Noon Number for 7/1/2013: 50

That 50 points in 74 games represents a .67 PPG pace for Niederreiter, a respectable amount. Let's compare the production of him with some recent Wild AHL stars.

PPG:

Nino Niederreiter: 50 in 74 GP (.67)

GPG:

Zucker: 24 in 55 (.44)

Niederreiter: 28 in 74 (.38)

Granlund: 10 in 29 (.34)

Coyle: 14 in 47 (.30)

In terms of raw production, Niederreiter is right there with the top Wild prospects. What's especially intriguing is that his production clearly exceeded that of Charlie Coyle, whose big body and power game has made him the most effective NHLer thus far of Chuck Fletcher's prospects, able to keep up with Minnesota's top line. Interesting, as Nino has the size and speed to play an effective power game as well.

Anyway, unless there's something not widely known in his game that limits him to being hockey's equivalent of a "AAAA" player, it would seem that "El Nino" has to be considered right there with Granlund, Coyle, and Zucker as crown jewels of our young future.