HW 2011 Prospects: Joel Armia

With each post, you will get to understand what type of player he is, and how he can help the Wild. You'll understand his strengths, flaws and get to understand what type of player he'll develop into.

The HW's Rank - The average rank of several of our favorite available rankings, weighted appropriately.

Summary Scout Notes - A broken down version of comments offered by each service. To read the whole explanations, click on the source site and search.

Now, introducing Assat right wing Joel Armia:

History And Accomplishments

HW's Take:

I know I am going to get !@#$ for this but I have Armia not included as one of my favorites to be picked as a Wild prospect in this years NHL Entry Draft.

Yes, he is a right winger. He is a goal scorer. He has tons of offensive ability and can really put the puck in the net. He also has a very big frame (6'3") and is very creative. He's also Finnish and the Wild do sure like their Finns.

But I can't ignore his inconsistency to play two-way hockey.

The Wild's prospect pool has been bare for awhile but the 2010 draft class has made me more optimistic. This year, we have another chance to build on the rare success, and I want a player that has the drive to make a difference.

Armia may be very offensively skilled, but his raw frame as well as his inconsistent play away from the offensive skills has put me off.

HW's Projection

Top six goal scoring winger

Summary Scouts Notes

For full explanations, click on the links:

Director of European Scouting Goran Stubb (via NHL.com)

B2011DW

One of the best pure goal scorers in the draft ... intriguing mix of size and scoring upside ... got a long stride and the ability to generate speed and separation ... whenever the puck is near him in the offensive zone, he's a threat to put it in the back of the net ... vicious killer between the hashmarks ... has a quick stick with laser-like release ... can be lackadaisical and is inconsistent in his backchecking efforts ... just looks lazy skating up and down the wing at times
The Scouting Report

Video Evidence

Where Does He Fit With The Wild?

He's fit perfectly.

He's a right wing, he's a goal scorer and he's a Finnish player.

Good Choice At #10?

Would not be surprised to see him get picked, but no from me at #10.

There will be many other promising prospects available at #10 and I am very uncomfortable about a prospect that shows a sort of laziness in his own zone.

How Does He Look As A Wild?

Comment away!