NHL Draft Prospect Preview: Brandon Gormley

This is it, the last prospect for the number 9 pick. You know what that means, right? The draft is near.

The final player we look at is defenseman Brandon Gormley from Moncton of the QMJHL.

NHL.com Profile:

Brandon Gormley
North American Skater
Moncton, QMJHL
Final Rank:	6	Midterm Rank:	8
Position:	Defenseman	Shoots:	Left
Height:	6' 2"	Weight:	185
Born:	February 18, 1992	Hometown:	Murray River, PEI
Born in:	Charlottetown, PE, CAN

This is the final preview. Who are you most excited to see slip on that Wild jersey during the first round? Make the jump and learn about Gormley, then tell us about your draft plans and who you think they should take.

Nathan: There's no chance of him falling. He's a superstar in the waiting, and would be a fantastic choice, even with the offensive needs. He'll step in and shut down the opposition. That's Gormley's job. He's smart, talented, defensive minded, quiet, not flashy but can still put up points. Draws comparisons to Niklas Lidstrom.

Buddha: The only mock draft I can find that has him getting past the fifth selection was conducted last March. Yes, March. Ranked 6th by CSS, and 7th by the Hockey News, Gormley won't be available at nine. If, by some chance, he is, the Wild will likely take him. Yes, even over a forward. Similar to my thinking on Campbell, Gormley would add to an already strong area in the organization. That allows for trades to be made with either current players, or prospects. I know it sucks to think about drafting not for future potential to help the squad, but for what he does to change the trade situation, but hey, if they draft Gormley and trade Burns for Carter (or some other trade), his drafting did still help the squad, right?

As for the player himself, Gormley seems to have pretty flat reviews when it comes to excitement, but he seems to have the Nick Schultz effect going for him. A defensive style d-man who can help with the offense on a good night. Usually invisible on the ice, which is a good thing for a defensive defenseman.

Having all of the information, I think the Wild need offense, not a shut down d-man. I truly hope all of the "experts" are right and Gormley is gone by the ninth pick so the Wild don't have the opportunity to take him.

JS: Gormley's a very intelligent defenseman who was a very key player to the defensive juggernaut Moncton Wildcats' success this year. (Moncton's where I'm studying to become a teacher!) He won the Mike Bossy trophy this year for best prospect in the Quebec league. He also scored three points in three games at the memorial cup in losing causes. He has great mobility. Doesn't really have much pizzazz to his game, but rarely makes mistakes and he will become a very reliable top-pairing defenseman. Could stand to bulk up a bit. If he falls and gets picked 9^th, something's wrong. Nearly NHL ready, should be given a year of AHL top pairing time at the very least.

Circular Theory: Rated the best 'Q' prospect in the 2010 draft, I would very surprised if he were to drop all the way to #9. I know the Wild are starved for an offensive forward, but if Gormley fell to our laps, it would be hard to pass on him. He has no glaring weaknesses but shows very smooth skating and high hockey IQ. He is not the type of flashy defenseman that will deliver the big hit or dangle pass forwards but he does log efficient minutes and plays very good defense will possessing a solid shot and smart passes. If he's there, I would be excited to add him to the Wild organization because his upside is just too good to pass. If not, then I would suggest the Wild to move down and trade the pick to a team that wants a top defensive prospect