04-5 Online Prospect Magazine - K

A

| B

| C

| D

| E

| F

| G

| H-I

| J

| K

| L

| M

| N-O

| P-Q

| R

| S

| T

| U-V

| W-X

| Y-Z

K

Magnus Kahnberg, Car, RW, (Rating: 3.0), Vastra Frolunda (Swe) - It was a landmark season for flashy Swedish sniper, who exploded with a club-record 33 goals to win both the SEL scoring title and the Golden Helmet as league MVP .. A smooth, balanced skater with above-average speed, Kahnberg is an exceptional stickhandler with superb instincts around the net, and a lethal wristshot that is quick, hard and accurate, though he is not physical by NHL standards and tends to get outworked along the boards at times .. An inventive goal scorer whose all-around game has continued to mature.

Alexei Kaigorodov, Ott, C, (Rating: 2.5), Magnitogorsk (Rus) - Fighting for icetime on a veteran-filled Metallurg team, smooth-skating Russian rebounded from a brutal start (31-0-4-4) and enjoyed a strong finish to his third full season in the Super League (20-4-8-12) .. A cerebral, finesse pivot with excellent mobility and vision, Kaigorodov knows how to involve his linemates as he is a creative and skilled passer, and also possesses an effortless-yet-elusive quality about his skating and execution, though he gets outmuscled, and at times intimidated, by bigger and nastier opponents .. Will need adjustment period.

Petr Kanko, LA, RW, (Rating: 3.0), Manchester (AHL) - The championship hangover seemed to blunt the sting of Mohawk'd Czech, who, despite setting career highs in assists and points, dipped to his lowest OHL goal totals, and was a shadow of the star that led the Rangers to last year's Memorial Cup .. Quick, powerful and tough-as-nails, Kanko is very adept at shielding the puck and fearlessly bulling his way to the net, and is an intimidating forechecker due to his deceptive strength and hitting power, albeit his defensive awareness still needs work .. Pro challenge should re-ignite the flames.

Lukas Kaspar, SJ, RW, (Rating: 3.5), Ottawa (OHL) - The Sharks moved up six spots at the draft specifically to select the coveted Czech Carrot Top look-alike, who became a mainstay on the checking line of Chemopetrol Litvinov of the senior league, but showed little more than disinterest at the U20 World Juniors, failing to light the lamp (6-0-3-3-2) .. Similar in some respect to Mighty Ducks' Petr Sykora, Kaspar is a brilliant, effortless skater with soft hands, long reach and a sniper's sixth sense, although his roughhewn level of physical involvement and questionable all-around attention span have been the cause for unexceptional offensive production, as he does not always put in the work required day in and day out .. Drafted by the Ottawa 67's in the CHL Import Draft.

Duncan Keith, Chi, D, (Rating: 2.0), Norfolk (AHL) - Swift-skating rookie pro prospered under the tutelage of Norfolk coach and ex-NHL blueliner Trent Yawney, and made significant strides over the second half of the season .. A dynamic skater with exceptional speed and lateral agility, Keith showed that he can play a chippy, aggressive game defensively, and is learning to be more selective about when to jump into the rush and show off his excellent puckhandling skills .. Has bulked up, but still needs to fill out his lean frame if he hopes to contain bigger NHL forwards.

Matt Keith, Chi, RW, (Rating: 2.5), Norfolk (AHL) - Oft-injured second-rounder from `01 improved in leaps and bounds throughout his first pro campaign, and quickly endeared himself to coach Sutter during a pair of late-season call-ups .. A rugged, hard-nosed warrior and good overall skater, Keith always uses his size to finish checks and drive to the net, and showcased a quicker and stronger skating stride last season, which allowed him more time to utilize his quick release and underrated passing skills .. Potential power forward has vaulted to the head of the class.

Ryan Kesler, Van, C, (Rating: 3.5), Manitoba (AHL) - Ohio State dropout drew raves at camp and during a November callup before heading overseas to win a gold medal for Team USA at the World Juniors (6-3-0-3), but struggled to generate offense at both the NHL and AHL levels upon his return .. A big, power-skating forward with superb balance and strength on his skates, Kesler uses his impressive top-end speed at both ends of the ice and exhibits a defensive maturity and physical consistency that belies his age .. Thrived briefly with Trevor Linden, to whom Kesler has been compared, but will need better finishing skills to fulfill that prophecy.

