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Coyotes Choose Another American In Second Round

The Phoenix Coyotes chose Chicago-born center Alexander Ruutu with their second pick of the NHL Entry Draft Saturday, the first of the second round and 51st overall.

Doubtless the club had a good scouting report on Ruutu, who is has Finnish roots. His father, Christian, is a Coyotes scout. Christian Ruutu played nine seasons in the NHL and was drafted in 1983.

The younger Ruutu, 18, scored 18 goals with 13 assists in 41 games for the Finland junior club Jokerit Jr. last season.

Phoenix selected left wing Lucas Lessio with its second second-round pick, the 56th pick overall.

Lessio, 18, shoots from his left side and is 6-1, 197 pounds. He finished second in scoring among rookies for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario (Can,) Hockey League with 54 points in 66 games.

Lessio is from Maple, Ontario and grew up a Maple Leafs fan, according to his NHL.com profile.