PITTSBURGH - The NHL draft returned with a decidedly American flavor.
Nine Americans were taken in the second round Saturday morning, led by winger Nicolas Kerdiles. The 18-year-old from California was selected with the 36th overall pick by the Anaheim Ducks.
The Winnipeg Jets grabbed center Lukas Sutter with the 39th pick. Sutter is the son of former NHL player Rich Sutter.
The San Jose Sharks agreed to terms on a three-year contract with newly acquired defenseman Brad Stuart that will prevent him from becoming a free agent.
The Colorado Avalanche locked up one of their promising young forwards, signing Matt Duchene to a two-year deal.
The Avs face big decisions on other restricted free agents such as leading scorer Ryan O'Reilly, who was drafted the same year as Duchene.
