Kevin Klein Named NHLPA Player of the Week

NHLPAJun 7, 2018

After many years of being considered a middle-of-the-pack team in the Western Conference, the Nashville Predators are certainly a team to be reckoned with in the 2012 NHL Playoffs.

The Predators have taken a detailed and measured approach to their development; building through the draft, scouting, establishing a core of players and, more recently, they have been adding key pieces through trades and signings.

Kevin Klein is a player that has been developed by the Predators and is a perfect example of this team-building philosophy at work. The 6’1”, 200-lbs defenceman has worked his way up through the Predators organization, becoming a regular in the line-up over the past couple of seasons and acting as a consistent and stabilizing force on the blue line in Nashville.

Kevin has worked extremely hard to establish himself as an NHL player. The native of Kitchener, Ontario came up through the OHL, spending his time in junior with the St. Mike’s Majors and the Guelph Storm.

Following his junior career, he was drafted in the second round, 37^th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by Nashville and has remained with the club since that time. His work-ethic and determination to realize his dream of playing in the NHL was on full display as he battled through the minors for a few seasons before landing in Nashville on a permanent basis. He has been a part of the Predators climb into prominence in the Western Conference, suiting up with players like Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne to help the team establish a strong identity.

Kevin has been stellar for the Predators as they have taken a 2-games-to-1 lead over the Detroit Red Wings in their opening round playoff series
In game 3, Kevin was a factor at both ends of the ice, scoring a highlight-reel marker after splitting the Red Wings defence and wristing a shot high glove-side, as well as saving a potential game tying goal with his stick during a Detroit two-on-one in the third period

Biography

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada on December 13, 1984
Has suited up in 228 games over the past three seasons
Registered a career-high in points (21) in 2011-12
Was selected as a member of the 2003-04 Canadian entry in the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, helping the team bring home a silver medal

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