panoo

Written by: David A. Rainer
on 08/16/2007

Four new names are added to the Los Angeles Kings Top 20, including two from the June Entry Draft. With unsung NHL starter John Zeiler slotted at No. 19, the Kings list reveals its overwhelming depth. In fact, prospects eight through 20, and perhaps another few that did not make the list, are practically interchangeable in their position. No prospects have graduated since the last ranking, resulting in many prospects moving down slightly despite recent successes.

Top 20 at a Glance

1. (1) Jack Johnson, D
2. (3) Jonathan Bernier, G
3. (2) Patrick O'Sullivan, C/LW
4. (NR) Thomas Hickey, D
5. (6) Trevor Lewis, C
6. (4) Brian Boyle, C
7. (5) Lauri Tukonen, RW
8. (NR) Oscar Moller, RW
9. (14) Marc-Andre Cliche, RW
10. (8) Scott Parse, LW
11. (7) Richard Petiot, D
12. (NR) Ted Purcell, RW
13. (11) Peter Harrold, D
14. (10) Jeff Zatkoff, G
15. (13) Patrik Hersley, D
16. (15) Jonathan Quick, G
17. (9) Joe Ryan, D
18. (18) David Meckler, C
19. (NR) John Zeiler, C
20. (12) Petr Kanko, RW

1. (1) Jack Johnson, D

Holding down the top position in the Kings Top 20 ranking, Johnson signed an entry-level contract with Los Angeles at the conclusion of his sophomore season with the University of Michigan after a preseason trade from Carolina. He eventually joined the Kings for their final five games where he failed to score his first professional point but got his first professional fight out of the way. There is little that Johnson does not do well, bringing a complete physical and skilled package to the table. He is a lock to make the roster this season and likely will graduate from prospect status before the next Top 20 ranking. Johnson is only a year or two away from ascending to the top defensive pairing where he will be logging in excess of 20 minutes per game as well as extensive power play and penalty kill time. With slick skating, a booming shot and physical aggressiveness, the Kings are looking at potentially their best defensive prospect since Rob Blake.

2. (3) Jonathan Bernier, G

Going 16-1 in the playoffs, Bernier led Lewiston to their first QMJHL Championship in team history at the tender age of 18. Bernier was also in the top three of nearly every statistical category for goaltenders during the regular season. Having already signed an entry-level contract with the Kings, Bernier will battle for a roster spot in the upcoming training camp. But with an abundance of other NHL and AHL veteran goaltenders, as well as the offseason signing of Erik Ersberg, it is unlikely that Bernier will climb to the top of the mountain and there is little reason to rush him at this point in his development. Due to his young age, Bernier will return to the QMJHL for one more season. By the end of his junior eligibility, the Kings roster for goaltenders will be thinned out a bit and Bernier will be ready to seriously contend for the starting role. With his skill-set and competitive attitude, Bernier is the clear future in net for the Kings.

3. (2) Patrick O'Sullivan, C/LW

After a slow start to the 2006-07 season, O'Sullivan was sent down to Manchester to work on several aspects of his game. There was a period of adjustment for O'Sullivan while in Manchester, but by the end of his stay he had showed improvement in his play away from the puck and was called back up to Los Angeles as a result. With renewed confidence and showing that the lessons which were being taught him early in the season were now learned, O'Sullivan began to produce at a rate expected of him initially. He would score 12 points in his final 14 games with Los Angeles and earn himself increased ice time. O'Sullivan hopes to build upon this momentum entering the new season and earn himself a spot on one of the top two scoring lines. Regardless, O'Sullivan appears to have locked down a full-time roster spot if he continues to show the progress that he showed late last season.

4. (NR) Thomas Hickey, D

Making his debut on the Kings Top 20 ranking at No. 4, Hickey was recently drafted by Los Angeles with the fourth overall pick. Hickey was a mainstay on the blueline for Seattle of the WHL, scoring 50 points in 68 games, including a team-leading 41 assists. Hickey joins the Kings as the highest drafted player since Olli Jokinen in 1997, but reaches only the No. 4 position due to the strong top-end talent that the system possesses. Still 18 years of age, Hickey will return to the WHL for the 2007-08 season where he will further develop his offensive game. He compares favorably to fellow King Lubomir Visnovsky. His mobility and skating ability will one day land him in the NHL, but for now Hickey must be content with honing his skills in one of the best development leagues in the world. At the conclusion of his eligibility with the WHL, Hickey will be ready to battle for a spot on the Los Angeles roster alongside current top prospect Jack Johnson.

5. (6) Trevor Lewis, C

FULL STORY