We are using using Dan's definition of prospect from last year:
Requirements for rookies:
*Under the age of 27
**Has played less than 53 NHL Games (some exceptions apply e.g Gillies)
***Has played less than 4 years of pro hockey
Still in the Game:
We need to add into the mix some of the guys that have been around awhile. Almond was the number eight prospect according to Dan last December. Is he still there? Higher? Lower? It always seems that Almond is just on the edge of making his mark in the NHL, only to be sent back to Houston yet again. Where he fits in the lineup is still tough to predict. He strikes me as a Kyle Brodziak type player, that fits a bit everywhere, and not completely anywhere. He may not be the next coming, but he sure needs to get an extended sniff. And soon.
Injuries scare the bejebus out of fans, GMs, and players alike. Freak injuries, coupled with nagging injuries, Cuma has always been just about to find his groove, only to be knocked back down by the next injury on his sheet. It's too bad, too, because Cuma was well liked by many in the NHL, and was a bit of surprise when they selected him. He is an offensive type that has settled into a defensive role, and hopefully he can find some health, and find a role in the franchise. With d-men already tough to develop, and a glut of them in the organization, Cuma needs to do something, and soon, to stand out from the crowd. Here's hoping he does.
Lucia was the sweet, hometown story from the draft. The Wild trade up to get a second round pick, then draft not only a Minnesotan, but the son of the coach of the University of Minnesota's hockey program. It's so so sweet it could be made by Hersheys, and so corny that Cargill wants a cut. Still, Lucia wasn't picked because he is a hometown boy. He was picked because he was a great value at the 60th pick, and the Wild saw that value. Second round picks are a favorite of Chuck Fletcher, and the Wild have had some success in the second round in the past. Where will Mario end up in the franchise? Who knows. He has a long time to develop, so it may take awhile to know. He has to be considered in the top twenty, being a second round pick, but don't expect to see him in green anytime soon.
Erik Haula
Who in their right mind considers a seventh round pick to be a potential top 20 prospect? Well, when he shows the promise that Haula does, we do. He was playing on the top line for the Golden Gophers last year after having strong success in Omaha in the USHL (thank you to @Big_Weiss for clarification here). Haula may still be a long shot, but the odds are starting to look better and better that he has a real shot at some NHL time. Still a ton of work to do, but the kid has the work ethic to do it.
Time to throw another d-man into the mix. The Elk River, MN native and Stifler look alike, Prosser has the goods. A college free agent signing, Prosser was an anchor for the Aeros last year, and Mike Yeo has a ton of faith in him, as does Chuck Fletcher. Don't be surprised to see Prosser as the first call up for any injuries on the blue line. He is not an offensive stud, but he isn't Martin Skoula, so he has that going for him. With a young defensive corps, Prosser is near the top of the list. DOn't discount this kid too quickly.
Yet another Minnesota native, and yet another college free agent signing. Palmer put up 28 points in his first pro season, to go with 64 PIMs. He is a physical player with a nose for the net, and someone who could be an exciting prospect if his development curve continues. He has a log jam in front of him, so if he wants to crack the big squad, he will have to differentiate himself, but that isn't impossible. He has the attitude, and the ethic to do it. Despite the stats above, he is a forward... not a d-man. He is also from Fridley, not Fredley.
How Falk hasn't been discussed yet is a mystery. Big, rangy, strong, Falk has all the makings of a solid NHL d-man. Despite the criticism to end his NHL time, Falk made a solid impression with the fans last season. Word is, the message was received, and Falk now has a bit of a chip on his shoulder, which is good. Falk needs to use his size, and be sure to protect his teammates. If he does that, and continues to develop on his path, Falk is easily one of the top prospects in the organization.
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