2025 Draft Prospects.

[Protec]

There's some good centers again in the upcoming draft. The Wild will be picking between 15-25 again if we were to guess this early.

Here's some names to consider and watch. I got the list from eliteprospects.com. I realize much of this will change but there's some initial thoughts and guys to look into. No.9 on this list is Cole McKinney who's a center and faceoff specialist.(Oh yeah!) Roger McQueen has size and an awesome name, hailing from Saskatoon and physical, there's no way he lasts til MN makes their pick. I'm looking at the 15-22 range specifically. That's likely the Wild's range and between Desnoyers, Guite, Moore, O'Brian, and Eklund, there's a nice chance for Minnesota to pickup a good prospect. 4 of 5 are listed as centers and both right and left handed shots.

Rounding out this list has Radivojevic who was born in Edina which along with his potential for nicknames could be nice with a right-shot defender playing Swedish Elite League. Then there's Minnesotan center C-Rad Fondrk, or Finnish weightlifter Eetu Orpana. He's already familiarized himself with mnfaninnc's workout program, tipping the scales at a husky 194lbs with some nice scoring history. Only one elite Swede is heavier than EeOr.

The size doesn't matter arguers can begin their love affair with future Gopher LJ "Mama said knock you out" Mooney. He will also be around the Wild's selection-range based on the current guesswork.

 

[Protec]

Here's a list from Scott Wheeler. The "tier two guys" end at 9th and "tier three" at 12th. There appears to be some good defenders and centers late in the 1st round but maybe this is the year to trade a pick in the 20-30 range? 

The Wild could perhaps get back a mid-round 2nd somehow and make a solid pick while getting something good for the 1st. That and a prospect would potentially get a pretty nice player at the deadline. 

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5691406/2024/08/12/nhl-draft-2025-ranking-preseason-hagens/

[Protec]

Oh snap. Mnfaninnc should love these offersheet attempts. What's gonna happen now? Broberg to STL for a 2nd? Holloway gonna get a matching deal perhaps, but where is MN on these ideas?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5698081/2024/08/13/blues-dylan-holloway-philip-broberg-oilers/

[mnfaninnc]

You're right, MNFan loved it. I wrote about twice on Thomas' articles. 

As for the 1st, depending on how our season goes, it is getting to be time to start GMing for the now. While Guerin has amassed competitive teams, he needs to gear up to start thinking contender. That means starting to use draft picks as currency. We should have some money next season, why not gain a significant piece at the TDL. It might cost a 1st, but perhaps we have the money to resign, or can take on a guy with more term left on his deal? That will require having some money left in the tank come March. 

From what I can see, it looks like most of what we need is coming up in the prospects. But there are some pieces we don't have. A large bodied, offensive RHS defenseman is one. A large scoring RHS forward is another. Few players have a better shot than Laine, but I'm open to suggestions here on other players. We definitely need someone to clock into Ovechkin's office. 

[Pewterschmidt]

Kirill having trouble getting out of Russia?!?!   V Poot flexing what’s left of his muscle?