Kevin Klein, Nsh, D, (Rating: 3.0), Milwaukee (AHL) - Turbo-charged second-rounder earned a silver medal with Canada’s World Juniors and also played a crucial role in lifting the Storm to an OHL Championship (22-10-11-21), before coming up short at the Memorial Cup .. A smooth, powerful skater with a terrific top gear, Klein loves to pounce into the rush and show off his booming shot, and plays a smart, physical defensive game, but doesn’t always show his mean side, and must continue to refine his puck-protection skills as he shows too much at times .. Projects as a solid top-four defender with power-play punch.

Jakub Klepis, Wsh, C, (Rating: 3.0), Portland (AHL) - Former Ottawa first-rounder kept improving throughout a successful sophomore Extraleague campaign, highlighted by a solid playoff showing for the league silver-medalists, while also emerging as a physical leader at the World Juniors (7-2-2-4) .. A big, persistent playmaker with soft hands, Klepis displays excellent vision and is an explosive skater who can blow by defenders using quick bursts of speed and strong stickhandling, yet is also a talented penalty-killer and will play an aggressive contact game when assigned the role .. Acquired from Buffalo in the Mike Grier deal, and is certain to turn heads in his return to North America (played in the WHL during `01-2).

Igor Knyazev, Phx, D, (Rating: 2.5), Utah (AHL) - Former Russian junior captain and Carolina first-rounder continued to spin his wheels in a disappointing sophomore North American season .. A smooth, mobile skater, Knyazev boasts solid overall skills and a good head for the game, but has been oddly indecisive and unwilling to take risks, and seldom displaying the gritty edge around his net that is compulsory for a blueliner of his modest size .. Critical year to re-gain 'top prospect' status.

Mikko Koivu, Min, C, (Rating: 4.0), Houston (AHL) - Saku's younger brother continued to mature and refine his game in Finland, but was again slowed by injuries, as a bruised shoulder and a broken cheekbone cost him 11 games .. A responsible two-way pivot, Koivu is an analytical player with excellent size, clever playmaking skills and an ability to involve everyone around him, and has worked hard on upgrading his strength, acceleration and skating mechanics .. Heated up during the stretch run (13-3-8-11, plus-6), but still lacks the pace to step directly into the NHL.

Kirill Koltsov, Van, D, (Rating: 3.5), Manitoba (AHL) - It was a bumpy North America transition for precocious Russian, who struggled early with the physical and defensive demands, highlighted by a 51-game goal drought after a splashy four-point AHL debut in the opener, however, he started to assert himself over the final months .. A slick, take-charge puckhandler and strong, balanced skater, Koltsov loves to show off his heavy wristshot and creative distribution skills, but, despite surprising toughness, lacks the muscle to win the corner battles, and must learn how to integrate his impulsive style into the team system .. Huge upside as a power-play weapon.

Neil Komadoski, Ott, D, (Rating: 2.5), Binghamton (AHL) - Rugged Missouri native matured into a solid, all-around blueline leader during his four years at Notre Dame, highlighted by a career-high five-goal senior campaign that also saw him receive the CCHA’s Mike and Marian Ilitch Award as the league’s top citizen .. A poised, two-way rearguard with excellent distribution skills, Komadoski isn’t the best or fastest skater, but compensates using his fine positional smarts, and has steadily evolved into a reliable and more disciplined physical presence .. A smart and stable player who could stamp his NHL ticket if he gains a half-step of speed.

Lauri Korpikoski, NYR, LW, (Rating: 3.5), TPS Turku (Fin) - Skilled sparkplug leaped out from obscurity in the second half of the season, becoming a prime scoring force in international competition, amassing three goals in four games at the Five-Nations tournament in Februrary and two months later tying linemates Tukonen and Nokelainen for U18 World Juniors scoring lead with 11 points (five goals), despite modest totals with TPS Turku .. A spry, opportunistic sniper, Korpikoski is a quick, balanced skater who thrives with the puck at full speed and constantly penetrates high traffic areas, driving the net in search of scoring opportunities and impressing with soft hands and good positional sense .. Must prove his effectiveness without Tukonen and Nokelainen.

