Russell Morgan 
Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina/South Bend Tribune-USA TODAY NETWORK
9. Rasmus Kupari – 21 y/o – F – 2018 Round 1 #20 overall
Previous ranking: 9
There wasn’t a Kings prospect more apt to get the 2021 hockey season started than Rasmus Kupari. After not playing a meaningful hockey game since December 26th, 2019. Kupari was ready to show LA management that he was still the player they envisioned him to be when they drafted him in the first round of the 2018 draft. With nine points in his first eight games of the season, that was more than evident. And it earned him a call-up to the Kings.
After indulging LA Kings fans with a bit of flash in his first three games in the NHL, Rasmus was sent back down to Ontario, where his scoring continued.
He finished his first “full” season with the Ontario Reign strong. In the last six games of the AHL season, he posted five points and was a plus-four over that span. With another call-up to the Kings sandwiched in between.
Chris Peters Hockey Sense with Chris Peters
“Kupari is often going to be one of the fastest players on the ice in a lot of the games he plays in. His pace and defensive sense have just kept coming along, and they are getting closer to him being a full-time NHLer. Offensively there’s a bit more to give in terms of his numbers, but he has the skill and sense to be a factor. I think he has a chance to be a scoring-depth weapon with a middle-six upside. As his game continues to round out, he’ll be available in even more roles and situations.”
HockeyProspecting.com Comparisons
If there is one trait that separates Rasmus Kupari from the rest of LA’s prized pool of prospects, it’s his confidence. But if one thing is holding him back from being on the Kings roster, it’s the position he plays. Center.
Kupari’s confidence was more than exuded throughout Development Camp and the Rookie Faceoff. With more experience than some of his campmates, he displayed more maturity and a sense of calmness offensively. What has also helped is the newfound chemistry with Samuel Fagemo. The two have formed a dynamic duo of sorts. When they get going in the offensive zone, it’s tough to stop them.