Hockey Wilderness Community 2011 NHL Mock Draft: Minnesota Wild

by BReynolds on May 28, 2011 12:00 PM CDT in Features

Originally, we weren't going to post this story today, knowing that traffic is down on the weekend. After thinking about it, it works out perfectly. We can leave the poll and discussion open until Tuesday, giving us full time to debate it at length, should we need to.

First, though, the Bruins had a good day yesterday. They advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, and the fans chose to bolster the blueline depth for the organization, adding Ryan Murphy to the stable. A smallish puck moving, offensive defenseman, Murphy will add an interesting twist to the team, to be certain. With Zdeno Chara back there, Murphy is going to look like a smurf, but hopefully a highly skilled smurf.

So, Wild fans here is who is gone:

1. Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
2. Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog
3. Florida Panthers: Adam Larsson
4. New Jersey Devils: Sean Couturier
5. New York Islanders: Jonathan Huberdeau
6. Ottawa Senators: Ryan Strome
7. Atlanta Thrashers: Mika Zibanejad
8. Columbus Blue Jackets: Dougie Hamilton
9. Boston Bruins: Ryan Murphy

After the jump, it is our turn. Time to choose the Wild's 2011 draft pick.

Where to begin? Reading over Dan's depth analysis the past few days, I am more encouraged than in recent years. The depth at goalie has been bolstered in the past two days, adding Darcy Kuemper to compete with Matt Hackett for goalie of the future. The defensive prospects haven't changed much, but may become a much bigger deal if Chuck Fletcher gets active in the trade market.

The glaring hole remains at forward. The Wild have some solid prospects at center with Mikael Granlund, Casey Wellman, and Cody Almond. Joel Broda has fizzled, and Anthony Hamburg is still a long shot, but both could turn things around. Having three very promising prospects at center is a welcome change, but is it enough? What if Granlund is a flop? What if Almond gets tired of waiting? What if Wellman isn't what everyone dreams he can be?

Looking at the wings, things get ugly. As Dan explained, there is little or nothing in the stable at Right Wing. While Carson McMillan could be the next Cal Clutterbuck, he is certainly not the next Martin Havlat. That's ok, but in an organization that needs offensive prowess, it would certainly be nice to see a Havlat coming up the ranks. Don't get me wrong, another Cal Clutterbuck would be great, if the current Clutterbuck weren't already here. The depth on the right side is very thin.

Flipping to the left wing, things look much better with Jason Zucker, Brett Bulmer, Erik Haula, Johan Larsson, Chad Rau, and of course, Colton Gillies. There are some physical guys, some skill guys, and some role players in that mix. The left side of the ice looks pretty solid. That is if they all develop into NHL players. Anyone want to take the odds that happens? Someone is going to burn out, someone will rise to the top. Just because it looks deep now, doesn't mean it always will be.

All of this leaves us to discuss and choose. Do the Wild add to defensive depth in the hopes of trading from the top and filling from the bottom? Do they add another blue chip forward prospect? Hell, do they trade down if their guy looks to be safe?

The player Dan is heavy on, and every other mock drafter, is Mika Zibanejad. However, in our particular mock, he is already gone. Plenty of players are left on the board, all with plenty of talent. Zach Phillips, Joel Armia, and Sven "Steven" Bartschi. American Brandon Sadd is still out there, big defenseman Duncan Siemens is also available as well as Nathan Beaulieu, Jamie Oleksiak, Mark McNeil, and the wild card Russian Alexander Khokhlachev.

All top end talent, all available at the tenth pick in our mock draft. The question is... what do the Wild want? That, my friends, falls to you. Let's hear it. Make your case, and cast your votes. The future is at stake.

Minnesota Wild

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Comments

While I still haven't gone in depth with my ''Draft studies''

I’m leaning towards Armia because he supposedly a goal-scorer, but it seems he’s a risky pick… Since Zibanejad is gone though, Armia’s my pick.

