2010 LA Kings Draft Pick Tyler Toffoli (2nd Round)

In the second round, Dean Lombardi traded the 49th and 109th pick to the Colorado Avalanche to choose center Tyler Toffoli from the Ottawa 67′s of the Ontario Hockey League with the 47th overall pick. While Toffoli is listed as a center, at 6’0″, 181 pounds, he could easily be transitioned to a wing role with the Los Angeles Kings. In 65 games with Ottawa, Toffoli posted an impressive 37 goals and 42 assists for 79 points.

Los Angeles Kings co-director of amateur scouting Mike Futa told Rich Hammond:

“My scout from Owen Sound is his head coach, the same guy who was the guy on Wayne Simmonds. There’s always that tributary that leads back to the right river. He coaches him in Ottawa, and he said this kid is just scratching the surface, when you start to look at the intangibles and the work ethic. I’m assuming that’s why he dropped to where we got him. We were thrilled to get the guy. His hockey sense is off the charts. He’s an exceptional goal scorer, great nose for the net, and he’s just a young kid who is still just getting it, as far as the conditioning.”
Courtesy of LA Kings Insider

As Dean Lombardi shifts the Los Angeles Kings out of re-building, he’s starting to take some longer term “projects”. In Toffoli, his conditioning is something of an issue at this point. Then again, so was Drew Doughty’s back in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. However, Lombardi is known to challenge prospects and get terrific results (note that Doughty’s nickname “Doughnuts” has now changed to “Dewey”).

Long-term Toffoli is going to have to work on his skating and conditioning to crack the big club. Expect Tyler to head back to Juniors for a couple of years with another year in Manchester. The kid seems to be determined and have a good heart. If he can continue to get better, we’ll have a nice prospect on our hands.

Interesting note, according to NHL.com, is that Toffoli’s favorite book is Twilight. Could be worse….

Keith’s Take: It’s a kid who lacks conditioning in an organization that focuses on it. Given the strength of our development system, I don’t think this will be an issue for long. Long-term I see Toffoli on a wing in the top-six for Los Angeles. Grade: A-

Chris’ Take: The Tyler Toffoli pick adds continued depth to a system chalk full of centers, 6 ft tall, under 200lbs, who have decent stats, average skating ability and may or may not be good someday. Grade: B-

E.J. McGuire on Tyler Toffoli:

Daryl Evans Interviews Tyler Toffoli (via Kings Vision)

Other Picks:
1st Round Pick: Derek Forbort