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Home , 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Brent Burns, Charlie Coyle, Darcy Kuemper, Jason Zucker, Jeff Hackett

Minnesota Wild Prospect Handbook Issue 2.0

“We absolutely loved making the first issue and we hoped you enjoyed reading it as well. There isn’t much else to say but enjoy and share it with others!” Hockey Wilderness & First Round Bust

STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF DANIEL CHAN

SENIOR WRITERS DAN SHRADER NATHAN WELLS

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS HEATHER GALINDO JUSTIN GOLDMAN

CONTENTS

8 INTERNATIONAL WILD HOPEFULS A look at who could potentially represent the Wild in the WJCs

9 HOUSTON AEROS UPDATE A mid-season update on the Wild’s developmental team

10 WHO IS ? In-depth look at the Wild’s 7th round pick

16 HANDBOOK SCOUTING REPORTS , Johan Larsson,

20 INSIDE THE GOALIE GUILD A peek at the Wild goalie prospects

Photo by Chris Jerina

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HOCKEYHOCKEY WILDERNESSWILDERNESS WWW.WWW.HOCKEYWILDERNESS.COMHOCKEYWILDERNESS.COM WJC PREVIEW

International Wild Hopefuls The WJC is a time for prospects to shine with the best of the best

BY DANIEL CHAN

he Wild continue adding talent CHRISTOPH BERTSCHY, to their prospect pool, many of C, 5-10,170, BERN T them having experience as key (SWITZERLAND) players for their respective coun- Bertschy is clearly too tries. good offensively for was a star in the Swiss junior Finland, was com- leagues, scoring 22 pared to Kenny Jonsson and Niklas points in 13 games Lidstrom by Detroit Red Wing last season and 3 defenseman Niklas Kronwall, Johan points in 2 games Larsson was of the Swe- this season. dish U20 team in 2011, and Jason However, in the Zucker has a combination of three top league in Swit- gold medals and one bronze collec- zerland, Bertschy ted from his appearances with the is struggling a U18 and U20 USA team. bit. Slated as an That is quite a collection of pros- offensive player, pects to have. he has only put up two goals and But all great things have to come one assist in 24 games. Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images to an end, and now that every one Perhaps it is because he is only a of them have graduated into the rookie and is playing behind John pros and are no longer eligible to Tavares, Joel Vermin and other play in the World Juniors, who is more veteran and developed players. USA HOPEFUL ready to step up and shine at the in- However, it should not matter too Lucia has only played nine ternational level? much because Bertschy was tied games but has made a good MARIO LUCIA, D, 6-3,193, NOTRE nd for 2 in Swiss scoring in the enough impression to be a DAME (CCHA) 2011 World Juniors and during this The lanky offensive forward is year’s World Junior Challenge. He possible USA player coming off an extremely successful will be relied on to create offense for season in the BCHL after scoring the always underrated Swiss team. 94 points in just 56 games, 3rd high- JUST MISSING THE CUT in a similar situation as the offen- est in the entire league. Unfortunate- Defenseman Matthew Dumba and sive centerman would have had ly, Lucia suffered a leg injury that centerman Tyler Graovac were both a tough time beating out Edmonton put him out for three months. He invited to try out for the Canadian Oilers star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins recently made his debut with Notre WJC team but ultimately didn’t and the projected 2013 first overall Dame, and was named the CCHA make the final cut. Matt Dumba was draft pick in Nathan Mackinnon for Gongshow Rookie of the Week the Wild’s most recent first round a top two center role. on December 3rd 2012. His chances pick and he brings a very unique While skilled offensively, Grao- of being named onto the USA roster blend of physicality and skill but his vac just may not have had the skill- is still up in the air considering the high risk style of play probably set to be a regular bottom six talent level present and that Lucia would not have served well on the presence on the Canadian team. was injured for three months, but bottom pairing. They will return to their respective

his quick start is a promising sign. Tyler Graovac also found himself junior teams. ▬