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by JSLandry on May 28, 2011 12:06 PM CDT reply actions

Leaning on Baertschi

Armia has tons of upside but too risky for my liking. Baertschi is less risky but also has speed and a wicked shot. Perfect for a Granlund-Baertschi duo

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by danccchan on May 28, 2011 12:12 PM CDT reply actions

Doesn't Armia have the same thing, except with a less favorable frame?

Plus, Armia’s Finnish, which is always a bonus with the Wild ;)

Of course, you know better than I do by far, just putting it out there :)

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by JSLandry on May 28, 2011 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

from what i could gather, it makes it seem like Armia’s play away from the puck is what is making him a risky pick. Baertschi doesn’t mind doing the dirty work and decent defensively. thats the difference.

by danccchan on May 28, 2011 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, Armia is taller than Baertschi, while Sven weighs slightly more, so I guess it’s kind of a toss-up as to who has the more favorable frame…

Armia has a knock for possessing average skating speed and mobility, and he also seems to be lazy when it comes to defensive and neutral zone responsibilities. Every report I’m seeing indicates that Armia is a major project with high upside, but no one is sure if he’ll work hard enough to reach his potential. It sounds like Armia at 10 is slightly a reach, but I don’t think the Wild would mind reaching if they felt that they could get Joel to play up to his full potential.

I would take Bartschi at 10. His WHL regular-season numbers are great for a rookie, and now he’s added 27 points (10g, 17a) in 21 playoff games in the WHL. He’s a sniper who goes hard to the net, plays a good two-way game, and even has some grit for a kid his size. He may not have the upside of Armia, but he’s got the skills and discipline to help the Wild out faster than a project like Armia.

by JDesthubert on May 28, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Well

Armia would have the better frame if he can fill it up…

Regardless of who is chosen, we need goals. Seems like both kids can fit the bill, and as for defensive responsabilities, while it’s true that very important, maybe if Armia plays with two defensively responsable players, it would give him lots of freedom to strut his stuff in the offensive zone. Of course, we don’t need another Benoit Pouliot though, so he is a risk, but you never know!

Baertschi looks like a solid choice as well, but I’m hoping for Zibanejad!

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by JSLandry on May 28, 2011 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I like Zibanejad as well

As for Baertschi, I haven’t read much about him being much of a goal scorer. I’ve read a lot of stuff about him being a puck control guy and a playmaker. Will Baertschi’s goal scoring translate to the NHL? I know that’s an impossible question to answer at this point, but it seems like his most translatable talents will be his playmaking talents.

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by ADN on May 28, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, only Ryan Johansen and Nino Niederreiter scored more goals for the Portland Winterhawks than Bartschi this season, while having the luxury of both being one year older and in their 2nd season with the Winterhawks. In the playoffs, he’s 2nd on his team in goals scored with 10 in 21 games.

His overall numbers indicate to me he is a finisher as well as a playmaker.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=547203

by JDesthubert on May 28, 2011 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions

That’s a pretty nice list of players to be up with, that’s for sure.

I ask simply because, aside from his stats, I haven’t read anything in his scouting reports about his finishing ability. It probably could be that his playmaking is overshadowing his goal scoring touch, or maybe his linemates are great playmakers themselves? I believe he’s on a line with Johansen and Ty Rattie (another possible first rounder).

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by ADN on May 28, 2011 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Dang.

That article makes me love this guy. I think I might switch from the Armia bandwagon to the Bartschi bandwagon. It will be interesting to see what he can do with much more of the pressure on him next year.

by Kingpin45 on May 29, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Granlund – Bartschi… also known as the “Prey line.” Because they are going to get eaten by NHL defensemen, just so long as the d-men can catch them.

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by BReynolds on May 28, 2011 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions

I obviously went with the Finn.

