NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #21 Derrick Pouliot

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 #21 Draft Prospect - Derrick Pouliot

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?

The Wild do need a defenseman that can run the PP but is Pouliot's raw defensive game worth the pick?

Conclusion

To me, he sounds alot like Marek Zidlicky.

Zidlicky is a good player, he is doing very well in New Jersey. But he didn't do well with the Wild, and I don't think Pouliot will do either.

He's a smooth skating defenseman that is skilled with the puck, talented in the offensive zone, and an extremely talented passer. He has the ability to control the pace of the game and run the offense.

But his flaws are also glaring. For one, he doesn't have the size or strength to push around bigger opponents. Although we know guys like Spurgeon can survive at the NHL level using their hockey smarts, Pouliot also lacks that ability to cover his own zone. He is still considered very raw in that area.

The draft is more art than science, and I prefer guys that play a two-way game. Some teams may like his offensive game and believe his defensive game will only improve as he matures, but I have my doubts.

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