8 ӏ December 17, 2012 WPH

HOUSTON AEROS

SOMETHING MISSING Injuries have forced some consistency but without the help of many Wild’s top prospects

just enough to put the Aeros on the losing side of the equation, often having to try and dig out of an early hole after lackluster starts. While still scoring points, the Aeros were rarely able to bridge the gap left by poor defensive play. It wasn’t pretty, but it was necessary. The injuries forced some line-up changes and call-ups from the ECHL and CHL, which allowed Head Coach to rotate through some healthy scratches. Suddenly the Aeros Photo by Chris Jerina were fairly consistent, allowing only one or twob goals rather than four or five. Houston Aeros Add to that, and both continue to be red hot on the score sheet, as well as the Update return from injury of Jarod Palmer A mid-season update on the Wild’s and Kris Fredheim. Both Palmer and Fredheim are underrated contri- developmental team butors, with Fredheim generally more BY HEATHER GALINDO consistent on the blue line than his more highly touted peers and Palmer o appreciate the AHL rather than everyone expected. The problem bringing a heart-and-soul mentality being driven crazy by it, one was, for every 5 goals they scored, to the ice. T must embrace the fact that the they were letting in almost as In net, has gotten the journey from A to point B is many, sometimes more. overwhelming majority of the starts never ever direct or logical or pretty The Aeros were winning, which and has taken the brunt of the stat- in a developmental environment. looked good on paper, but didn’t istical blow from the high goals Even if you have, for instance, a force the team to learn anything on against numbers despite playing well. roster stacked with first round draft the defensive end. There was concern picks who were superstars for other Porous backend? that this roster might teams last season, the nature of the Well, thank good- be too small to stand development process is that it’s cir- ness we scored a up to the abuse of the cuitous. bunch. 14 WINS pro game, and given Naturally, the Aeros have not Then came the 14-8-1-3 Record the early rash of in- been immune to this. But unlike a fateful weekend juries, perhaps that less gifted team (most any non- where top pros- concern is valid. But lockout AHL team, really) whose pects Mikael Granlund and Jonas the Aeros power play, especially on progress tends to spike up and down Brodin were both injured in the road, has been so prolific, the man erratically as they find their identity, Oklahoma City. Not only did the advantage is perhaps their best the Aeros have navigated the path team have to shake up its offensive deterrent. towards improvement with a confi- strategy without Granlund’s excep- With more than half a season re- dent stride. tional playmaking and vision while maining, more challenges will come They started out the season with a getting defensively weaker without along that send the Aeros back into bang, scoring loads of goals and, at Brodin, but due to other injuries, uncharted territory, but if they’ve least on the offensive end of the ice, they were playing every able body. proven anything, it’s that they have looking every bit the hyped up team From that point, the tide shifted the resources to find their way back. ▬

WPH December 17, 2012 ӏ 9

WWHHOO IISS TTYYLLEERR GGRRAAOOVVAACC??

Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images

GRAOVAC’S IT WAS JUST SO FACTS AND STAT S As of December 17th 2012

MUCH FUN GP G A PTS PIM 26 18 12 30 6 THIS IS THE LIFE I WANT TO ACHIEVEMENTS LIVE … I JUST LOVE IT ● Drafted by Wild, 7th round 191th overall in the 2011 NHL - TYLER GRAOVAC Entry Draft

● Represented OHL in the 2011 and 2012 Subway BY DANIEL CHAN Series

or any other 18-year old, it was was a decision that has had Graovac ● Won the Ottawa 67’s prom weekend, and it was a time hopeful for the future. Academic Award in 2010 F for celebration. A time to celebrate Unfortunately, the seventh round tag the next stage of one’s life and the next also comes with a slew of skeptical fan ● Invited to the 2013 step to one’s true calling. comments, which is a quite common Canadian WJC Selection Some had more reason to celebrate reaction to late round picks. It is an un- Camp than others. derstandable reaction to a player that For Tyler Graovac, it was a time for very few know about. friends and watching the However, is it fair? Probably not. But call his name in the seventh round of the this matters little to Graovac. For a bigger center, he moves very well and has a 2011 NHL Entry Draft. “I just love it, this is life I want to live, solid extra gear. He's also a I just love it.” “The build up of watching the fourth guy who won't hurt you round, fifth round, sixth round go by, His first post-draft season didn’t in- being on the ice because he's and see the seventh round pop up was spire much enthusiasm throughout the a smart player and plays in just … the amount of thought that went Wild fan community. He scored 27 all three zones. In particular, into my mind, it was mind blowing.” points in 50 games, which was a slight his defensive game did make It is hard to describe what the draft improvement but was riddled with in- strides this year and he means to Graovac as he struggles to put consistency. looked more active in it into words. When asked what his most But on September 29th 2012, Graovac engaging away from the memorable hockey experience was, he scored a hattrick against the Erie Otters, puck and trying to win replied “being drafted by Minnesota for which raised a few eyebrows and caught battles in the corners. He sure. I mean, how can anything top him some attention. saw increased time on the that?” However, it seemed like a symbolic PK and was a factor there.

