Kings Must Trade Up to Draft Konsta Helenius

The Los Angeles Kings have found themselves in possession of a first-round pick for the first time since the 2021 Draft when they took Brandt Clarke. Under current management, the franchise has seen an influx of youth talent, but not many of their former top prospects have found success in the NHL. With the core aging and a dwindling prospect pool, the team can fix both of these issues by trading up in the draft to select Finnish star, Konsta Helenius.

Why Does Helenius Make Sense?

The Kings lost in Round 1 to the Edmonton Oilers, but the team’s struggles did not begin there. From a lack of consistent scoring and goaltending to constant line changes, the 2023-24 Kings were a mess. One of their biggest issues was physicality, with the entirety of the forward core scared to engage in puck battles around the net. While Helenius is not tall, standing just 5-foot-11, he knows how to get physical around the net.

By stating the Kings lack physicality, it does not mean they lack players who are willing to throw their bodies around. Rather, the team lacks the ability to engage in, and win, high-intensity puck battles around the net. This was an issue stated by both general manager Rob Blake and recently named head coach Jim Hiller at his introductory press conference.

The Sabres own the 11th pick in the draft, a prime position for the Kings to select Helenius. In a trade, Los Angeles would be able to offer the 21st pick and defenseman Jordan Spence as the main pieces. While Spence has been very valuable to the Kings in his short career, the 23-year-old is unlikely to reach his full potential with Clarke and Drew Doughty expected to roam the right side of the Kings’ top four for seasons to come. It is hard to say if the 21st pick and Spence are enough to move up 10 spots, but it would be the bulk of an offer that could see other smaller assets get moved around.

The Devils own pick 10 and may be more willing to trade it. The team was expected to contend for the Stanley Cup this past season but failed to reach the playoffs, so changes may be imminent. It is hard to predict what they might seek in a deal, but the Kings could find assets that make moving down worthwhile for New Jersey.

Ultimately, there’s no certainty that Helenius will still be available by the 10th or 11th picks. Some scouts rank him as high as third or fourth, and justifiably so. However, there’s no doubt that trading up to secure Helenius would be a significant boost for the Kings, who need everything he offers.