NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #7 Griffin Reinhart

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 #7 Draft Prospect - Griffin Reinhart:

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 are missing a bluechip defenseman prospect. Check.

The Wild are missing a defenseman that is capable on being physical. Check

The Wild are missing a defenseman that can help run the powerplay. Check

Conclusion

A very 'toolsy' type of prospect, Reinhart has tons of skills and physical attributes that make him an interesting player.

First off, he's 6'4 with good reach and decent mobility. If all else fails, Reinhart should be able to find a place on a NHL team just for those attributes.

But don't forget his offensive skills, which is what makes him a top ten prospect in this years draft. He possesses a hard shot that he manages to get to the net, has excellent vision, and makes a strong, first pass. He has great hand-eye coordination and can even man the powerplay.

However, he has a good number of question marks.

For one, he's 6'4, meaning its typical to see a player like him struggle in his skating. While it isn't poor and he is decently mobile for a guy his size, it most definitely isn't Jonas Brodin level. Although he has made excellent strides this year improving that area of his game, will it be enough to survive the quickness and pace of the NHL level?

Like I mentioned before, Reinhart is a very toolsy type of prospect, meaning he will need tons of development time in the juniors to put them together. But at this stage of the draft, there is more hoping and praying that goes into the success of the prospects.

I wouldn't mind hoping and praying with a prospect that has skill and size that could make him a top pairing defenseman in the NHL.

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