The Los Angeles Kings have a stockpile of talent in their organization. However, it never hurts to add to that stockpile, especially when a player who could fit in your lineup becomes available in the upcoming draft.
Rieger Lorenz can play either center or left wing. Ranking as high as 17 in the final NHL Central Scouting list, he projects to go right around where the King’s selection at 19. Will Lorenz still be there and do the Kings take him at their draft spot?
Playing for the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL in 2021/22 he posted 38 goals and 47 assists for 85 points, along with 54 penalty minutes in 60 games. He has the goal-scoring ability the Kings need, he has a passing game that is used to set up some of the Kings more skilled players, and he has some grit that Los Angeles lacked last season. He also picked up 4 assists in 4 games while playing for Canada and their U18 team.
Lorenz also won the 21/22 AJHL Rookie of the Year and 21/22 CJHL top rookie to go along with the impressive offensive production. Although he has already committed to the University of Denver of the NCAA for the upcoming season he could use that time, of drafted by the Kings, to refine his defensive game and fully round out his potential.
Lorenz is an excellent two-way forward who brings an incredible, deceptive shot along with protecting the puck well. He often gets into scoring areas to bang in a loose puck or get the puck to an open teammate.
Lorenz could be a welcomed addition if he is still there at 19. The Kings could use a young, offensive forward with some grit, someone who could be in the Kings lineup sooner than later. Although he has some things to work on he fits the mold as a Kings prospect and one that could be putting on a Kings hat on draft day.
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(photo: okotokstoday.ca; Remy Greer) (photo: latimes.com; Helene Elliott)