But when a player knows he isn’t feat as he wouldn’t stop scoring. - Brock Otten from going on the first day with the cameras He soon went on a nine game scoring OHLProspects via First rolling and inevitable fan hype, the expe- streak, with 11 goals and 4 assists. He Round Bust rience can sometimes be even more has already beaten his career-best in worrisome. goals scored with 18 goals, as well as To read the full article, click However, the Wild decided to use its beaten career-best in points with 30 the link here last pick on the Brampton native and it points only halfway through the season.

WPH December 17, 2012 ӏ 11 TYLER GRAOVAC

Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images LATE ROUND SURPRISE Graovac has made strides to show he is a prospect that is a valuable asset for the Wild

th His offensive outburst has caught Guelph and Sarnia. second Super Series game on the 12 the eyes of Hockey Canada, as he gave me two opportunities to show in Sarnia. was given the opportunity to play in my stuff, and I thought I did the best It became a five game adventure in the Subway Super Series with Team I could.” six nights, one that tired Graovac but OHL against the Russians. While he But if there was something to be one that he simply loved. was invited to play the previous impressed by Graovac’s play this “After the fifth and sixth, I was season, this time around, he was able season, it isn’t just his statistics but pretty bagged. It was exhausting but to play in both games in Sarnia and his determination. it was just so much fun.” Guelph. During the Subway Super Series, So what happened? What exactly He was able to play with the best Graovac still had his commitments sparked this offensive run? of the OHL and even scored a great with the Ottawa 67’s. According to Graovac, it just looking in the 2-1 loss on No- Before the first OHL game in the seemed liked things started to fall in- vember 8th, 2012. Super Series on the Thursday, to place. “I was able to play in [the Super Graovac played on the previous “It has to do with a lot more op- Series] last year as well, and it was Tuesday and Wednesday in Belle- portunity this year. I mean I had a one of the best games of my junior ville and Ottawa, finally packing his couple struggles the last couple of career. This year, I was lucky bags to Guelph to play against the seasons, just with a couple injuries, a enough to play in both games, and Russians. couple of illnesses last year. This I was given the opportunity to kind And let’s not forget another game year, I’ve been able to kind of put my of shine a little bit for both games in on the 11th in Niagara just before the game altogether and become a com-

12 ӏ December 17, 2012 WPH

TYLER GRAOVAC

\ SUPER SERIES While Wild fans might not notice him, Hockey Canada indeed has with two seasons to the Super Series

“I set a lot of goals for myself this summer, and I’ve trained real hard to just be the best that I can be, be a complete player. Because, not only Minnesota, but every NHL team, looks for not only for a centerman that can shoot the puck and score, but can he play defensively as well? Can he play on the PK, can he play on the powerplay, can he play 5 on 5?" So what is the next step for the talented centerman? Photo by Terry Wilson/OHL Images “Getting a call from is a goal of mine and getting an plete player and with the more ice- Wild roster and is one person that is opportunity to play for Canada time I’m getting, it gives me more giving a helping hand to Graovac. is huge.” confidence, and I worked real hard “He was my captain in my first Well, he got that call to this summer also, and I think that year in the league with Ottawa, so Calgary, but unfortunately did has a lot to do with it. I know him pretty good. I roomed not make the final cut. But he What injuries exactly? He lost with him during prospects camp, will return to Ottawa with some time during I’ve known him greater confidence and drive. his draft year with for about 4-5 So while he continues to work a broken forearm. years now, he for a successful season and He also lost some kind of show me battle an uphill battle to the time during the the ropes a bit NHL, Wild fans should be 2011-12 season Graovac is 6 - 4 but my first year in comforted with the knowledge due to a broken the OHL, taken that their last pick in the 2011 jaw and mono- has put on 30 the next step a- NHL Entry Draft was spent on nucleosis. He was head going into player who not only has the out for six games “ prospect camp, hockey skills, but is also a kid pounds, now 20, this season with a and introduce who is enjoying his life as it lower body injury. since being drafted. me to some of unfolds and who plays hockey Wild fans are the older guys.” because he loves to play. ▬ too used to the in- Playing his way into But ultimately, jury bug, watch- his current pro- ing their starplay- legit prospect gression is due ers and prospects to his maturity, fall one by one. territory which is ob- One such pros- vious in his 18 GOALS pect that has had – TSN Bob Mckenzie voice. He wants th unfortunate recur- to play for the Tied for 17 in the ring injuries is sake of playing Hockey League Tyler Cuma, another Ottawa 67 hockey, and understands he needs ----- Wild draft pick. Cuma continues to to take little steps to get where he Leads the Ottawa 67s battle and fight for a spot on the needs to be. with goals

