Q&A: Maple Grove’s Kyle Kukkonen on NHL Draft outlook
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2021 Maple Grove graduate Kyle Kukkonen is ranked 78th among North American skaters by Central Scouting.
He talked with KSTP Sports about the prospects of getting drafted this weekend. The first round of the NHL Draft is Friday night, with rounds 2-7 coming on Saturday.
***Click the video box above to watch our conversation with Kukkonen, and to see him in action***
Kukkonen plans on spending Saturday on the golf course, wanting to keep his mind at ease. He led Maple Grove with 31 goals and 43 assists for 74 points in just 23 games last season, guiding the Crimson to 3rd place in the state tournament.
Kukkonen will play for Madison in the United States Hockey League next season, then will compete collegiately for Michigan Tech in two years. 5-foot-10, he is a righty shot and can play center and wing.
Former Maple Grove high school hockey captain Kyle Kukkonen is expected to get drafted this weekend. The NHL Draft is Friday night (Round 1) and Saturday (Rounds 2-7).[KSTP/Scott Wise]
The draft is being held virtually again this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.