Mark Yannetti’s appearances on Kings Of The Podcast are highly regarded by fans, making him one of the most esteemed guests on the show. His comprehensive and in-depth responses are unparalleled. Indeed, it would be challenging to find a sports executive more transparent, who educates his audience with ease every time he speaks.Yannetti’s insights into player development and the inner workings of the NHL draft are not only enlightening but also engaging for listeners, cementing his reputation as a key figure in the hockey community. His ability to blend candor with expertise ensures that each episode featuring him is a must-listen for both Kings fans and hockey enthusiasts alike.
For 18 years, Yannetti has been a pivotal figure among the LA Kings’ scouting teams, focusing on NHL prospects. In his role as Director of Amateur Scouting, he has established himself as an authority in the sport.Under Yannetti’s leadership, the LA Kings have drafted several key players who have made significant contributions to the team’s success, including current stars like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty. His keen eye for talent and deep understanding of the game have helped the Kings build a strong foundation for future success.
During his extensive interview exceeding 75 minutes last week, he divulged a wealth of insights and behind-the-scenes details. While it’s impractical to transcribe the entire session, selected highlights will be shared through a series of articles in the coming weeks.
To begin, we’ll address a current hot topic in the league. Following the Kings’ championship victories in 2012 and 2014, many teams shifted their focus to prioritize ‘speed and skill’ over size—a trend that’s now reversing, as observed in discussions during this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs.In recent interviews, several coaches and players have highlighted the resurgence of physicality and size as crucial components for success in the playoffs. The emphasis on grit and toughness in the face of intense competition is becoming more pronounced, with teams strategically incorporating larger, more robust players into their lineups to counter the speed and finesse-oriented approach that has dominated the league for the past decade. As the game continues to evolve, striking a balance between skill and physicality will likely be key for teams vying for hockey’s ultimate prize.
In light of this, Yannetti was questioned about the resurgence of size as a valued attribute for the 2024 NHL Draft:
[Editor’s note: The following transcript is a 95% accurate word-for-word account, with unnecessary transitions and miscellaneous words omitted, and minor paraphrasing for clarity.]
“Size becomes significant when all other factors are equal,” Yannetti stated, his Boston accent noticeable at times. “It’s not just about being big; you’d prefer to be both big and fast, or big and intelligent, rather than just average in size and speed or intellect. Thus, size does matter. However, there’s a distinction between ‘heavy’ size and ‘soft’ size. Ideally, I’d like a team of 6-foot-4 players like Drew Doughty on our defense, adding a bit of toughness.”Yannetti paused, taking a sip of his coffee before continuing with a thoughtful look in his eyes. “But let’s not overlook the importance of agility and skill in this game,” he remarked. “After all, a nimble player who can outmaneuver a larger opponent has a distinct advantage on the ice. So, while size is undoubtedly a factor, it’s not the sole determining factor of success. It’s about finding that perfect balance between size, speed, intelligence, and technique that truly sets a player apart in the game of hockey.”
