ISS touts Schenn’s leadership traits and compares his style to that of Doug Gilmour. Red Line Report compares Schenn to Mike Richards and Rod Brind’Amour.

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Brayden Schenn quotes

Q: Can you talk about being selected today by the Kings?

A: I feel great. It feels great to be apart of an organization that is going forward. They are going in the right direction, which is the main thing, and they have some good young guys like Doughty and Hickey that are building blocks as well. I am happy to be a piece of the puzzle.

Q: Did you know who would select you?

A: I had no idea. I had a lot of nerves. I was told nothing all day. That was the case pretty much all year, but I am happy to be apart of the L.A. organization.

Q: What did you talk to the Kings about during your interviews?

A: Simple questions really. I think they try and get to know you as a person. I think that is their main goal really.

Q: Are you familiar with the way the Kings are developing?

A: Yeah. I have watched Drew Doughty play, and obviously he is a great player, and Thomas Hickey is a guy I have played against along with Colten Teubert. Those are three guys I know pretty well. I pay close attention to all the teams in the NHL and I know of a lot of the players with L.A. I am happy to be with the organization.

Q: What do you bring to the Kings?

A: A two-way game. I am a forward who has some grit and I see the ice pretty well. The main thing is that I play physical. I bring an all-around game.

Q: What do you know about Los Angeles?

A: It is a big city obviously. I have never been there and I haven’t seen it.

Q: Did Dean say anything in particular to you as you walked up on the stage?

A: I honestly don’t remember. This is such an exciting time and you don’t remember too much. I am pretty sure he said, ‘Congratulations, we are happy you are with us and you are with our organization.

Q: Where do you expect to play hockey next year?

A: I am only going to first worry about having a good summer. I can’t get my hopes up too high. I want to come in with a good attitude and I want to come in good shape too.

Q: The Kings have a summer Development Camp. Do you see yourself taking part in that?

A: Absolutely. I am getting ready for it and I am getting excited for it.

Q: What advice has your brother given you?

A: To be ready for camp. That it is a big difference going from the junior ranks to the pro ranks. You also never know what they are going to throw at you, or what you should expect.

Q: Any disappointment not going to Toronto?

A: It was no disappointment at all. I am happy to be with the LA organization. I am a King now so I can’t worry about the Toronto thing. That is behind me.

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Lombardi quotes about Schenn

Lombardi, joking about keeping Brayden Schenn away from Brian Burke, and his thoughts about Schenn:
“That was the main reason we took him, knowing that it would totally piss off Burkie. It was worth it. Everybody thought there was a line after the first three and the first five. We were going to be pretty happy with whoever was there.”

Lombardi, on Schenn’s attributes:
“His No. 1 attribute is his competitiveness. This is a good player and a kid who doesn’t quit. There was a playoff game against Calgary, and he hurt his shoulder but he first refused to leave the game and then he refused to leave the bench.”

Lombardi, on whether he fielded a lot of offers for the pick near the end:
“It really got quiet at the end, last night. I knew pretty early that I couldn’t move up. I had offers to move down, and maybe two years ago it would have made sense to get more picks, but right now it makes more sense to get a player like this. I don’t think we had a tough decision.”

Lombardi, on how Schenn projects:
“You can never say (for sure), but I think you’re looking at a playoff (team)-type No. 2 (center). There’s a little Mike Ricci in his game. That’s the way most people characterize him.”

Lombardi, on how Schenn can improve:
“The biggest thing is his skating. His hockey sense is top notch. He has the ability to make the small plays and he has no fear. He has the chance to grow into a leadership position.”

Lombardi, on whether trade talks about Dany Heatley are done:
“I’d say that’s probably safe to say. It’s safe to say there are some concerns. We know that, at some point, we’re going to have a make a significant move, but I believe that it has to be a heck of a player. Let’s just say there are certain concerns (about Heatley), and there can’t be any questions.”

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