Now, you voted for Boston University forward Charlie Coyle as our #2 prospect in Minnesota Wild Reader Top 20 Prospects Poll. And he was the clear winner, winning by 47.54%, the runner up being Jason Zucker with only 19.67%.

So who is this mystery kid was not a Wild prospect a few months earlier?

With Brent Burns wanting a big raise, Chuck Fletcher decided to not sign the #1 defenseman and try to rake in what he could. And rake he did, brining in a scoring sniper in Devon Setoguchi, 28th overall selection (Zack Phillips) and now our #2 prospect Charlie Coyle.

Charlie Coyle

#3 / Center / Boston University Terriers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 202

Born: March 2, 1992

Very large frame; fitting for powerforward. Good all-round game. Has solid skating abilities; good acceleration and solid skating strides. Has talent in protecting the puck. Has a good range of offensive abilities; good wrister, good passer, uses his frame to win battles along the board. Not afraid of getting into traffic and to dig for the puck. Tons of character and a very hardworking player. EJHL Rookie of the Year (2010) and NCAA Hockey East Rookie of the Year (2011).

Weaknesses

Questions whether his all-round package will translate at more difficult levels of play.

Summary

What a trade for the Minnesota Wild.

Like Granlund, there isn't much not to like about Coyle. Could just be the homer in me but I just couldn't find anything. Perhaps he's not as flashy or dynamic as you would like but flashiness doesnt equal effectiveness at the NHL level. You can be a straightforward skater, going from A to B and still become a dangerous offensive forward.

When Charlie Coyle was drafted by the San Jose Sharks, there were questions whether he can produce in the more difficult college level, coming from a relatively unknown Eastern Junior Hockey League. The EJHL is considered a Tier III league so that was one of the major concerns coming into the 2010 draft. Coyle proved doubters wrong by winning the Hockey East Rookie of the Year.

While his upside is still questioned as to whether he can develop into an offensive top six forward or a very good third liner, Coyle has all the tools to be an effective NHLer in the near future.

Future

Time to make a bold statement.

Some might question his upside but after winning HE Rookie of the Year and becoming one of the key players for Team USA U-20, Coyle has done nothing but elevate his own expectations. Coyle has an very good combination of size, two-way ability, skating, and character.

All of that spells a top six forward and fortunately for us, it will be with the Minnesota Wild.