With their first round selection, 29th overall, the LA Kings selected Adrian Kempe of Modo, Sweden. Last season, he posted five goals and six assists in 45 games in the Swedish Hockey League. That’s as a seventeen year-old kid.
Johnson was ranked No. 28th on Bob McKenzie’s scout list, No. 22 by International Scouting Service, and the 6th rank European Skater by Central Scouting Service
TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button said this of Kempe
Excellent skater with speed and quickness and he uses it to get to openings and to back off defenders. Excellent sense for the game and what is necessary and with his multitude of talents, he can deliver. A team player through and through.
It is important to note that Kempe comes from Modo, the same team that has developed such players as Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund, and the Sedin twins.
MayorsManor correspondent Andy Tonge is live in Philadelphia and will have more live from the Draft floor posted soon.
Kempe’s highlight video:
On the NHL.com Kempe lists his favorite player as Marian Gaborik.
Kempe is one of the youngest players in the draft. Born on September 13th 1996, he missed the age cut off by a mere two days.
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