It’s a little tough to get famous yourself when you share a name with a big-time Hollywood actor, but defenseman Kevin Kline is gradually making a name for himself in hockey.
In building one of the NHL's most exciting contenders, Nashville Predators GM David Poile has drafted some outstanding young blue line prospects.
The 2003 Rat Pack includes three top of the line hopefuls for the Preds, including Ryan Suter (MLN FAB50 Hockey 2005 No. 3), who's already there, along with second round bookends Klein and Shea Weber (No. 19).
Klein has become a strong stay at home presence for Milwaukee, while picking up his offensive game.
While he might not have quite as much offensive pop as Weber, Klein has all the makings of a 20-25 minute per night NHL defenseman.
A big plus is that Klein has an ability to stay out of the penalty box, having picked up just 12 PIM's in his first 50 games.
Still, it might take Inspector Clouseau to stumble upon a clear read on his NHL future, more so than for compatriots Suter or Weber. While he debuts with the freshman 40 on the MLN FAB50 Hockey 2006 rankings we see him going In & Out of the NHL before any firm enthusiasm builds for him at Nashville full time.
- Dan Hickling
