Minnesota Wild Prospect 2011-12 Primer #4: Marco Scandella

Again, more delays because I had to take care of some freshmen over here and we all know they take up all of my time. Some need to grow up, really. Your parents can't take of you all the time.

Strengths

Defensive minded defenseman. Huge wingspan and great reach. Uses stick effectively. Very agile and very good mobility. Makes smart decisions. Has good size and frame to become physically effective. Keeps his game simple. Solid offensive skills; shot and passing abilities.

Weaknesses

Doesn't have that extra creative sense to contribute hugely offensively. Needs more experience to develop into a defensive defenseman.

Summary

He is projected to be a 3-4 defenseman that can eat up minutes, win board battles in the defensive zone and just keep his game simple. I don't see much offense coming from him because that just isn't his game but he doesn't have the physical package and mobility to improve his offense. It's not entirely out of the question. In addition to his 6-2 frame, his wingspan is the size of a 6-5 defenseman, which is extremely valuable when trying to break up rushes and plays.

Future

A very safe defensive prospect but with an reasonably high ceiling, which is a rare combination.

At the rate Scandella is developing, I would not be surprised to see him become a fixture on the Wild's blueline this season or the next. His ability to play smart, safe and mobile is extremely valuable.

And looking at the blueline for next season, Scandella has a great chance of becoming a full-time NHLer. He just needs a solid training camp and preseason. But I have faith, he has done nothing to make me doubt him.