I bet you're right -- Askarov gets picked with the 13th overall. And I'll also bet it won't belong to you.

Roy is one of only 3 defensemen we have on the right side who's NHL-capable, and we have no one to promote from within, so trading him would just mean we'd have to go out and sign a free-agent RD. On the other side, we have Michael Anderson, Tobias Bjornfot and Kale Clague trying to break in to the League, so Dermott isn't the sort of guy we want to acquire.

Canes pass. We don’t have that much cap.

Canes decline. Both players are probably worth a 2nd each imo, maybe add another pick on Anderson. Don’t think Johnsson is a guy that really interests the canes. I think the canes would make a move for Anderson but not at the cost of a 1st

Thanks for chiming in. I thought with Doughty and Walker on the right side, the Kings are weaker on the left. That's why I thought of this swap. But I know you're more informed about the team's need.

How about Andersen and Mikheyev instead? Mikheyev would fit with the team's system I think, and has high potential.

I just want my pick back!

Yeah I just don’t think the canes are moving that pick

Before play resumed, Rob Blake was quoted as saying that the Kings might be looking for a short-term (1 or 2 years left on his contract) veteran LD to provide some stability on that side, hence all the Nick Leddy and Marc Staal trades you might have seen. Unless someone comes up with an offer we can't refuse, I doubt that we trade either Sean Walker or Matt Roy.

Agree with this. Do you see the Kings protecting 4D, 4F, or will they possibly expose Clague?

No, both @tkecanuck341 and I think the Kings will go 8 and 1. Anderson and Bjornfot are expansion-draft-exempt, so we'll protect Clague, Doughty, Roy and Walker, plus Iafallo, Kempe and Kopitar, plus Petersen. I'd protect Martin Frk as the 8th skater (somewhat idiosyncratic); my esteemed colleague would shade Grundstrom or Wagner.

NYR wouldn't even consider this.

If some recent reports are to be believed, Askarov could be going at #5 to Ottawa.

Yeah I've heard that a lot. Either at 5th or 7th by the Devils.

So, what's your preference with the 2oa? Byfield, Stutzle? Or someone else?

I could see that. They have put a lot of development time into Clague, be a shame to see him go. My vote would be for Grundstrom also but I am biased, I loved him with the Marlies.

If you're asking who I think they should take, then Byfield. If you're asking who I think they will take, then Stutzle. Either would be an acceptable option. If they take someone else (unless it's Lafreniere by some miracle), I have my torch and pitchfork ready.

TKE knows more than me. Usually.

Grundstrom had a pretty large setback this season and ended up in the coach's doghouse (both McLellan and Stothers). However, I think it's premature to decide who to protect. There's going to be any number of moves between now and June. The Kings could acquire some players that push some of these guys out of protected slots.

If I had to pick today, I would protect Wagner over Grundstrom, Frk, or Lizotte. My final decision will depend on how each of those guys progress next season.

It's all subjective. I think in reality we both know the exact same amount. Zero.

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

I'm highly offended. {feigned outrage} I know a few things. For example, my mother taught me, Always flush before standing up -- in case something falls out of your pocket.

Sage advice.