panoo

Shane Malloy | NHL.com correspondent
May 22, 2007, 11:03 PM EDT

Brandon Sutter comes from one of hockey’s storied families -- the Sutter clan from Viking, Alberta that sent six brothers to NHL careers. As such, there is the perception that Brandon is cut from that same mold as his father and uncles, and not his own individual. That perception, of course, is a hard one to tear down.

But Brandon, the son of Brent Sutter, a former NHL player and now owner and coach of the Western Hockey League's Red Deer Rebels, is still trying to walk his own path, while still respecting and appreciating the hockey history his family has already forged.

The Red Deer, Alberta native is well aware of the business end of hockey. Brandon Sutter has seen it first hand on many levels, so he may be the most prepared prospect at this year’s Entry Draft.

Currently, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound center is an intriguing package of size, skill and the hockey sense that should become a valuable asset to an NHL organization in the near future. He is expected by many to be chosen somewhere in the top 10 in the upcoming draft despite being ranked No. 28 in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings of North American skaters.

When you come from a family like the Sutters, with their history in hockey added to the fact your dad is your coach, it can develop into a stifling situation. But not for Brandon Sutter, who insists he is just one of the guys.

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