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*Rangers use 19th pick on LW Korpikoski*
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RALEIGH, North Carolina (Ticker) - The New York Rangers traded
up five spots with their second pick in the first round of
Saturday's NHL draft and selected Finnish left wing Lauri
Korpikoski 19th overall.

New York, which took goaltender Al Montoya at No. 6, swapped
first-round picks and sent a second-rounder to the Calgary
Flames for the right to take Korpikoski.

"We had Korpikoski near the top of our draft chart," Rangers
assistant general manager Don Maloney said.  "He has tremendous
ability.  He can skate, he's physical and he makes plays.  In
our eyes, he was the hidden gem of the draft and we worked hard
to move up to be in a position to select this player."

Few prospects had their stock rise as much as this 6-1,
183-pound Finn, who jumped an astounding 142 spots to 12th among
European skaters as ranked by NHL Central Scouting.

A speedy skater, Korpikoski had 12 goals and eight assists in 36
games with TPS Turku of the Finnish junior league.  Playing on
a line with fellow first-round picks Lauri Tukonen and Petteri
Nokelainen, he had five goals and six assists in six games at
the World Under-18 Championships.

Scouts said Korpikoski is aware of his defensive
responsibilities and praise his attitude and enthusiasm.  He's
expected to spend at least one more season in Finland.

"I don't know these guys too well, but I hope to in the future.
What I do know is that New York City and the Rangers' fans are
great," Korpikoski said.  "I've never been to New York or to
Madison Square Garden, but I know it's a great atmosphere."

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