HW 2011 Prospects: Zack Phillips

Hockey Wilderness has decided to rank their 30 favorite prospects in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and will analyze each and every one of them. So on draft day, you'll have a good sense of who's who.

With each post, you will get to understand what type of player he is, and how he can help the Wild. You'll understand his strengths, flaws and get to understand what type of player he'll develop into.

The HW's Rank - The average rank of several of our favorite available rankings, weighted appropriately.

Summary Scout Notes - A broken down version of comments offered by each service. To read the whole explanations, click on the source site and search.

Now, introducing Saint John Sea Dogs center Zack Phillips:

Zack Phillips

#7 / Center / Saint John Sea Dogs

Height: 6-1

Weight: 178

Born: Oct 28, 1992

Don't forget to check out the Hockey Wilderness 2011 Draft Page as well. Just click on the picture.

History And Accomplishments:

2008 QMJHL Midget Draft - 34th Overall, 2nd round (Lewiston Maineiacs)

2010-11 QMJHL Champion

2010-11 CHL Memorial Cup Champion

HW's Take:

The more and more I read about this kid, the more I like him. Still, I have him ranked lower than I actually would like to just because there are other prospects that have a much more dynamic and interesting toolset.

Still, Phillips seems to be a very well-rounded offensive player that would be a very welcome addition to the Wild.

He's crafty, has good hockey sense and has a nose for the net. Something Wild fans would love. Also, although he is considered a center, he often plays RW, which is something fans love to hear since the Wild having a gapping hole on the right side.

It is said he isn't a dynamic skater, but by now after watching Granlund and apparently that being one of his flaws, personally I'm fine with it if he compensates that with good hockey sense, which he does.

However, I am concerned. He plays on a team that is LOADED with talent. Take that away from him, how will he perform?

HW's Projection

Top six offensive versatile forward

Summary Scouts Notes

For full explanations, click on the links:

Saint John head coach Gerard Gallant (via NHL.com)

"Zack has great vision and is strong on the puck. He's a solid center and has come a long way in a short time. He kind of reminds me of an Adam Oates-type of player … he's strong on the puck down low and in the corners and has nifty hands."

The Scouting Report

a crafty offensive player ... good offensive player who does a lot of things well but doesn’t really have a defining quality ... always seems to be in the right place at the right time ... skating isn’t great, but it isn’t horrible

B2011DW

may be the most opportunistic scorer of any prospect in this entire class ... has the size and hockey sense to be a scorer at the next level ... big goal scoring potential ... natural nose for the net ... can drive hard to the net ... elite hockey sense ... outstanding hands to finish off plays in close. ... has lack of speed and explosiveness ... does not the most dynamic skating ability ... questions whether he can do it on a team without the pure talent and depth he has surrounding him in St. John

Video Evidence

Zack Phillips - 2011 NHL Draft (via YanthaCanada)

Where Does He Fit With The Wild?

An offensive prospect that can play right wing. The glove fits.

Good Choice At #10?

At #10, now that is a tough question.

There are about six other prospects I would consider at number 10 and I really want to include Phillips in that group. However, the group is made up of six other prospects I like and adding one more just makes my list seem lazy.

Still, if I saw him walk up to the podium as a Wild prospect, I will not complain one bit.

How Does He Look As A Wild?

Comment away!