WPH December 17, 2012 ӏ 13

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WILDDEFENSE 6-0 182LBS 1ST ROUND PICK ETA: 3-4 YEARS #2 OFFENSIVE PROSPECTSPECIALIST

HANDBOOK SCOUTING REPORTS

MATT DUMBA, CHARLIE COYLE, Photo by Dave BrunnerJOHAN LARSSON SCOUTING REPORTS

MATT DUMBA DEFENSE HOCKEY SENSE 6-0 182LBS Does not possess a large amount of ST poise ... struggles under pressure ... 1 ROUND PICK this flaw can led to bad turnovers, ETA: 3-4 YEARS which is his greatest flaw and the one of biggest concerns ... has a #2 OFFENSIVE great understanding of the offense and how to SPECIALIST create scoring opportunities ... sees the breakout very OFFENSIVE well ... reads

SKILLS the play and can anticipate Sees the ice very well ... upcoming plays great vision and makes quickly ... will strong, accurate passes ... have to develop is able to move laterally some calmness to his and quickly to find the game in order to find passing and shooting success in the NHL lanes ... a good arsenal of shots, including a powerful slapshot ... not elusive but can make quick stick PHYSICAL plays ... a very ABILITY specialized defense- Makes every hit count and man; does not possess hurt ... uses his size well and is the ability to create a very well built athlete ... looks plays in-tight or for the hit and likes to use his body control the flow of the more than his stick when stopping game but will be a rushing opposing forwards ... can team’s powerplay deliver highlight hits because of his wizard due to his ability to anticipate and good mobility and explosive strength from his legs. shooting ability.

DEFENSIVE SKILLS Has good gap control and always gives rushing forwards trouble when they enter the zone ... always plays the Photo by Dave Brunner body ... very active in the defensive zone ... gives forwards trouble SKATING physically and never lets them off easy Very mobile and great first steps ... has jump to his stride ... without facing physical pressure ... strong balance ... low center of gravity ... tons of energy ... needs to learn when a quick stick play quick acceleration and top speed allows him to separate from is better than taking the body; add others ... mobility and truck-like build makes him a dangerous more defensive tools to his arsenal presence every time he is on the ice

SCOUTING REPORTS

Photo by Chris Jerina

UNDERRATED JOHAN LARSSON WINNER RIGHT WING, 5-11 198LBS Larsson has one of the most impressive nd resumes amongst Wild prospects, but 2 ROUND PICK remains relatively unknown ETA: 1-3 YEARS TOP-NINE ALL SITUATIONAL FORWARD Captained to the World Junior Champion- those turnovers ship Gold Medal, a testament to his leadership qua- OFFENSIVE SKILLS lities … a relentless, hard working player with Has a solid selection of offensive skills but doesn't positional flexibility … high end work ethic; sweats all possess a standout offensive trait, leading some ques- over the ice and seemingly never tires during his tions to his overall offensive ceiling … makes crisp sh ifts … has tremendous value, as he plays well in all tape to tape passes … can use his body to protect the three zones … a player in any situation. puck and can drive hard to the net, but isn’t one that SKATING dominates with size or strength Strong skater, although his upper body has a rigid DEFENSIVE SKILLS quality when he strides … deceptive speed, but His hockey sense makes him reliable in his own doesn't own a separation gear … good on his edges zone … understands how to pressure opponents … PHYSICAL ABILITY plays the body and his tenacity helps win puck battles Plays with intensity and tenacity … when he hits, HOCKEY SENSE he uses all of his body to make contact and makes Good vision … great anticipation skills and reads each contact count … combine his athleticism, his the play extremely well … this ability to read plays stocky build, hockey sense, and his intensity, Larsson and react accordingly makes him an effective player in makes a great forward on the forecheck; a player that all three zones and makes him a versatile player in can hurt you physically but can also capitalize on any situation

18 ӏ December 17, 2012 WPH SCOUTING REPORTS

Photo by Chris Jerina

FROM WATERS TO THE WILD CHARLIE COYLE Picked up from the CENTER, 6-2 210LBS trade, Coyle plays a Wild style ST game, making him a good bet to 1 ROUND PICK wear the Wild jersey ETA: 1-3 YEARS TOP-NINE ALL SITUATIONAL FORWARD

