NHL Draft Preview: Emerson Etem

Nathan, Buddha, JS  and special guest CircularTheory, will be analyzing the pick and many of the prospects who have been discussed around the blogosphere and tied to the Wild.

You know us, now meet our friend Circular Theory:

Let us know what you think of each pick as we move along. At the end we will open it up to what you think they do with the pick. Make the jump and let's discuss the first player on our list, center Emerson Etem of the Medicine Hat Tigers.

Check out the complete profile of Emerson Etem at NHL.com

Nathan: Wheels. Mad, mad wheels. Proven scorer. Good on special teams, not so much in his own end (which may be an issue with the WHL in general, moreso than an indictment of Etem's defensive prowess). Now, understand that Etem is only 17. He's still 4+ years from the NHL, but that means he'll get time in the WHL, then the AHL to hone his two-way play, but this would be drafting a position of need for the future, not a position of need now. The kid isn't close to ready, but he has decent size already, though another couple of inches would be nice (see: Bjugstad, Nick). He definitely takes being in shape seriously, as he was a physical freak at the combine, so he seems to have a good work ethic. The biggest question is  his playmaking. Do you want a center who thinks of scoring first, or do you move him to the wing? Honestly, I think he's a great selection, but not my number 1, because he's so far out.
Buddha: Etem is one of the fastest players in the draft. His ability to get behind defenders is not a question, however, his ability to get back and cover the defensive zone is. Remind you of anyone? Now imgine that being your center. He had 37 goals and 65 points in 72 games so he is a goal scorer, something the Wild lack. Drafting Etem is a real possibility, and would not be a bad move at all. His development to an NHL threat would not mirror that of Gaborik, as Etem would need more time in Juniors, and then some development in the AHL as well. Soonest he cracks the NHL would be four years, so he is a long term project, not a short term solution.

JS: He led all WHL rookies in goals this year, led his team in powerplay and shorthanded goals, respectable size, great speed, but apparently needs work on his defensive play. Seems to be the kind of explosive scorer the team needs though...