Phoenix Coyotes Select Forward Viktor Tikhonov 28th Overall in 2008 NHL Entry Draft

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced Friday that the Coyotes have selected forward Viktor Tikhonov in the first round (28th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario.  The pick was acquired from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for two second round picks (35th and 39th overall) in the 2008 Entry Draft.

Tikhonov, 20, recorded 7-5-12 and 43 penalty minutes (PIM) in 43 games with Cherepovets of the Russian league.  The 6-foot-2, 187-pound Tikhonov was named Best Forward and to the tournament All-Star Team at the 2008 World Junior Championship after recording 5-2-7 in seven games for Russia.  A native of Riga, Latvia, Tikhonov was ranked No. 7 among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

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Earlier in the day, the Coyotes selected Mikkel Boedker with the eight overall pick.  Boedker, 18, recorded 29-44-73 and 14 PIM in 69 games with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) last season.  His 73 points ranked 3rd among all OHL rookies.  A native of Copenhagen, Denmark, Boedker also ranked T-2nd in the OHL in game-winning goals (9).  He helped lead Kitchener to the OHL championship and the Memorial Cup final during the 2007-08 campaign.

NHL Central Scouting Report:
Viktor Tikhonov was one of the most improved young players in the Russian League in 2007-08. He shows a high level of competitiveness and is a dedicated team player. He shows a keen ability to read and react to the play and is projected to be a second line player in the NHL. He needs to continue to improve his overall skating and speed.

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