In adding four centers and two defensemen in the NHL Draft, the Minnesota Wild focused heavily on adding depth and size to the organization.
The ‘one of us’ crowd will like that three Minnesotans were taken by the hometown squad. But what is consensus about how the Wild did at this year’s NHL Draft? Well, most experts weren’t impressed.
The Athletic’s Cory Pronman
“I was a Charlie Stramel fan throughout the draft process. He’s not perfect by any means, but I think he’s going to play and help an NHL team down the middle. Rasmus Kumpulainen at 53 was a bit high for me. I knew people in the league who had him around that range but I couldn’t get there. Riley Heidt is very skilled and could make it if he rounds out his game over the next few years.”
Yahoo Sports’ Ian Kennedy
Grade: B-
“Charlie Stramel is a physically powerful player. He hasn’t produced offensively in the NCAA, but at worst can carry a third line. That’s not necessarily how you hope to spend the 21st overall pick, but he’s a solid prospect with upside. Riley Heidt provided excellent value with the final pick of Round 2, and Rasmus Kumpulainen needs polishing, but has potential.”
Bleacher Report’s Adam Herman
Grade: B-
“I groaned when the Wild took Charlie Stramel at 21st overall. He’s 6’3” and is a menace physically. He also has good hands for his size. But he was so used to dominating junior-level players from a young age.
“Reality hit during his freshman season at Wisconsin, where he was lacking in the more cerebral elements of the game and became exposed. He’s going to make the NHL as a bottom-six forward and a good one. But he should have gone in round two.
“The Wild then made up for it by drafting Riley Heidt, 27th on our board, at the start of the third round. Heidt is one of the most gifted offensive players in this draft but his play away from the puck is a mess. Still, he’s worth a swing on the upside.”
Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis
Grade: B-
“A lot of people like the Wild’s picks more than me, that’s for sure. Charlie Stramel still feels boom-bust to me, but I like Riley Heidt (more than Stramel) and Rasmus Kumpulainen in the second round. Aaron Pionk showed some promise as a physical, shutdown defender in the USHL.”
