Defensemen
Oliver Kylington
Top-4 Potential with PP1 upside
Eemil Viro
An average-sized puck-moving defenseman with good two-way qualities and middle-pair upside. A very good skater and a very smart player but lacks standout skills.
Brennan Menell
Mennel has had a great start to his pro career, and looks as though he’s on the path to being an NHL contributor if he can rein in his defensive game.
Louie Belpedio
A talented right-shot defender who will give the Wild some flexibility in their D situation. He will likely start as a bottom pair defender, and depending on his development earn heavier minutes and even power play time later on in his rookie season.
Marshall Warren
Smooth skater who makes an excellent first pass, Warren is efficient in transition and makes great passes once in the offensive zone. If he gets secondary power play time at the next level his offensive potential could jump.
Joakim Ryan
Ryan’s responsible, two-way style is desirable to get and hold down an NHL job. Has the vision and first-pass ability to contribute on the scoresheet as well.
Kurtis MacDermid
Physical d-man extra relevant in PIM leagues
Paul LaDue
LaDue has the potential to be a solid second-pairing defenseman. He has some upside in that he has the skill to be a quarterback on the power play; smooth skating, a good shot, and he moves the puck around well.
Brett Kulak
Two-way puck moving defenseman with upside of second pairing.
Stanislav Svozil
A defensive blueliner who possesses all of the tools to play an above-average offensive game if he can put it all together, giving him the chance to be a well-rounded top-four defender.