Robert Thomas of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.Robert Thomas of the London Knights. Photo by Terry Wilson / OHL Images.
London

NHL Drafts Four London Knights

The 2017 NHL Entry Draft has ended with four London Knights selected by NHL teams.

The draft ran Friday and Saturday at the United Center in Chicago.

One was taken during the prime time telecast of the first round on Friday, the rest taken in later rounds throughout the day Saturday.

Knights centre Robert Thomas was drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the 20th overall pick. The 17-year-old from Aurora, Ont. just completed his second season with London. During the 2016-17 campaign, Thomas had 16 goals for a total of 66 points for the regular season. He also had three goals for 12 points during the OHL playoffs.

Winger Alex Formenton was taken in the second round, 47th pick overall, by the Ottawa Senators via a trade from the Calgary Flames. The King City, Ont. native, 17, played in 65 games in his first season with the Knights and had 34 points.

Defenceman Brandon Crawley was picked up by the New York Rangers with the 123rd overall pick, fourth round. The Rangers have the pick via a series of transactions involving the Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils and San Jose Sharks. Crawley had 114 penalty minutes while scoring seven goals during this past regular season. The 20-year-old is from Glen Rock, New Jersey.

Another Knights defenceman went in the fifth round. Rookie Jacob Golden, 18, goes to the Minnesota Wild as the 143rd overall pick. Golden, who hails from Toronto, played in 38 games during the regular season and had two assists. He did not see ice action in the OHL playoffs.

Alex Formenton of the London Knights. (Photo courtesy of Terry Wilson via OHL Images) Alex Formenton of the London Knights. (Photo courtesy of Terry Wilson via OHL Images)

 

Brandon Crawley of the London Knights (Photo courtesy of London Knights/OHL) Brandon Crawley of the London Knights (Photo courtesy of London Knights/OHL)

 

Jacob Golden of the London Knights (Photo courtesy of London Knights/OHL) Jacob Golden of the London Knights (Photo courtesy of London Knights/OHL)

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