Evander Kane 2009 NHL Draft Profile
NHL Draft Prospect Brings More than Stats to the Draft Table
Dec 16, 2008
While most of the talk surrounding the 2009 NHL draft has revolved around offensive phenom John Tavares and defensive tower Victor Hedman, another prospect has been delivering a few knock out performances of his own lately, for scouts and young fans alike.
Evander Kane, named after Evander Holyfield, could also adopt the pugilist’s nickname – “The Real Deal.” In its preliminary fall rankings, Central Scouting pegged Kane as the top forward and second overall prospect, but for just the Western Hockey League. Since then, Kane hasn’t pulled any punches: Kane led all other WHL’ers with 33 points in just 18 games.
He is now ranked eighth – overall – by the International Scouting Services.
Unlike the flashy Tavares, Kane is not just about points. Sure, he has a great shot and super puck handling, but what NHL teams are coveting in the upcoming ‘09 draft are his two other assets. He is a very solid two way player, and is a tough presence to play against on the ice. And at 6”1’ and 180 lbs at just 17 years of age, scouts are eager to see how much bigger he will get.
According to NHL scout Bruce Haralson, “What’s impressive to me is that he doesn’t necessarily dominate with the puck. He’s not a highly skilled guy who hangs onto the puck forever. He just has that innate sense of timing and gets to the holes. He has pure goal-scoring instincts.”
Like a good fighter, Evander Kane doesn’t quit. His mixture of skill, character, and grit have caused many to compare him to NHL star Jarome Iginla. “I like to bring an offensive part to the game,” Kane said. “I’m on the team to score goals and contribute offensively. I like to bring a physical element and you can’t be afraid to go into the corners and battle and I like to go hard.”
Meanwhile, excited NHL fans are starting to key in on the character that Kane will bring to their rinks in the coming years.
The African-Canadian Kane has quietly stirred up a compelling sub-plot for the draft. Kane interviewed with the Atlanta Thrashers, a team that is excited about his ability and character. Even now, while only a potential choice for the Thrashers, he is already speaking as a great role model for the youth of that heavily African-American city.
“I did speak with Atlanta. And I suppose going to the United States, of course there are a lot of African Americans. But I would be happy to play anywhere in the NHL. If it were Atlanta, well yes, you’re correct on that note and I guess that’s all part of the job and I would be very happy doing it.”
Scouts and sub-plots aside, Kane simply continues to focus on playing impressive hockey. He had a good audition with Team Canada for the IIHF World Championships. One of the younger players at the try-outs, he notched two goals in the three intersquad games before being released.
As disappointing as the cut may have been, it may serve Kane best to return to his Vancouver Giants – he had scored four goals in his last game with the Giants before leaving for the camp. There, he will get more ice time, more chances to help his team, and more chances to impress the scouts and fans.
“The Real Deal” is indeed all-inclusive: fantastic goal scoring, great puck handling, and a flourishing character on and off the ice all combine to provide that young fan base in Atlanta, and the entire NHL, something big to look forward to.
Soon after the draft, he’ll be someone even bigger to look up to.
