NHL Draft 2012 Prospects: #8 Mathew Dumba

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 #8 Draft Prospect - Mathew Dumba

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 is missing a physical defenseman and an offensive defenseman. Dumba is both.

Conclusion

A high risk/high reward type of player.

One of the best skaters in the draft, one of the best hitters in the draft, and one of the best shooters in the draft. All rolled into one package called Dumba.

He is also electrifying, a game-breaker and recently served as captain to the U-18 Team Canada team.

So what is the problem?

Defense. Being a Wild fan for quite some time, I've always preferred prospects with good defensive skills and high hockey sense. With Dumba, he is a wizard in the offensive zone but because of his high energetic hitting game, he will often make mistakes defensively.

His style works great at the junior level, but when the players are faster, stronger, and smarter in the NHL stage, will going for the hit rather than making the simple play be more hurtful than beneficial?

Personally, I think he's full of talent, however I do not feel comfortable with his style of play. I feel it is just too risky and rather have a smart and calm defenseman like Jacob Trouba and Griffin Reinhart over Dumba. But that is just me.

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