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By Kyle Woodlief, special to USA TODAY

The forward group is the clear strength of this year's draft crop with offensive talents occupying the top four spots overall, and 10 of the top 13, on Red Line Report's list. Teams drafting in the top 20 should be able to add a solid forward prospect to their stables.

There's not a lot separating the top four talent-wise, but tops on our chart is Pat Kane. We give him the edge based on his explosive, game-breaking goal-scoring abilities, and his history of outstanding production at every level. Kane's speed, quickness and lateral agility give defenders fits, and he dominated the tough OHL as a rookie with surprising ease, bombing his way to the league scoring title with 62 goals, 83 assists and 145 points in just 58 games. He's always ready to pounce on the slightest mistake and turn it into instant offense and terrorizes goalies with a deadly accurate shot.

The other three forwards Red Line Report has bunched together in the "Big Four" offer a variety of styles.

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