Prospect Tuesdays: 2012 Wild Draft Peek At Martin Frk

But theorotically, lets just say that Minnesota will end around middle of the pack. I don't think thats too much of a reach. We do have two good offensive lines, a solid goaltending tandem and a breath of fresh air in the coaching staff.

I have my own comprehensive rankings that I compiled from my favorite scouting services, weighted appropriately, and at #14 is Martin Frk from the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL.

Lets take a look shall we?

Injured for the beginning of the season, Frk has not had the chance to show off his skills for his draft year but make no mistake, he's talented.

Frk, a Czech Republic native, was selected 3rd overall in the 2010 CHL Import Draft, in which he did not disappoint, posting an impressive 22 goals and 28 assists in 62 games (second in points on the team). He's a bulky 6-0 198lbs who looks to come in this season playing alongside largely hyped Nathan MacKinnon (some calling Nathan the next Crosby).

Frk, at only 6-0 but an impressive 198lbs, you know he has some bulk to make him hard to bully physically. Kirk Luedeke, now a part of the Redline Report (congrats!), mentioned on his blog BruinsDraftWatch:

Many concerns about European prospects is whether they can handle the North American game physically but Frk is natural built for that kind of punishment. In addition, he has the mental toughness, even nastiness, to compete against some of the meaner players in North America. While not the best skater in the draft, there isn't much to be concerned with, he just isn't your Gaborik.

In addition to his physical package, he brings in a dangerous wealth of offensive abilities. Our friends at TheScoutingReport also had something nice to say:

So what now? He has the body, now he has the shot? And you said something else Kirk?

Judging prospects are more about identifying the pieces to work with rather than just simply selecting an NHL player. You aren't drafting an immediate NHL player, you're drafting a project; a puzzle. Whether they develop into a player is all on the player's determination to work and to progress, and luck. You win some, you lose some. Fans that scream "Oh you should have drafted this or that" have no idea what they are talking about. Alot of it is luck.

So regarding Frk, he seems to have some pieces that NHL teams droll over: size, physical play, skill. Pieces of a puzzle. So why isn't he a consensus top five pick?

My colleague Jason MacIsaac, at Future Considerations (I can't believe I can finally say that! #endselfpraise) had this to say:

In the eyes of NHL teams that want a project with a good chance of becoming an NHL player, a concussion with no signs of how it will effect the player, looks worrisome. In additon, a player that needs to prove he has the consistency, playing time is essential.

But its only been a month of games. There is still eight months of hockey. Things can change