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Meet Jason Zucker at the Wild Development Camp next week in St. Paul (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Good afternoon all;

I have the great honor of covering the Wild Developmental Camp for wild.com, and as such I will be writing both for wild.com and here at HW on different topics over the next week.

So, who do we get to see in action next week? Follow after the jump for the complete roster. Schedule to be released later this week.

EDIT: One slight update as the Wild added a goaltender to the list.

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2 months ago: LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 25: Mikael Granlund, drafted eighth overall by the Minnesota Wild, poses on stage with team personnel during the 2010 NHL Entry Draft at Staples Center on June 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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So, can we just say "Nailed It!"? Damn, it feels good to be right. As stated in the SBN Mock Draft a week ago, the Minnesota Wild selected Mikael Granlund of HIFK of Finland.

What does Mikael Granlund say about himself? "I think I'm a playmaker," he said when asked to describe his skills. "I try to make plays for my linemates and make my linemates better. I think that's my game. I try to play hard and be competitive, try to just help my team as much as possible.

From Buddha: It's good to be right. Plain and simple, it's good to be right. Granlund is going to be an excellent selection, mark my words. Brent Flahr mentioned at the draft tonight that he wants Granlund in camp. Given the level of the other centers in camp, you never know. He shows the right skill set, maybe he makes the squad. It's unlikely, and I would prefer to see him get some time in the AHL and some top PP time before making the jump, but if he's good enough, bring him in. The top rated European skater, the Wild got an absolute steal with Granlund. A play maker in the ilk of the Koivus, Granlund now has the chance to learn form Mikko and to become a true NHL star. Great pick, Fletch.

What are other people saying:

"Mikael is a highly skilled forward with elite hockey sense and competitiveness. He has had a lot of success playing against men in the Finnish Elite League." - Brent Flahr

Compared to Saku Koivu, dynamic with puck, this kid is a terrific hockey player. Mikael Granlund has one more year left with Helsinki, considered very close to NHL-ready. I like this kid, this is one player I thought they should take, but I'm still shocked it appears they took "need," although near NHL ready - Michael Russo

Granlund was excited talking about Minnesota, with the Koivu connection and the Wild's scheduled visit to Finland in October to open the regular season against Carolina.

"I know it's a hockey place. Hockey is a big thing there," Granlund said in a phone interview from Los Angeles, where the draft was held. "The Koivus are very popular. Of course, they're great players."

Granlund said he plans to play in Finland at least one more year. Center is certainly a position the Wild could use help at, behind their captain and best all-around player.

"After next season, we'll see," Granlund said. - Dave Campbell USA Today

As a reminder:

The #1 European prospect, as identified by the Central Scouting Bureau, Granlund is a polished 2-way forward, who can play either center or wing. In the 2009-2010 season, he represented Suomi in both the U18 and U20 WJC. During the season, Granlund played for HIFK of the SM Liiga in his native Finland. Yes, he was 17 years old playing in a league with men, yet averaged nearly a point-per-game in his first season in Finland's top league, leading all rookies with 40 points (13-27--40) in 43 games playing for HIFK -- a program that has produced several NHL stars: Olli Jokinen, Sami Kapanen, Kimmo Timonen as well as the Tuomo and Jarkko Ruutu.

 "Saku Koivu clone. He's small, but no one's told him he's small. He has a really good, winning attitude, works very hard. He's tough, and he has very good hockey sense." - Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting

"There's no doubt he has the same intangibles as Koivu. He defies the odds every time. You go to watch him play you want to not like him, but then he's one of the best players in the game."  - Unnamed scout from The Hockey News Draft Preview 2010

For those of you who would like to see Granlund in action:

Hey Wild fans! Last week, The french sports show L'Antichambre on RDS, TSN's french twin, had invited our very own Guillaume Latendresse. The guys at RDS know Guillaume Latendresse very well because of his time with the Canadiens, so they all talked for about a half hour. Being the good guy that I am, I've decided to translate the whole thing for you, because it's a very interesting half hour and it means a lot to me to have the power to share it with you all.

