Matt Kennedy(Photo by Michael Hollenbeck)
The Carolina Hurricanes' 2009 fifth round draft pick Matt Kennedy is headed for Albany and the Rats certainly won't complain about getting this 20-year-old feisty power forward.
Kennedy, selected 131st overall, was named the 2008-09 MVP of the OHL's Guelph Storm, scoring 73 points (33 G, 40 A) in 67 games as the team's captain. In addition to the MVP award, he earned the team's Top Scorer Award, the Playmaker Trophy, the Fan Club Award and the Leadership Award. If you look up the 6-foot-3, 203-pound, Richmond Hill, Ontario, native on YouTube, you'll discover he isn't afraid to drop the gloves either.
Kennedy played his first four professional games and scored his first professional goal with the Syracuse Crunch late last year after finishing his season with the Storm. "He was described as a tough, gritty grinder," the Canes Now blog reports.
Now Canes' property, Kennedy is likely to officially kick off his professional career in Albany, bringing offensive talent and leadership qualities to the Rats' club.
UPDATE: Turns out the River Rats will have to wait another year before getting Kennedy's services. He has decided to return to juniors for one more year with Guelph. If the Storm's season ends before the Rats, there is a chance he'll play in Albany towards the end of the year.
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