SAINT PAUL , Minn. – It should be noted right at the top of the offensive prospects that there is very little true NHL talent in their ranks. Much of the Wild’s farm system is made up of journeyman AHL players and long shot draft picks. While the Wild have had success in the past of bringing their prospects along quickly, recent struggles by James Sheppard and Benoit Pouliot has shown that the magic has worn off. The Wild have also been known to move their forward prospects from their position of comfort in order to fit the need at the NHL level. Pouliot was drafted as a center, played wing in Houston, and was handed an NHL roster spot at center because of the absolute lack of depth at that position. There is so little depth or confidence in the center position that the Wild traded Eric Reitz for Dan Fritche, a fourth line center, just about two weeks ago. With all of the struggles at the forward position, it makes more sense to give a list of top forward prospects rather than trying to force a list of top five at the three separate positions. While the Wild have been pleasantly surprised at the progress and play of Cal Clutterbuck, they have been bitterly disappointed by the top prospects. All of the facts presented, the Wild have brought up four of the prospects this season, on an apparent “see what we’ve got” parade, and none have made a case for themselves. The Wild may be in trouble on the offensive side of the puck unless a few more Clutterbucks come out of the woodwork or they find a way to pick NHL ready talent in the next draft. There are plenty of guys working their tails off in the system, from Carson McMillian who is plying his trade with the Calgary Hitmen, to Danny Irmen who is still trying to find a way to crack the NHL from Houston, and Krys Kolanos whose career has seen it’s up and downs. With that said, here are the top forward prospects in the Wild organization, in no particular order.
Peter Olvecky – Currently up with the Wild, Olvecky was brought in to replace Krys Kolanos who was brought up to replace Benoit Pouliot. While Olvecky is capable of playing wing or center, he has not impressed Coach Jacques Lemaire and is getting more nightly ice time than only enforcer Derek Boogaard. Olvecky’s NHL time this season looks limited, and will likely be back in Houston before the end of the season.
Benoit Pouliot – Given the gift of a position before camp even started, it took until mid-season for Pouliot to finally be shipped back to Houston. He played in 37 games, mostly because the Wild desperately needed a warm body at center, adding just 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists). Lemaire tried to use him in multiple situations from the checking line to a scoring line, and from the penalty kill to the power play. Pouliot was less than stellar in all situations, and too often tried to force the puck through the defense. He showed to be soft and easy to knock off of the puck. His defensive ability was little better than that of his offense, and bought him some extra time in Houston. If he wants another shot at the big club, he is going to need to pick up every aspect of his game.
Jesse Schultz – Cousin of Wild Defenseman Nick Schultz, Jesse was brought in this off-season and assigned to the Houston Aeros. Schultz has good size at six feet, 190 pounds and can use his size well. He is one of a whole organization of role players, though. He worked his way up through the ECHL and has only played in two NHL games. Schultz is on a one year deal with the Wild organization, so he will need to make an impact in order to get a new deal.
Corey Locke – Locke is rather small at 5’ 7”, 172 pounds, but he has raw offensive talent, something the Wild desperately need. His style of play would likely mirror that of Pierre-Marc Bouchard if given the chance in the NHL. He has 53 points (19 goals, 34 assists) in 50 games in Houston this season, and has proven he has the ability to play. Locke is almost 25, so his chances of making the NHL are becoming slimmer as the days pass. Like almost all Wild prospects, he needs to find a way to crack the NHL and make an impact, or risk being an AHL player for life.
Danny Irmen – While Irmen has yet to make his NHL debut, he was the first call when the Wild needed a forward when Craig Weller went down with injury. He did not play during that call up, but the fact that he got the call should bode well for him. Irmen is on the small side weighing in at 182 on a six foot frame, but he is a grinder who could make an impact if he were given a chance. Irmen is also in the last year of his contract with the organization, so he needs to make an impact sooner than later.
Krys Kolanos – Kolanos makes the list not because of his stellar play, but because of the fact that he filled his role well when given the call earlier this season. Kolanos was called up to replace Pouliot and was put into a checking line role with Derek Boogaard and Stephane Veilleux. He played hard, and with energy, but did not contribute offensively. It is unclear if he was sent down because the coaches were unhappy with him, or if the team simply wanted to take a look at some of the other guys in Houston. Kolanos has had and up and down career, and is likely looking to make a splash.
Colton Gillies – Gillies is the undisputed top prospect in the Wild organization. Given a roster spot out of training camp to avoid sending him back to juniors, Gillies is definitely a long term project, not a term solution. He has seen limited ice time in games, generally playing when injuries to others dictate. His play has been strong when he does play, though not strong enough to crack the regular line up. The Wild are going with the theory that Gillies will learn more practicing with an NHL team than he will play on a junior team. Only time will tell if the plan works or not.
Contact the author at bryan.reynolds@prohockeynews.com
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