Prospect Tuesdays: 2012 Wild Draft Peek At Slater Koekkoek

In the draft year that is known for its defensive prospects, highlighted by names like Ryan Murray, Nick Ebert, Matt Dumba and Jacob Trouba, theres one defenseman that is flying under the radar of the hype-machine, but considered a possible top ten pick.

And that is Slater Koekkoek.

I know, I'm still confused on how to pronounce his last name.

My ever changing rankings, at this point, ranks Koekkoek at #12 but I have a feeling he'll find his way near the top of my rankings for available defensemen in the draft some time soon.

So lets go, explore and find out more about Peterborough Petes defenseman Slater Koekkoek!

Like I mentioned before, with big names like Murray considered to be selected at the top of the draft, there might be a chance for the Wild to select a defenseman like Koekkoek.  Not many defenseman like Koekkoek come around.

Versatile is the word. Koekkoek can do everything, and is relied on by the Peterborough Petes to do everything.

Sean Lafortune from Future Considerations mentioned:

One thing that isn't mentioned in the quote, but in so many others, is his skating ability. Koekkoek is extremely mobile, has good foot work, and has good speed.

I mean, watch this beauty. I'm not talking about the goal, just watch his feet go. While not exactly efficient, just watching him motor his way on the blueline while dangerously keeping his options open is a beauty.

So what are his flaws? If he didn't have any, he wouldn't be considered at #10-#15 at the beginning of the season.

Brock Otten from OHLProspects

Super talented, but extremely raw. He also has some room to fill out as well if he wants to become an effective defenseman in the NHL

As you can tell, Koekkoek has become one of my favorite picks this for this years draft. You don't often find a young defenseman who can eat up the amount of minutes that he does.

To summarize, Slater Koekkoek is a two-way defenseman that can play very well at both ends of the ice. He can move extremely well, has good hockey smarts and has the poise and confidence to play an enormous amount of ice time. Can play well at both ends of the ice, and adds some aggression and physicality to the game. However he is considered quite raw, but talented.