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Get to know a draft pick -- Clayton Keller

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Richard T Gagnon

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Like we’ve done in the past, we’re profiling top prospects who may hear their names called in the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

But this year, something new — we’re featuring special guest analysis from Ryan Kennedy, associate senior writer and prospect expert at The Hockey News.

Clayton Keller (C)

Height: 5-foot-10 Weight: 168 pounds Shoots: Left

Team: U.S. Under-18 team (USHL)

Country: U.S.

NHL Central Scouting ranking: No. 8 North American skater

Kennedy says: “Keller is this year’s candidate for ‘player most likely to force GMs to think about size bias.’

“The top-10 has not been kind to players under 5-foot-11, but Keller was a dynamo for Team USA this season and had some of his best games against bigger, stronger college competition. A Boston University commit, Keller has high-end skill, great hockey smarts and most importantly, excellent consistency.

“The big battle for him will come later this summer, as his junior rights are held by the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. Keller’s best bud, Logan Brown, plays for the Spits and Windsor hosts the Memorial Cup next year, so they’ll make a huge push to win his services.”

Related: Could the Blue Jackets really trade the third overall pick?

Click here for all the 2016 NHL Draft profiles.