SAINT PAUL , MN – The Minnesota Wild matched the number of picks in the first two rounds over the past three years in this year’s draft alone. After years of trading draft picks away, Chuck Fletcher has made it clear that picks are a valued commodity, especially early round picks. Historically, selections in the first two rounds are statistically more likely to make an impact in a franchise’s success, so with four selections in the first two rounds in this years draft, Fletcher has added some odds-on talent to a nearly bare cupboard. The Wild made six selections in all, five of which were forwards, an area of need throughout the organization. The last Wild draft pick to make the team on a full time basis was Colton Gilles, who was promptly sent to the AHL with the Houston Aeros by the new administration. Before Gilles, it was James Sheppard who is widely regarded as a bust and has been given a short leash at this year’s training camp. Cal Clutterbuck was a third round selection for the Wild and plays the energy role well, but has made only a minor impact in the offensive side of the game. Knowing his franchise needs help in the forward ranks, here are the picks Chuck Fletcher made in this year’s draft: Mikael Granlund 5’ 10” 180lbs Center, HIFK Finland Compared fairly or unfairly to Saku Koivu, Granlund’s physical attributes match Koivu’s almost directly. He was described as the smartest player in the draft and the best playmaker in the draft as well. The Wild reportedly had him as the third best player overall, and even when top rated defensemen Brandon Gormley and Cam Fowler well, the Wild stuck to their draft board. Granlund is coming into an organization that has produced two Finnish stars (Mikko Koivu and Niklas Backstrom) which should bode well for Granlund who is under contract with his current team for one more season, and you can bet the Wild will be pushing hard to get him across the pond as soon as that deal expires. Brett Bulmer 6’ 1” 165 lbs Left Wing, Kelowna Rockets Needing to add some bulk to his frame, Bulmer is a physical player with a full fight card in his young junior career. Projected as a solid second line wing, if Bulmer adds upwards of forty pounds, he could make a strong power forward. He is a perfect fit for the Wild’s system with his strong physical abilities and up-tempo style. Some have criticized his hockey knowledge, but his meteoric rise up the rankings made NHL teams take notice. He is likely one of the sleepers of this draft. Johan Larsson 5’ 10” 200lbs Left Wing, Brynas U-20 Named captain of his Swedish U-18 WJC squad, Larsson posted 14 points in 5 games during the tournament. He already has the size to be a NHL level player, and has shown willingness to battle with anyone on the ice. Defensively responsible, Larsson’s offense is now coming around to match. If he can continue to develop the offensive side of his game, he will be a top-flight NHL player. Jason Zucker 5’ 10” 175lbs Left Wing, USA U-20 The first ever Nevada born player ever drafted by the NHL, Zucker was attractive enough for the Wild to trade their third and fourth round picks to move up and draft him. He had 18 points in 22 games with the US Developmental program last season and certainly showed what he is capable of with the puck. Zucker is considered a very good, very hard forechecker, which fits very well with the Wild’s system. He will get some time to develop and hone his skills further. He has committed to the University of Denver for next season. Johan Gustaffson 6’ 2” 207lbs Goaltender, Koping HC The only non-forward drafted by the Wild this year, Gustaffson adds to an already strong organizational depth at the goaltender position. With Niklas Backstrom firmly implanted as the teams number one goalie, Josh Harding as his backup, and Anton Khudobin and Matthew Hackett moving up the ranks quickly, Gustaffson is a low risk pick in the sixth round. His numbers have been impressive in international tournaments, posting a 2.02 and 2.21 GAA the past two tournaments he’s played in. While it is not clear if Gustaffson has NHL dreams, he was reportedly at the draft in LA, which indicates that at least he has an interest. If he makes his way across the Atlantic, the Wild will have a steal. If he doesn’t, losing a sixth round pick is not a huge loss. Dylan McKinlay 5’ 11” 170lbs Right Wing, Chilliwack Bruins An excellent checking forward who has also shown flashes of offensive ability. He still has some room to add bulk, and has some room to develop on the offensive side, but McKinlay worked his way up from a fourth liner to a top six type of forward with Chilliwack in just one season. Seventh round picks are not generally looked at with a ton of hope, but the Wild have drafted a kid with some real talent that, if he works as hard as he has thus far, could turn out to be a solid NHL player. A low risk, high reward type of pick. The author can be reached at bryan.reynolds@prohockeynews.com
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