Right wing, decent size, goal scorer. He’s young so he’s got plenty of time to improve. Plus he’s Finnish;)

by FinnPryde on May 28, 2011 1:08 PM CDT reply actions

I think the argument is Armia vs Baertschi

So I’ll do a pro/cons list from the amount of scouting I’ve done :D

Armia——-
Pros: 1) Great size (“you can’t teach size!”)
           2) Shoots the puck a lot (something that the Wild lacks)
           3) Shoots the puck well (accurate, good release)
           3) Has improved each year with increasing level of play
           4) Excelled in the Finnish league, tying for 11th in the league in goals scored in his first year (18 goals)
           5) Is a RW, possibly the position in most dire need of help in the Wild prospect pool
           6) Most importantly, he’s a Finn

Cons: 1) Very raw prospect, will probably need a good amount of time before he develops into an NHL ready forward
2) His hockey sense and defensive play isn’t where it should be
3) As Dan mentioned, could be a risk at 10 (think high risk/high reward)

Baertschi——-

Pros: 1) The most skilled and developed forward left at this point in the draft
2) Great hands, great puck control, great playmaker
3) Good hockey sense and work ethic

Cons: 1) Size (but that didn’t stop the Wild from picking Granlund)

From those lists, it looks like Baertschi is the least risk of the two. The Wild are not in a position to take a gamble right now, simply because the prospect pool lacks talent and can’t afford another bust.

…But since this is a mock draft, and Armia has such great upside, I’m picking Armia. Armia could be a huge home run and could be very well worth the risk at a position that the Wild have essentially no top 6 talent.

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by ADN on May 28, 2011 1:13 PM CDT reply actions

I went with Armia.

Could turn out to be the steal of the draft. Although we need as close of a thing to a sure thing as a prospect can get, we need quality! Couturier is what we need.

Trade with Islanders:
Burns and the 10th pick for Bailey and the 5th pick and another pick/prospect?

Thoughts?

by Kingpin45 on May 28, 2011 2:52 PM CDT reply actions

If you replaced Bailey with Okposo that’d be a little more believable, but the Islanders just signed him to a new contract so I doubt he’s available. Niederreiter would be awesome if a trade with the Isles would happen, but I doubt they’d do that.

It’s hard to speculate with the Islanders though. They have Streit for a few more years, as well as some up and comers in MacDonald and Jurcina. They also have some good prospects, so I don’t know if they’d be in the market for Burns.

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by ADN on May 28, 2011 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions

I think you have a slight overvalue of Burns

Brent Burns isn’t a cornerstone, lynchpin defensman. If he was, there would be no way the Wild would:
A) Consider trading him
B) Re-sign Zidlicky
Let’s call a spade a spade for a minute. Burns is a one-dimensional, offensively talented d-man. He’s not an overly talented defender, he’s prone to major mental lapses, and he ditched the man-beard. He’s not a prospect with a high ceiling anymore…he is what he is.

by JDesthubert on May 28, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

While I somewhat agree with you...

He is a top pairing defensman on almost every team, with a great cap hit and still has potential. He is not the player to build around, but he is a player to build with. I do not see the Islanders turning that deal down, they only have Streit who didn’t play at all last year and is getting older.

by Kingpin45 on May 29, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Great cap hit? He has the 2011-2012 season left on his deal, and then his price is going to go up. He’s gonna get Byfuglien-type money, about $5 million. You really think that’s a fair price for a defensman that needs a shut-down partner to cover up his mistakes?
Potential? How much better do you really think Burns is going to get? He’s not a 22-year old just learning the position. He’s 26, he’s not growing anymore, and he’s shown time and time again that he makes costly mistakes.
Good luck selling the Islanders on this deal. You really think Burns is worth moving down 5 spots in a weak draft, another pick or prospect, and Josh Bailey? That’s an overvalue, and I’m sorry your homerism can’t see past that.

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

You keep mentioning the mistakes that Burns makes, but I believe that’s a part of Burns’ game that’s correctable. His talent is what is, you’re right about that. And there’s a lot of talent there.

