Now that the season's over for the Wild, the Aeros and all of the Wild prospects (except Kristopher Foucault and Erik Haula, I think), whats there to do?

There's a trade lock around for awhile, the Draft Combine is in May, and the Entry Draft is in June...

For me, I'm still in college and so I have my hands full, but I'm starting to feel a bit of Wild withdrawal at the moment
So with nothing to write about, I will gladly announce the Wild Prospect Awards!

-----Most Valuable Prospect-----

Marco Scandella D, 19, 6'3" 217lbs (Val-d'Or Foreurs QMJHL)
Minnesota's 2nd round choice, 55th overall, in 2008

Although the Wild have a big, BIG hole at the forward position, they have a nice solid lineup of defensive prospects, Scandella being at the top. He was part of the shutdown defensive pair for Team Canada that won the silver at the World Junior Championships. He impressed many but his regular season ended on a poor note (a season ending suspension for an elbow to the face). Still, he ended going 1.00 PPG (31 points in 31 games) during regular season AND playoffs (6 points in 6 games). It seems as though his junior career has ended and will mostly likely joining the Houston Aeros next year, unless he makes the Wild out of training camp, which he almost did this season

Runner Ups: Matthew Hackett, Casey Wellman

-----Top Goaltender-----

Matthew Hackett G, 19, 6'2" 170lbs (Plymouth Whalers OHL)
Minnesota's 3rd round choice, 77th overall, in 2009

One of the top goaltenders in the Ontario Hockey League, the Wild should be glad they traded down their pick to acquire an extra 3rd round pick and that Hackett even lasted that long. Hackett was recently named OHL Goaltender of the Month during this April and was recently signed to an three year entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild.

Runner Ups: Anton Khudobin, Darcy Kuemper

-----Top Defenseman-----

Marco Scandella D, 19, 6'3" 217lbs (Val-d'Or Foreurs QMJHL)
Minnesota's 2nd round choice, 55th overall, in 2008

Since he is the Wild's MVP, it is impossible for Scandella NOT to be the top defensive prospect.

Runner Ups: Clayton Stoner, Maxim Noreau

-----Top Forward-----

Casey Wellman C, 21, 6'0" 173lbs (Minnesota Wild NHL)
Not Drafted

The Wild's season was over and fans were preparing to see what prospects the Wild would get in June, unaware that GM Fletcher was about to bring in two new prospects right then and there. In comes Casey Wellman and Nate Prosser. Prosser has done fine in his few games but Wellman is the one that have fans excited for next season. Wellman has the stick skills, shot and speed to become a very good NHLer but lacks the size and strength to do so. Overpowered by the more veteran NHLers, a summer of strength condition should work wonders.

Runner Ups: Erik Haula, Colton Gillies

-----Most Improved-----

Cody Almond C, 20, 6'1" 199lbs (Houston Aeros AHL)
Minnesota's 5th round choice, 140th overall, in 2007

He came to the Aeros a very raw but dedicated player. He began playing on the fourth line with fellow Aeros rookie Carson McMillan. He would work his way up the Aeros depth chart and would soon find himself in the NHL, playing 6 very solid games and putting up 1 goal, assisted by Casey Wellman. While still inconsistent, I was always surprised by his solid play amongst NHL veterans.

Runner Ups: Eero Elo, Darcy Kuemper

-----Most Outstanding Rookie (09' Draft Class)-----

Matthew Hackett G, 19, 6'2" 170lbs (Plymouth Whalers OHL)
Minnesota's 3rd round choice, 77th overall, in 2009

Even if Nick Leddy and Alexander Fallstrom were still a part of the Wild organization, Hackett would have beat them. Now that the are gone, Hackett runs away with the Wild Prospect Rookie of the Year

Runner Ups: Erik Haula, Darcy Kuemper