Thrashers Sign First Round Choice Evander Kane

[Thrillhouse]

The Atlanta Thrashers have signed forward Evander Kane, the team’s first round (fourth overall) choice in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, to a multiple-year contract, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Kane, 17, recorded 96 points (48 goals, 48 assists) in 61 games for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League last season. He led the WHL in power play goals (23), ranked second in goals and game-winning goals (10), and placed fourth in points. He led the Giants in goals, ranked second in points, and finished third in assists and plus/minus rating (plus-51). He added 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 17 playoff games while leading his team to the WHL Western Conference Finals. He was named to the 2009 WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and also competed in the CHL Top Prospects Game.

The 6-1, 185-pound left wing won a Gold Medal with Team Canada during the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championships in Ottawa, Ontario, recording six points (two goals, four assists) in six games. The World Junior Championships marked his second international Gold Medal in six months after winning the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in Slovakia as a member of Canada’s Under-18 team.

Kane has posted 138 points (73 goals, 65 assists) and a plus-73 rating in 134 career WHL games with Vancouver. He has added 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) in 32 post-season games with the Giants. A native of Vancouver, Kane made his WHL debut in 2006-07, scoring one goal in eight regular-season games and appearing in five post-game contests en route to capturing the Memorial Cup Championship.

[thepolishkid88]

Now if they could just sign Illya...

[HordiBrusk29]

Good for Evander. I just hope the Thrashers don't rush him into the NHL right away. Another year in junior would be best for him.

[The Peach]

kane is an interesting kid, i can't get a solid read on how good he will be at the NHL level. he's slight (6 foot, maybe 170) but has killer instincts and great speed. i think he's stronger than he looks, like mike peca. excellent vision and anticipation. if he works hard and can adjust to getting railed in traffic and making quicker plays, he could be a 30-30 guy and a strong defensive forward. look forward to seeing how it works out for him.

[NJDevils17]

It's a shame that they can't send him to Chicago. Playing in the AHL would probably be ideal for him.

[chilly666]

unfortunately im gonna say im sorry evander cause by the time that you make the trash bags, ilya won't be there and don waddell will still be destroying this team little by little and you'll be asked to carry the franchise like crosby. hope you're up for it!

oh njdevils17 he wouldn't be better off here in chicago as long as granato is the coach. he would probably be stuck on the 4th line only playing five minutes a game instead of being in vancouver playing 18-20 and being in a winning enviroment playing for one of the best junior coaches.

[GIANTSFAN]

Originally Posted by HordiBrusk29

Good for Evander. I just hope the Thrashers don't rush him into the NHL right away. Another year in junior would be best for him.

I think 2 more years in the WHL would be best for his progression. Why rush a kid into a terrible hockey club? He needs to get a lot stronger & put on at least 15 lbs to be able to battle in the NHL. I don't think he's near ready for the NHL.

[45 ACP]

Originally Posted by The Peach

kane is an interesting kid, i can't get a solid read on how good he will be at the NHL level. he's slight (6 foot, maybe 170) but has killer instincts and great speed. i think he's stronger than he looks, like mike peca. excellent vision and anticipation. if he works hard and can adjust to getting railed in traffic and making quicker plays, he could be a 30-30 guy and a strong defensive forward. look forward to seeing how it works out for him.

Exactly what I was thinking. With a team like the Thrashers, he could possibly be playing for them next year.

[Machinehead2k5]

They threw Bogo into the mix last season and if he didn't have a broken leg he would have got IMHO a nomination for the Calder.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by GIANTSFAN

I think 2 more years in the WHL would be best for his progression. Why rush a kid into a terrible hockey club? He needs to get a lot stronger & put on at least 15 lbs to be able to battle in the NHL. I don't think he's near ready for the NHL.

I agree, although I can't see him playing two more years in junior. I just hope he isn't thrown to the wolves right away.