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Top 10 Prospects: Minnesota Wild |
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Possessing one of the best systems of prospects in all of hockey, Minnesota has done terrific work taking on high risk-high reward type prospects higher up in the draft, while not utilizing lottery picks.
1. Mikael Granlund, Forward
HIFK, SM-liiga,
9th overall, 2010
5’10, 183 lbs
Granlund looks like a wizard with the puck on his stick, and has the ability to do things that almost nobody else in the world can do. He shows good hustle on both ends of the puck, but has the thinking to be a threat anywhere on the ice. He's so patient and can create space with slick moves, and find holes that you wouldn't even see.
Upside: All-Star Forward
NHL Comparable: Patrick Kane
2. Matt Dumba, Defense
Red Deer Rebels, WHL
7th Overall, 2012
6'0, 173 lbs
Before you started reading this, Dumba probably just laid you out on your rear end. Dumba loves to fly in on opposition and send them into the next life with bone-crushing hits. He's a plus physical player who brings an elite offensive game. He skates with the best of them, looking almost effortless. He can make strong plays with quick passing and adept puck handling. The puck explodes off his stick and could go through the boards and into the parking lot if he wanted it to. Despite all this, he can play a shutdown game when he calms himself. Sometimes he gets caught doing too much.
Upside: Top Pairing Physical Offensive Defenseman
NHL Comparable: P.K. Subban meets Dion Phaneuf
3. Charlie Coyle, Forward
Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
28th Overall, 2010
6'2, 207 lbs
Coyle comes at you like a freight train when he has the puck, barreling through defenses. He uses quick hands to protect the puck well and go through coverage, and can make plays when he sees the availability. He's a responsible player who works the boards well and uses his frame and strength to his advantage offensively.
Upside: Top Six Power Forward
NHL Comparable: Tomas Vanek-lite
4. Jonas Brodin, Defense
Farjestad, SEL
10th Overall, 2011
6'1, 170 lbs
Brodin could be a mad scientist, he's such a smart player with high end IQ. He reads plays steps before players makes them, showing his defensive abilities, when being asked to check top players regularly. His vision and IQ allows him to be an offensive option, moving the puck well in transition. He's been asked to do some QB'ing of the PP and has handled it well with his intelligence. He can skate well and sees opportunities to jump into the rush.
Upside: Top Pairing Complimentary Two-Way Defender
NHL Comparable: Ryan Suter meets Carl Gunnarsson
5. Matt Hackett, Goalie
Houston Aeros, AHL
77th Overall, 2009
6'2, 180 lbs
A student of the game, Hackett uses his sizable frame and excellent reading of plays to stop pucks. He's composed in net, using calculated movements. He's a good skater with good feet, who's game is built around the technical aspects of his game. He'll need to continue to be more aggressive and take away more net.
Upside: Starting Goalie
NHL Comparable: Niklas Backstrom
6. Brett Bulmer, Right Wing
Kelowna Rockets, WHL
39th Overall, 2010
6'3, 195 lbs
Bulmer can skate, make plays, handle the puck well, play a defensive game, all while combining it into a bigger body. He's got the ability to score goals and really play that all around game that a coach drools over. He's a good PK'er, and really plays with an edge to his game physically. Nothing really stands out, he's just a good hockey player.
Upside: Top Nine Power Forward
NHL Comparable:
7. Johan Larsson, Center
Brynas, SEL
56th Overall, 2010
6'0, 200 lbs
Larsson is a tremendous player with the puck on his stick, utilizing soft hands and the ability to read plays very well. He's good at setting up his linemates, thinking the game when he makes his plays. He's shown the ability to play a two-way game and check opponents as he's a strong body who will show some physical readiness.
Upside: 2nd Line Two-Way Forward
NHL Comparable: Mikko Koivu-super-lite
8. Zack Phillips, Center
Saint John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
28th Overall, 2011
6'1, 181 lbs
Phillips thinks the game at a high level, and controls the puck at that same level, leaving many jaws on the floor. He makes plays from both the middle and outside, deking his way through covering and dishing off soft but crisp passes. He just reads the play so well and commits to his decisions so quick that he's lethal on either side of the puck.
Upside: 2nd Line Offensive Forward
NHL Comparable: Patrik Berglund
9. Jason Zucker, Left Wing
University of Denver, WCHA (NCAA)
59th Overall, 2010
5'11, 180 lbs
While being small, Zucker goes into dirty areas and brings a physical game to his team. On top of that, he's a high end skater who flies down the wing with a lot of steam, and can put the puck into the mesh from a good distance out with a quick release. He's a pest on the forecheck who makes his presence known, despite being undersized.
Upside: 2nd Line Goal Scoring Forward, with some pest-like qualities and power game
NHL Comparable: Brian Gionta-ish
10. Mario Lucia, Left Wing
Penticton Vees, BCHL
60th Overall, 2011
6'3", 195 lbs
While Lucia is gangly, he's along term project with high upside as a power player. He's got a good frame to build on, using good skating and puck control offensively to create plays and finish them off, driving into the grimey areas. He's a hard working player defensively, who tries just as hard offensively. For now, Lucia will need to prove he can transfer his game to the next level.
Upside: 2nd Line Goal Scoring Forward, with a slight power game
NHL Comparable: Patrick Marleau
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