Andrei Kostitsyn, Mtl, RW, (Rating: 4.0), Hamilton (AHL) - Fiery Belarusian failed to win over CSKA coach Viktor Tikhonov and spent most of last season spinning his wheels on the farm, and at lower-profile tournaments such as the U20 Group B World Juniors, where he led his country to gold (5-5-5-10, plus-5) .. A dynamic skater with an explosive change of pace, Kostitsyn plays a fearless and passionate attacking game, always eager to show off his deft one-on-one moves and prodigious shooting arsenal, but often ignores his linemates and only gives a half-hearted effort defensively .. Reckless weapon needs to mature and fine-tune his overall game.

Brent Krahn, Cgy, G, (Rating: 3.0), Lowell (AHL) - Injury-riddled first-rounder began and ended the season with the Flames, as third-stringer on the playoff taxi squad, and in between split time between the ECHL and AHL with mixed results .. A spirited competitor with excellent agility and leg speed for a big man, Krahn can be a formidable barrier given his natural physical attributes (athleticism, massive frame), but needs time to re-configure his game after being stalled by a pair of knee operations .. Opened eyes in January during his second stint in Lowell (1-2, 1.86, .952).

Lukas Krajicek, Fla, D, (Rating: 3.5), San Antonio (AHL) - Czech first-rounder began his first pro term tentatively after missing most of camp recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, and was unable to secure a spot in Florida during three call-ups (Dec, Jan, Feb) .. A fluid skater with exceptional agility and first-step quickness, Krajicek possesses gifted puck skills and a booming shot, but can be too soft and casual in his own end at times and must keep adding strength and better physical involvement .. Displayed NHL-caliber skating and skills, but also defensive immaturity with some glaring mistakes that even made Roberto Luongo's blood boil.

Kamil Kreps, Fla, C, (Rating: 3.0), San Antonio (AHL) - Stuck in auto-glide until mid-season and a bitter disappointment at the World Juniors, Czech second-rounder turned his season around in the second half (30-13-18-31), and was a going concern in the playoffs to lead the Battalion in scoring (12-7-8-15) .. An upright skater with outstanding dexterity and speed, Kreps mesmerizes defenders one-on-one using his excellent reach and dazzling stickhandling skills, however, despite not backing down, he prefers to play a gentle game and often suffers lapses in motivation .. Underachiever may be a better pro as he adds strength, consistency, and a little malice.

Ilya Krikunov, Van, LW, (Rating: 2.5), Khimik (Rus) - Russian seventh-rounder flourished alongside ex-NHLer German Titov and was leading Khimik in scoring (28-7-7-14) prior to joining the U-20 national team at the World Juniors, however, he never got untracked (6-0-2-2), and continued to sputter during the second stage of his Super League debut (21-2-2-4) .. A fast, sneaky forward with excellent versatility, Krikunov works diligently to set up his linemates and possesses sharp finishing skills, including a very good wrister and deceptive strength on the puck, but must continue to refine his defense and bulk up his undersized frame .. Smallish, complementary player with impressive offensive tools.

Niklas Kronwall, Det, D, (Rating: 3.5), Grand Rapids (AHL) - Flourishing from the outset of his North America debut, Swedish first-rounder joined the Wings following a terrific two-month crash course in Grand Rapids, and was steadily gaining momentum when he sustained a season-ending broken leg in January .. A smart, all-around rearguard, Kronwall sees the ice well and is a quick, fluid skater with strong breakout skills and a sizzling one-timer, however, he can also play an aggressive game and is a punishing open-ice hitter despite being undersized by NHL standards .. Mature beyond his years.

Chris Kunitz, Ana, LW, (Rating: NR), Cincinnati (AHL) - Undrafted Hobey Baker runner-up led the Baby Ducks with 19 goals, despite an extended NHL debut (Jan-Feb) that featured an encouraging flurry just prior to getting demoted (5-0-5-5, plus-4) .. A fast, powerful skater with excellent pickup speed, Kunitz drives through checks and is often the first player back in his own end, but, being undersized, must learn to actively utilize his foot speed to buy space for his howitzer shot and sharp, well-disguised release .. Created sparks with Joffrey Lupul.