Burns can be a huge bonehead sometimes, but his offensive talent is undeniable. I believe that if he spends time working on those mental lapses, he’ll show that he’s pretty decent defensively as well.

While this kind of thinking doesn’t necessarily sell Burns in a trade, it’s something to keep in mind.

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by ADN on May 29, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

But the discussion is about a trade

Those things kill trade value. You can’t sell Burns as a project, because he’s too old for that kind of thinking. Trying to convince someone that giving him 2 years to figure it out isn’t going to increase his value. He’ll be 28/29 by then, and moving away from his prime years. To convince a team that is rebuilding like the Islanders to give up picks for a 26 year old project isn’t going to happen.
The Islanders draft a defensman who is younger and cheaper instead of having to take on a much larger contract and still have to work the major kinks out. It’s not like the Islanders are in a win-now situation anyways. Burns would be a better short-term fix, which is not the mentality of the Islanders.

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Your last sentence is essentially the conclusion I came to about the Islanders. They’ve been successful building a team through the draft (although the results aren’t showing yet) and I don’t see them making a huge move like that.

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by ADN on May 29, 2011 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

He also has shown he can dominate and often times be the best player on the ice. Bailey is having a hard enough time being in the NHL, offensive minded dman can get quite a return in a trade. You act as if picks dont get traded, it happens. Burns has a lot of value even if you don’t think he does.

by Kingpin45 on May 29, 2011 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

As I wrote in the post on defensemen

You’re looking at a franchise that needs scoring, needs to keep the fans excited and in the fold. Their #1 prospect, who leapt onto the world scene with a once a generation goal, and who could’ve given the fans something about which they can be excited, decides to stay in Finland another year. The Xcel Energy Center will be heavily filled with Wild fans, and the cacophony of boos raining down on them if they trade down and/or take a defenseman will be deafening. Even if it’s the "wrong" pick to go with a scoring forward, they absolutely MUST do it to save face.

I choose Sven Baertschi. This team needs a goal scorer. Baertschi has proven he can score in a North American league. He has the build (I’d like a bit more height) and does the work in front of the net and in the corners. He is sneaky fast and has another season in Portland to hone his two-way game, and will likely be their top offensive threat next season, which should do well to teach him to create his own scoring chances instead of taking advantage of people focusing on Niederriter and Johansen.

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by nathaneide on May 28, 2011 6:48 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I went with SVEN!

I wish he played rw, but he seems to good to pass up at this point, unless we trade down a few spots, pick up an extra third, and then take Armia?

Sven killed it in his first season over here, and should only get better in his second season. Hes smallish but reminds me of a pore mans Patty Kane!! and we don’t have any snipers so I can’t see a reason to not take him!

Plus he has a great Hokey Name!

by Brandon Godward on May 28, 2011 8:54 PM CDT reply actions

The Wild won't trade down

2 of the next 4 picks are in division rivals (Colorado and Calgary), and Dallas makes it 3 or 4 Western Conference picks. Moving behind these teams would be a terrible idea, as the Wild need to be better than the 3 to make the playoffs. Letting them pick better players before the Wild doesn’t get the team into the postseason.

This isn’t a deep draft class, so adding another 3rd just to move down is a terrible idea for two reasons:
1) There is a very, VERY limited selection of top-end talent, which the Wild need. Trading down makes it harder to get the type of player the team needs.
2) Teams trade down to acquire later round picks when the top lines are set and they need more depth. The Wild are definitely not part of that group. Adding another 3rd-round pick in a weak draft class isn’t going to help solve the immediate problems with this team.

Plus, there’s no guarantee that Armia would be available after the Wild move down. If the Wild want Armia, they would just draft him at the 10 spot and guarantee they get their man.

by JDesthubert on May 28, 2011 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Worst Case Scenario!

What if the un-thinkable happens and the first 9 picks are all offensmen, leaving us with out the option of sven or joel, simmilair to last years draft where only one d man was taken before us

do we honestly pass up a blue chip prospect like Larsson or Dougie Hamilton at 10 or do we ship the pick and take somebody like rocco grimaldi in the late teens?

by Brandon Godward on May 29, 2011 12:36 AM CDT reply actions

Take the best available player.

