Latest Updates on the Top Prospects for the Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings' best prospects are spread out across a variety of leagues in different countries.

They range in age from 18 to 22, and some of them have been working hard for years for an opportunity to play at the highest level. Others, like Adrian Kempe, were only drafted a few months ago and are just beginning the professional stage of their hockey careers. 

It's been a few years since the Kings have had a high draft pick, but their prospect pool remains strong. This is the latest news and info on some of their best prospects.

Valentin Zykov

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Valentin Zykov is the Kings' most talented prospect. He has the potential to be a top-six forward because of his speed, quick hands, great shot and willingness to go into the tough areas of the rink.

Unfortunately, he injured his groin at the end of October and will be out for an extended period of time, according to his QMJHL team, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. 

Hopefully, this won't have a lasting impact on his ability to play at an elite level. He was off to a good start this season with five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 13 games—although that's not quite as good a pace as he had in his previous years in the QMJHL.

Zykov was the Kings' second-round pick (37th overall) in the 2013 NHL draft.

Derek Forbort

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There's great news if you're a Derek Forbort supporter. Forbort was the difference-maker offensively for the Manchester Monarchs in their game against the Providence Bruins a few nights ago. He had two goals—including the game-winner—and was named the first star of the game.

The bad news is those were his first two goals of the season. While no one expects him to be a powerhouse offensively, he does need to have more of an impact at the AHL level at least. The 22-year-old defenseman has just four points in 14 games. 

His play has improved since the beginning of the season. But Forbort still has a way to go before he can step into the Kings' lineup—even with the team's shortage on the blue line.

Jordan Weal

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Jordan Weal was one of the final players to be cut from Los Angeles' training camp this fall. He surprised many with his abilities at both ends of the rink and his conditioning. 

Weal was drafted in the third round back in 2010 and has yet to play a single NHL game. However, he's inching closer and closer. He registered 100-plus points twice in the WHL, and he's showing he can have the same offensive impact in the AHL, where he's playing his third year with the Monarchs. 

Weal is tied for the team lead with six goals and eight assists for 14 points in 14 games. He has great hands, playmaking skills and works hard on the forecheck and cycle. There is no reason he can't average more than a point per game this season.

Adrian Kempe

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Kempe was the Kings' first-round pick (29th overall) in the 2014 NHL draft. Unlike some of the Kings' other top prospects at forward, Kempe offers decent size at 6'1" and nearly 180 pounds at just 18 years old. 

Kempe is in his second season with Modo of the Swedish Hockey League. He racked up 11 points in 45 games in 2013-14. He's off to a better start this season, with three goals and seven assists for 10 points in 20 games. 

He's been rewarded for his improved play by skating on the top line with Toronto Maple Leafs prospect William Nylander. There's certainly reason for Kings fans to be excited. But even if he dominates in Sweden, he likely won't make his NHL debut for another season or two.