The 17th Pick Dilemma: Who Will the LA Kings Select at the 2026 NHL Draft?
The hockey world’s attention has shifted to Buffalo, New York, for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. For the Los Angeles Kings, this weekend represents a critical juncture in their ongoing retooling process. Armed with the 17th overall pick and a total of nine selections across the seven rounds, General Manager Ken Holland and Director of Amateur Scouting Mark Yannetti face a series of franchise-altering decisions. The Kings are at a crossroads, needing to balance the immediate desire to compete in the Western Conference with the long-term necessity of replenishing a prospect pool that has seen significant graduations in recent years.
As the first round approaches, the debate surrounding the 17th overall pick has reached a fever pitch. Will the Kings opt for a high-ceiling offensive talent to inject skill into their lineup, or will they prioritize a responsible, two-way center to solidify their depth down the middle? The answer to this question will provide significant insight into the organization’s vision for the future.
The Case for High-End Skill: Nikita Klepov
One name that has consistently surfaced in mock drafts and scouting reports connected to the Kings is Nikita Klepov. The Russian winger, who spent the past season tearing up the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Saginaw Spirit, represents the type of dynamic offensive talent the Kings desperately need.
Klepov’s numbers speak for themselves. He led the OHL in scoring as a rookie, amassing an incredible 97 points in 67 games. This achievement is exceedingly rare; in fact, it’s the first time a rookie has led the league in scoring since the 1973-74 season. Unsurprisingly, he was named the OHL’s Rookie of the Year.
What makes Klepov so intriguing is his relentless motor combined with elite puck skills. He is a tenacious, dual-threat winger who constantly chases down plays, draws opponents to him, and finds teammates with ease. His high-end processing and vision suggest a player whose game will translate well to the professional level. While some scouts have noted that his skating mechanics need refinement, his commitment to play college hockey at Michigan State University next season provides the perfect environment to develop that aspect of his game.
For a Kings team that has struggled to consistently generate offense, particularly from the wing positions, Klepov offers legitimate top-six upside. If he is available at number 17, it will be difficult for the Kings to pass on a player with his offensive ceiling.
The Need for Center Depth: Oliver Suvanto
While Klepov represents the allure of high-end skill, the Kings’ most glaring organizational need is down the middle. With the retirement of Anze Kopitar looming in the not-too-distant future, the Kings must find players capable of driving play and assuming larger roles at the center position. This is where Oliver Suvanto enters the conversation.
Suvanto, a center playing for Tappara Tampere in the Finnish SM-Liiga, is widely regarded as one of the most mature two-way forwards in this draft class. He has drawn comparisons to Florida Panthers forward Anton Lundell for his responsible, 200-foot game. Suvanto excels at protecting the puck, is strong in the face-off circle, and plays a heavy game that allows him to match up physically against older, more experienced opponents in the Finnish professional league.
Selecting Suvanto would address a distinct area of need in the Kings’ prospect pool. While he may not possess the flashy offensive numbers of a player like Klepov, his high floor and projectable NHL skills make him a safe and valuable pick. The Kings need centers who can contribute in all situations, and Suvanto fits that profile perfectly.
The “Special Six” and Trading Down
Of course, the draft rarely goes exactly as planned, and the Kings must be prepared for various scenarios. If players like Klepov and Suvanto are off the board, the Kings might turn their attention to a group of prospects often referred to as the “Special Six” in this range of the draft. This group includes centers like Alexander Command, defensemen like Malte Gustafsson, and wingers like Oscar Hemming and Elton Hermansson.
Alternatively, the Kings could explore the possibility of trading down. If the player they covet at 17 is no longer available, moving back a few spots to acquire additional draft capital could be a prudent strategy. In a scenario where they trade down to the early 20s, players like J.P. Hurlbert, Ryan Lin, or Adam Novotny could become prime targets. This approach would allow the Kings to add depth to their prospect pool while still securing a quality player in the first round.
Addressing the Immediate Roster Needs
While the draft is focused on the future, the Kings also have immediate roster needs to address this offseason. The hiring of Peter Laviolette as head coach signals a shift towards a more aggressive, “attack mode” style of play. To execute this system effectively, the Kings need to add pieces that fit Laviolette’s vision.
The most pressing need remains a top-six center. The Kings have been linked to several names in trade rumors, including Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers and Elias Pettersson of the Vancouver Canucks. However, acquiring a player of that caliber will require significant assets and careful salary cap management. The Kings must weigh the cost of a blockbuster trade against the potential benefits of upgrading their center depth.
Furthermore, the Kings must resolve the contract situation of star defenseman Drew Doughty. Entering the final year of his current deal, Doughty’s future in Los Angeles is a major storyline. General Manager Ken Holland has stated that extending Doughty is a priority, but the terms of the deal will have significant implications for the team’s salary cap flexibility in the coming years.
The Goaltending Carousel
Another area of focus for the Kings is the goaltending position. Darcy Kuemper’s performance last season was inconsistent, and his $5.25 million cap hit is a burden the Kings would likely prefer to shed. Anton Forsberg emerged as a reliable option, but the Kings need stability in the crease if they hope to contend in the playoffs.
The Kings have promising goaltending prospects in Carter George and Hampton Slukynsky, but they are still years away from making an impact at the NHL level. In the short term, the Kings may explore the trade market or free agency to find a reliable partner for Forsberg or a clear-cut number one starter.
Conclusion
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is a defining moment for the Los Angeles Kings. The decisions made this weekend in Buffalo will shape the organization’s trajectory for years to come. Whether they opt for the high-end skill of Nikita Klepov, the responsible two-way game of Oliver Suvanto, or choose to trade down and accumulate assets, the Kings must maximize the value of their selections.
As the offseason unfolds, the Kings will also need to address their immediate roster needs, including finding a top-six center, resolving Drew Doughty’s contract situation, and stabilizing the goaltending position. With Peter Laviolette at the helm and a clear vision for the future, the Kings are poised for a busy and transformative summer. The foundation for the next great Kings team is being laid, and the draft is the first crucial step in that process.