Plenty of time to reshuffle

by W1ldfan on May 29, 2011 7:19 AM CDT up reply actions

In that highly unlikely situation, the Wild would probably make a move up at 7. If Atlanta comes up and only forwards have been selected, then the Wild need to consider moving up a couple of spots to get a good forward.

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

I know everybody would hate drafting a defenseman.

Larsson won’t fall, but there is a chance Hamilton could. We may have a bunch of defensive prospects but it’s all about quality. A young top pairing for years of Spurgeon-Hamilton, I love it. If either of those two fall we should take one! We passed on Fowler, we can’t pass again.

by Kingpin45 on May 29, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is the funniest thing I’ve heard all day!!!! You’re gonna sell tickets based on the sales pitch of Spurgeon and Hamilton for years?!
Passed on Fowler? Are you really prepared to argue that Fowler would have been a better pick than Granlund?! Seriously? The Wild didn’t “pass” on Fowler. They took a much better prospect with a higher ceiling that filled a desperate need of offense. That’s not passing, that’s just being logical.

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions

No need to get mean

But you’re right, We do not need a Spurgeon-Hamilton tandem, we need a Someone-Koivu-Someone trio that can score goals.

I’m glad we didn’t take Fowler. The only reason he got top line minutes was because he was with Anaheim, who are desperate for someone to fill Nieds’ skates. I’ve always thought he was overvalued because he played with guys like Taylor Hall, Ryan Ellis and Adam Henrique… He didn’t fall that low for nothing.

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Glad to make you laugh.

So you don’t take the best player available? I get what you are saying but Hamilton and Larsson are much better prospects then Bartschi or Armia. We aren’t in position to draft based on needs. While I would prefer a foward, if one of those two drops we should take them.

Granlund a much better prospect with a higher ceiling? Get real.

by Kingpin45 on May 29, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Granlund is ONLY being touted as the future best Finnish player in the world

No biggie, right?

JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually, I’m going to argue that the Wild do need to draft based on needs. It’s not for the continued development of a franchise; rather, they need to keep people buying tickets. Leopold has lost money every year he has owned the Wild. Drafting another defensman isn’t going to put butts in the seats. The team needs offense and excitement. Watching an terrible offensive team for $90-$120 a night isn’t something the fans will put up with much longer.
If you think I’m exaggerating, please kindly remember that the North Stars moved because Minnesota isn’t a great market to begin with. The team needs to make money right now. Trying to market a Spurgeon/Hamilton duo with nothing up front isn’t going to pay the bills.

As for Fowler, he didn’t make the U.S. World Championship team, he didn’t win a World Championship, he didn’t lead any of his 18+ leagues in scoring, he doesn’t have silky-smooth hands, doesn’t have tremendous speed, doesn’t have the highest hockey I.Q. of his draft class, he isn’t a national hero, and he doesn’t have his own stamp. I’ll take Granlund any day of the week and twice on Sunday over Fowler.

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

This

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 1:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Good points.

I was talking about them being prospects before the draft. Fowler isn’t much of a prospect considering he has played a year in the NHL and played real well. Now would I take Fowler over Granlund, no. Fowler has proved he can play in the NHL though. I know we all love Granlund, but saying how much higher of a ceiling and better prospect he is, is just crazy homerism.

by Kingpin45 on May 29, 2011 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Fowler looks better than he actually is because he played on a powerplay with Perry, Getzlaf, Visnovsky, and either Ryan or Selanne. He was a -25 on the season.

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions

He also looked better

Because of what I pointed out earlier, him playing with Hall, Ellis, etc..