A lot of raw and honest stuff has been said and I think it's a great way to get to know Latendresse a little better. The show can be watched on http://ac.rds.ca and it's the June 1st version. What I have for you right now is part 1, and I'll explain why: They divided the show in many parts, and seeing as the translation turned out to be very lengthy, I decided to go by parts as well to not make the reading too heavy. This is the translation of the video titled: L'Antichambre ouvre ses portes à Guillaume Latendresse

So if you want to watch or listen to it and read it at the same time, go right ahead and enjoy! I've inserted some of my thoughts between parentheses, they aren't part of the interview, they're just side notes by me. I IMPLORE you to read and/or watch the whole thing to capture the full Latendresse experience. Keep in mind though that this is simply a rough translation made by me, I made it so it's as easy as possible to understand, it's not perfect, but it gets the job done.

Without further delay, I ask you to make the jump for a great talk between Lats and the guys at AC, you won't be sorry!.

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We've all been anticipating the start to the 2010-2011 season, and the first two games with the Carolina Hurricanes in beautiful Helsinki, Finland.

With that in mind, the Minnesota Wild are offering a fantastic package to see the games in person at the Hartwall Areena (no, that's not a typo)

Here are the details on the trip

We are excited to announce an exclusive travel package in partnership with AAA Minneapolis to watch your Minnesota Wild take on the Carolina Hurricanes at Hartwall Areena in Helsinki, Finland to kick off the 2010-2011 season.

This unique experience will include round trip airfare, four-star hotel accommodations at the Crowne Plaza Helsinki, transportation, exclusive experiences in the city and lower-level tickets to both NHL Premier games against the Hurricanes on October 7 and 8 at Hartwall Areena. We look forward to seeing you in Helsinki!

---

Travel packages are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Depart: Saturday, October 2, 2010
Return: Saturday, October 9, 2010

Air Inclusive Package
$3,217 per person based on double occupancy
$3,624 per person based on single occupancy

Land Only Package (does not include airfare or airport transfers)
$2,013 per person based on double occupancy
$2,420 per person based on single occupancy

What better way to get the best analysis possible than to have a Hockey Wilderness presence at the games? Who wants to start a fund to send Nathan to HelsinkI to start the Wild season in October? We're only $3600 away!

According to Michael Russo's article in the Star Tribune,

Goaltender Josh Harding has a torn labrum and most likely will require surgery. Fletcher said Harding had a couple other appointments to determine the exact course of action, including who would perform the surgery, if that's the decision.

The Wild has a history with well-known Vail-based hip specialist Marc Phillipon, who last season operated on goalie Niklas Backstrom and right wing Marian Gaborik.

Last April, Backstrom had a torn labrum repaired and two cysts shaved down, and he was healthy in time for training camp.

So, what does this mean for Harding's future?

Well, if Gaborik and Backstrom's procedures are any indication, Harding should be back at full-speed by training camp. Of course, this is all dependent upon the extent of the tear and how Harding takes to the rehab. If his procedure and rehab mirror that of Backstrom's things will bode well for Harding next season with the Wild. However, when asked what if this will impact the Wild being able to move Harding leading up to the draft or this summer, a source close to the team said that they felt it would hurt Harding's trade value.

Now, does that mean he can't be moved? No, but what it does mean is that the timing may be after the draft and closer to camp as teams play the "wait and see" game with his rehab, or the Wild could choose to take a lower value to move Harding at the draft.

Either way, it's never a good thing for a goaltender, especially one with Harding's style, suffers this type of injury. Here's hoping there are no lasting effects.

My assumption is that he tore it originally during one of two fantastic saves on the two-on-zero shorthanded attempt by the Red Wings on January 21,

Then again against the Oilers on Feb 4.

You are running out of time. No, really. The party is in two days, and you don't look to be registered. Hmmm... I bet it's just an oversight. Here you go, here's the link again, just for safe measure: HOCKEY WILDERNESS TWEETUP. If you aren't there, Nathan will likely ban you from future participation here at the Wilderness. OK, that's just not going to happen, but still, you should come.

Random Wild Picture of the Day:

Gamers and More not Much Else:

Swooning Sharks? Not against Wild | StarTribune.com - Every playoff team should get to play the Wild just before the season ends. It's only fair.

Wild lose 4-1 to Sharks, fade further from playoff race - TwinCities.com - "Further from playoff race." Assuming, you know, they were ever very close.

