COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Chicago Blackhawks have made right-winger
Patrick Kane the first overall pick in the NHL entry draft.
The five-foot-nine native of Buffalo, N.Y., led all major junior
scorers with 145 points in 58 regular-season games in his rookie
OHL season with the London Knights.
Kane also gained ground in the prospect rankings by playing a
key role for the U.S. team that won bronze at the world junior
tournament.
Kane will be given a chance to jump into the NHL next fall
because the Blackhawks don't have a lot up front.
As his numbers show, Kane has a nose for the net. He's got a
great shot and good speed.
The only knock against him has been his size. He only weighs
about 160 pounds, but he could thrive in today's NHL with tight
application of interference and obstruction fouls.
(BN) (from Broadcast News Ltd.)