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree

That was a loaded Spitfire team. Did they win 2 in a row?

by JDesthubert on May 29, 2011 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Indeed they did

2 straight memorial cups..First team to do it since the Kamloop Blazers in ‘94-’95

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Kingpin

I think you are right & wrong. Let me start with where you are right:

If Dougie Hamilton falls the Wild need to seriously consider taking him. Yes we need offense, but no one the Wild draft is going to be in uniform next season and defensive depth can help you make moves later for offense as well. Plus by the time this years pick hits the Wild, who knows where Granlund, Zucker, Bulmer & Larsson will be.

Now where you are wrong-Anyone who spent anytime analyzing last years draft was high on Granlund. He was considered the smartest player in the draft, who had been one of the best player in a mens league at 18. Despite the knock on his size, he was playing against much bigger players and doing it successfully. I know for a fact both Brian and I had him on our draft boards as the 3rd best player BEFORE the Wild took him. There is no homerism involved. And, I would still feel that way about him had someone else drafted him.

Fowler on the other hand had huge knocks on him for being soft. Although he was ranked high in mock drafts he was hardly a guarantee to be a top player/pick. I wouldn’t dare suggest why you think he was a better prospect last season or had a higher ceiling but I know many people assumed he did because of those mock drafts.

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by jerem77 on May 29, 2011 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Went Sven

The safer pick, only because We don’t need another project, and you really don’t have any control over these guys for the next couple years until you get them in your organization and we can’t afford the possibility of our top pick not doing the things he needs to be doing to make that leap. I really would like a little more size, though.

by W1ldfan on May 29, 2011 7:15 AM CDT reply actions

I don't know much about these guys..

but I would like another talented forward (whoever is available at the 10 spot).

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by taralynn09 on May 29, 2011 12:54 PM CDT reply actions

Draft Ricky Rubio!

So we can show how serious we really are about him!

PROTIP: Getting batters out with a lead is the most effective way to win games

by NorthernStar on May 29, 2011 2:03 PM CDT reply actions

What's with all the hate on Fowler?

He had a pretty productive rookie year, especially for an 18 year old

and he would definitely be starting on are team

Dougie Hamilton’s play reminds me of Chris Pronger, he tough, physical, and can score. I would not complain if we drafted him at 10 this year, if all the good forwards are gone

by Brandon Godward on May 29, 2011 7:43 PM CDT reply actions

Productive rookie year

Playing with the likes of Perry, Getzlaf, Selanne, etc will do that… his -25 is horrendous when you consider Toni Lydman, who plays for the same team, finished tied for second at +32. Lubomir Visnovsky was also among the best at +18. Those three guys play almost the same amount of minutes. That, to me, tells me Fowler is a horrible defenseman. Plenty of offense sure, but not too balanced.

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Only 7 players were worse than Fowler in +/-

Sure he’s a rookie, but let me tell you, Granlund has the potential to be a much more balanced player, and he will be of much more use to us than Fowler. Don’t get me wrong, Fowler will get better, but we don’t need another Brent Burns, we need top 6 scoring, and all indications so far tell us that Granlund is a huge step forward in that regard.

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by JSLandry on May 29, 2011 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Could we move any of these left wings to RW?

If we draft Sven, that will give us

Sven, Zucker, Broda, Larrson, Haula, plus a few others all at the same position

we can’t start all of them!

by Brandon Godward on May 30, 2011 12:06 AM CDT reply actions

Most wings can play both sides, yes. It limits them a little, but most NHL level forwards should be able to play both wings.

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by BReynolds on May 30, 2011 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions

NO on Bartschi!!!

The Wild need more smallish forward prospects about as much as they need more 3rd and 4th liners!

by Davey J. on May 30, 2011 2:31 PM CDT reply actions

Your suggestion?

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by JSLandry on May 30, 2011 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

You're right, down with small forwards!!!!

It’s clear that players like Patrick Kane, Martin St. Louis, Danny Briere, Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Jared Spurgeon, Mats Zuccarello, Brad Marchand, Michael Cammalleri, Tyler Ennis, Derek Roy, Brian Gionta, and a whole host of players 5’ 10" and under can’t hack it in the NHL.

