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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Adrian Kempe grew up in Sweden idolizing Marian Gaborik, and he models his game after Dustin Brown.
He'll likely get a chance to play with both members of the Los Angeles Kings after they drafted the forward in the first round Friday night.
The 17-year-old Kempe was the Kings' only pick of the opening round, and the smooth two-way forward plans to play at least another season in his native Sweden before even considering a move stateside.
Along with Gaborik and Brown, Kempe also admires Colorado captain Gabriel Landeskog. He has enjoyed watching the Kings during their run to two Stanley Cup titles in three seasons.
Kempe played against grown men in Sweden's top league last season, scoring 19 points in 20 games while driving the net aggressively.
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