LA Kings: Five more defensemen to target in 2020 NHL Draft

We continue our look at several defensemen that the LA Kings can target in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

By the time the NHL Draft rolls around, our goal here is to provide you with as much information, so that if the LA Kings draft one of these players, you’ll already have a good sense of the selection. Given what we know, the Kings are going to go heavy on defense in the second round, and likely beyond. We’ve already discussed a couple of options that Rob Blake and company can look at in the second round.

And today, we’re diving headfirst into another five defensemen to consider in the draft. If you would like us to look at a particular player at any position, let us know in the comments or message me on Twitter @FriarKings. I also do some shorter scouting with video analysis on there as well.

Let’s get it started.

1. Ryan O’Rourke

Measurements

• Height: 6′-0″
• Weight: 181 pounds
• Age: 18
• Shot: L

Production

• 2019-2020: 7 G, 30 A (37 points) with Soo Greyhounds (OHL)
• 2018-2019: 8 G, 14 (22 points) with Greyhounds
• 2018-2019: 3 G, 3 A (6 points) WHC Canada U-17 team

Rankings

• #33 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
• #39 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
• #53 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
• #30 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
• #27 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
• #37 by TSN/McKenzie

Breakdown

O’Rouke is an excellent puck-moving defender, who has been lights out on the powerplay. Frequently targeted on the man advantage, the 18-year-old has a big-time left-handed snipe from the blue line with pinpoint accuracy on net. He’s a strong skater with even better defensive abilities that will make life a living hell for opponents.

Quotables

“O’Rourke is a very mature defender, playing well above his age. He’s able to be used in all situations, shutting down opponents’ top lines or chipping in offense.” – Josh Bell, The Hockey Writers

Pro Comparison

Josh Morrissey (NHL.com)