Don’t pigeon hole a guy just because he’s not a bruising power forward. The Wild have had plenty of size up to this point, and it hasn’t made that much of a difference. I don’t think adding a 5’10", 181 lbs winger with incredible hands, hockey sense, and work ethic is really as bad as you think it would be.
Here’s a fun fact: Cal Clutterbuck is 5’ 10". Should we cut him just because he’s a “smallish forward”?

Also, please remember that Bartschi is 18 and is likely to grow a little more before he hits 21, which is about the age when males stop growing.

by JDesthubert on May 30, 2011 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

This

JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!

Author, watchdog, enforcer and french-canadian connection for Hockey Wilderness.

twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on May 30, 2011 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions

If the Wild get Baertschi and he grows… epic.

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by ADN on May 30, 2011 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Epic?

Say the kid grows 2 inches, and comes in at that more prototypical number of 6ft… will that truly make a good prospect more of a sure thing? I’m not being facetious… does 2 more inches make a player more of a certainty over and above his talent, drive, and intangibles and being 5’10"?

by Krotz the Wall on May 31, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Not necessarily

but size seems to be the only real knock on him.

From everything I’ve read he has the intangibles and the drive. I’ve also read that he drives to the net, works hard in both zones, and has great puck control. If he’s already doing those things, growing a couple inches and adding a few pounds to the frame will only help his game.

Owner of The Haves & Havlats in the Hockey Wilderness Fantasy League
Champion of the Hockey Wilderness Fantasy League

by ADN on May 31, 2011 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree smallish forwards arent the best thing

…but when your smallish prospect has a good 185lbs on him, with the potential of reaching the 200lbs, thats one sturdy little forward you got there.

by danccchan on May 31, 2011 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I saw Armia at the junior world championships in Germany this year. He was one of the worst players that finland had. A good friend of mine spoke to the montreal canadiens scout and he said that they had no interest at all. that should be enough information.

by GermanWildfan on May 30, 2011 3:48 PM CDT reply actions

Your suggestion?

JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!

Author, watchdog, enforcer and french-canadian connection for Hockey Wilderness.

twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on May 30, 2011 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions

haha

Owner of The Haves & Havlats in the Hockey Wilderness Fantasy League
Champion of the Hockey Wilderness Fantasy League

by ADN on May 30, 2011 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions

It's also fairly well known

That if there’s a team that drafts almost as badly as Minnesota have in the previous regime, it’s the Habs, and you can ask many a Hab fan, they will agree.

JS, Champion of the first ever Hockey Wilderness Playoff Bracket Challenge! WHOOOOOOOO!

Author, watchdog, enforcer and french-canadian connection for Hockey Wilderness.

twitter: BubbleWild48

by JSLandry on May 30, 2011 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Shouldn't the Trashers pick be changed to the Winnipeg Jets?

by TonyO on May 30, 2011 3:56 PM CDT reply actions

According to Atlanta News, another buyer has shown interest in buying the Thrashers and keeping them in Atlanta.

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-thrashers-blog/2011/05/28/another-suitor-for-the-thrashers/

Also, TonyO, when you decide to make fun of an area for losing a hockey team, keep in mind that Minnesota went through the same thing…really funny for everyone else except the people losing their team.

by JDesthubert on May 30, 2011 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I wasn't making fun of Atlanta FYI. I was just stating a fact

I feel atlanta’s pain…well part of it anyway..losing 2 teams in 30 years stinks.

by TonyO on May 31, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Not yet. When it is announced, maybe, but not yet.

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by BReynolds on May 30, 2011 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Pick a guy for two.

Anyone else find it extremely anoying that we are going from 10th overall pick to 70th? And all because of a lowsy player like Kobasew? We better use our first pick wisely because we’re making up for the 2nd round.

by wild4life on Jun 2, 2011 8:57 PM CDT reply actions