Sharks update: Casey Wellman, Minnesota Wild rookie from Bay Area, skates on line with a favorite ex-Shark - San Jose Mercury News - Wellman is from the Bay Area (well, north of there). Nice to see him getting attention in other cities, too.

KiPA's Korner:

Hitting The Post: Tuesday's NHL action: A Quickie - We welcome any re-cap, even a short one.

Yep. That's it. See, that's why you should go over and register for the HOCKEY WILDERNESS TWEETUP. It only makes sense.

-Buddha

How is everyone on this sunny Minnesota morning? I seriously just had to look up who the Wild play tonight. That's either a sign of lack of sleep, a lack of caring, or just plain old being old. None of which would make me happy.

Before we get started, everyone remember about the Tweetup on Friday. It is at Campus Pizza on Washington Ave. REGISTER HERE. I find it hard to believe that only two people are coming, so make sure you register so Nathan knows how many pizzas to buy. I will be there late, but I'll be there. You should show up, too, if for no other reason than to throw things at me.

Random Wild Picture of the Day:

What does this guy have to do with the Wild? Well, you see, after Bruce Brothers said that James Sheppard was starting to pay dividends, he sunk his entire portfolio in Sheppard rookie cards. Then, he read some other opinions on Shep. Thus, the sadness.

Wild News:

Wild is prospecting for gold | StarTribune.com - This is one of those articles that if you don't read it, you're going to be behind the curve.

Rookie Casey Wellman making a strong first impression with Wild - TwinCities.com - Not sure if I learned anything new from this article, but good to see the kid making headlines.

Schultz to hit milestone; Stamkos talks Walzie; Sifers reassigned; Medvec coming to the X | StarTribune.com - Yesterday's Rants. Good stuff.

KiPA's Korner:

Hitting The Post: In the NHL: Wings take round two; Sens back on track - The new re-cap style looks to be sticking, and I'm OK with that.

Off the Trail:

Injury bug hampers desperate Flames - Daymond Langkow went back to Calgary, but it doesn't mean he is going to play. He left in a neck brace. Go to the story and check out the picture. Not cool.

Game Day Enemy Perspective:

San Jose Sharks - San Jose Mercury News - The local paper for the 49ers, A's, Giants, Raiders, Sharks.

Fear The Fin - SBN Sharks blog. I haven't spent much time over there, but the Sharks seem to have some good fans. A shame they don't get much love in their local paper.

See you tonight for the game. Hopefully we'll see you in person on Friday.

-Buddha

Off the top, let me offer a huge congratulations to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Women's hockey team. They won their fifth (FIFTH!!!) NCAA National Championship yesterday, and it took three overtimes to get it done. Amazing game, and has not seen the light of day on any news broadcast. However, this is the "State of Hockey" and this is a blog for the entire state (and beyond), not just the Twin Cities.

Congrats to them. A dynasty they have become. Just don't tell any of the main stream hockey guys. Five titles in ten years, they'll probably want to ban the NCAA.

So, with that...

Random Wild Picture of the Day:

First of All:

UMD Bulldogs - News - UMD's reporting on their latest championship.

Twinkie Town - Likely some happy folks over at our sister blog. Joe Mauer. Locked in for 8 years. Nice.

Gamers & More:

Wild not about to abandon its remote playoff hopes | StarTribune.com - I love that the players are still believe. Don't you?

Wild still fighting for an NHL playoff spot with 4-3 victory over Calgary Flames - TwinCities.com - Brothers' take on the same story.

Though he's injured, Minnesota Wild defenseman Greg Zanon's game is the same - TwinCities.com - Zuper Zanon at it again.

Michael Russo's Sunday Insider: Walz eager to coach again | StarTribune.com - I think I missed this somehow, and that is really too bad. Walz deserves to coach again, and I have no idea why he was fired in the first place.

Wild 4, Calgary Flames 3; Langkow in hospital; Burns dazzles on Kobasew winner; Latendresse destroys Mayers | StarTribune.com - Post game Rants.

KiPA's Korner:

Hitting The Post: In the NHL: Sunday, Bloody Sunday - A little different twist on the re-cap. Enjoy.

Finally:

Don't forget!!!! Hockey Wilderness Meet-up / tweet-up at Campus Pizza is this Friday. THIS FRIDAY, PEOPLE!!!

-Buddha