A big bodied player who plays all 200 feet of the OFFENSIVE SKILLS ice surface … gives an honest effort every shift, owns Possesses good vision, allowing him to find a great work ethic on and off the ice … has positional open teammates in traffic … soft hands give him flexibility; can play wing and center … not a dynamic touch on his passes and a heavy wrist , which is presence on the ice, nor will he generate a ton of he beginning to use more often … tends to be too offense of the rush, but can play in high tempo skating self-less with the puck, passing up scoring chances in type contests and the slow-it-down physical games order to distribute the puck … offensive upside isn't too … his consistent, complete game has been lauded super high, but enough is there to project him as a by Aeros Head Coach John Torchetti this season. top-6 offensive player. SKATING HOCKEY SENSE Skating continues to improve since his Draft Year; Strong intangibles; has very high hockey IQ, and his initial burst can still improve, but Coyle does a good shows leadership qualities- leads by example on and job of moving his feet in order to get up to speed … off of the ice. strong on his skates, enabling him to excel in puck DEFENSIVE SKILLS battles and protection along the walls. His willingness to play in all three zones give him PHYSICAL ABILITY very high value, as he can be used in any situation, Not a predatory physical presence, but finishes his including special teams … checks and will knock players off of the puck.

WPH December 17, 2012 ӏ 19 GOALIE GUILD Inside The Goalie Guild The Wild always find goaltending talent within their pipeline, who is next up?

BY JUSTIN GOLDMAN

hanks to some timely performances during his first NHL recall last season , Matt Hackett T proved to the Wild organization that he had the skill set and potential to have a solid long-term career. Photo by Chris Jerina The genes are in his blood – his uncle was a very solid NHL in his own right. STUCK WITH TALENT Hackett’s style is a combination of natural dexterity, Kuemper is a winner but will need to battle good instincts, and strong positional play. He’s a visibly against other talented in the confident goalie that brings some flair to the crease, and Wild system isn’t afraid to challenge shooters with aggressive angles. He has active hands and does a good job of tracking blocking saves. He gets to the top of his crease when pucks and utilizing reflexes without relying solely on his squaring up to shots, and has a positive presence both on size. and off the ice. He also has good patience on his skates, Matt also brings a high level of competitiveness on a and he stays very upright in the butterfly, so he builds a nightly basis, yet still stays fairly controlled with his very solid wall. emotions and athleticism. Combined with his size, he Bigger goalies like Kuemper often take a little longer has the assets needed to evolve into a starting NHL to develop, and since the Wild are in no rush, he can goalie. But he’ll need to be patient with the development be brought along slowly and properly. You can read process since is signed through the 2014- more about Kuemper and his skills on The Goalie Guild. 15 season. Johan Gustafsson: For a goalie drafted 159th overall One major area Hackett needs to work on is moving in 2010, Gustafsson is a tremendous skater, and like the puck. His confidence making outlet passes or finding most Swedish prospects, has a wide stance, an extremely open targets isn’t where it needs to be, but it’s some- wide butterfly, and thrives by moving less and playing thing he has identified as an area he wants to improve deeper in the crease. He is very tough to beat down low, this season. You can read more about Hackett and his and his ability to seal the ice while sliding laterally is goals for the season on The Goalie Guild. one of his strongest traits. , the 2011 WHL Goaltender of the Because he’s so solid along the ice, the biggest ob- Year , stormed into the pro ranks and dominated the stacle Gustafsson will face when transitioning to the ECHL last season as a rookie. It only took him six AHL will be shots above the waist. He’ll need to im- weeks to earn a recall to Houston, and he played well prove his patience on his edges, so as to not drop early enough to stick in the AHL for the rest of the season. and get burned up high. He does have good hands, but Unfortunately, Kuemper’s development was slowed the gloves are not active like you see with most North by a serious shoulder injury last March, but he recovered American goalies, so his hand positioning might need effectively over the summer. For a sixth-round draft some work when he comes over from Sweden. pick, he has clearly overcome the optics of being a If you’d like a better understanding of Gustafsson’s career minor-leaguer, but even though he has legit NHL game, read about his game on The Goalie Guild. You upside, he’s still a few years away from being ready for never know how a dominant goalie in the Swedish Elite that level. League will perform in the AHL, but once he gets Kuemper brings terrific size combined with an ath- settled and has a few years of high-level minor-league letic mindset that doesn’t force him to make too many hockey under his belt, the sky is the limit for this kid. ▬

20 ӏ December 17, 2012 WPH

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