NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #15 Olli Maatta

The draft, hands down, is the best time of the hockey season. Maybe I'm just saying that because the Wild haven't been seen post-season action since 2008, but that is besides the point.

So, on June 22nd-23rd, we will all sit down in front of the television/computer and watch the draft. But if you are wondering, "who's who", then you haven't been reading HW because thats my job.

So without further ado:

Introducing our 2012 NHL #15 Draft Prospect - Olli Maatta

Accomplishments & Awards:

Prospect Jersey (What Would They Look Like In a Wild Jersey?)

Summarized Scouting Report

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

HW Projection:

Video Evidence:

Where Does He Fit In The Wild?

He doesn't. A safe, defensive prospect? No thanks.

Conclusion

There is much to like in Olli Maatta, but I think I can safely say, I will disappointed if the Wild selected him on draft day.

Thats not to say he is a bad prospect, he isn't. He just isn't what the Wild need, which is offense from either the blueline or the forwards.

Maatta is a smart and solid skating defensive defenseman. He has tons of interesting physical traits and intangibles. He makes a good first pass, and has a strong shot from the point. In addition, his recent playoff run had him show off a bit off his offensive abilities. But at the NHL level, he isn't going to run a teams offense or their PP, but will shutdown opponents and stop goals. He may chip in a few points here and there.

He is a safe prospect as he is very smart and has a good NHL body already. He also has a wealth of playing experience as a key contributor to his team. But again, he just isn't what the Wild need right now.

Special thanks to HFBoards, Future Considerations, The Hockey Writers, TSN, OHLProspeccts and The Scouting Report