SBN NHL Mock Draft: Minnesota Wild select Mika Zibanejad

For insight into Zibanejad (we're not sure whether to call him Zibs or Ziba, so we'll leave that to you), we now hand you off to Dan Chan, our expert of all things "prospect-y".

Dan, take it away:

Hockey Wilderness has decided to rank their 30 favorite prospects in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and will analyze each and every one of them. So on draft day, you'll have a good sense of who's who.

With each post, you will get to understand what type of player he is, and how he can help the Wild. You'll understand his strengths, flaws and get to understand what type of player he'll develop into.

The HW's Rank - The average rank of several of our favorite available rankings, weighted appropriately.

Summary Scout Notes - A broken down version of comments offered by each service. To read the whole explanations, click on the source site and search.

Now, introducing Djurgarden center Mika Zibanejad:

History And Accomplishments

HW's Take:

Probably one of my favorites of becoming a Wild prospect, Mika Zibanejad has the entire toolset of a potential powerforward.

Zibanejad has decent speed, good offensive skills, understands that his role requires him to be physical and knows how to get into the right spots to get that rebond, screen the goalie or go for the deflection. In addition, he has the ability to play wing.

I love the fact that Zibanejad fully understands his role as a powerforward and has become very accomplished at it. He may not be as flashy as prospects like Ryan Strome or Jonathan Huberdeau, but Zibanejad plays with tons of fire and knows that hits and battles along the boards wins pucks. He knows he has a good frame to give the hit and to screen the goalie. His understanding of the game and his role will make him a very successful NHL player, in any role.

But will he be there at #10?

HW's Projection

Top six power forward

Summary Scouts Notes

For full explanations, click on the links:

B2011DW

power forward ... outstanding pivot with size, skating, sense, shot and spirit ... has a fluid stride ... excellent puckhandler who sees the ice well ... slick passer/playmaker as well ... knows how to find the soft areas of the offensive zone ... goes hard to the net ... good, solid defensive awareness ... he's a banger and relishes physical contact ... plays with some fire and competitiveness ... has some real swagger and personality ... versatility is also a bonus for Zibanejad ... initial quickness and first step need to improve along with agility and footwork ... must learn to keep his emotions in check at times ...
The Scouting Report

Video Evidence

Mika Zibanejad Elitserien 2010-11 highlights (Regular season + playoffs) (via jfb3923)

Where Does He Fit With The Wild?

Fits in greatly!

He may not be that dynamic winger we all want but he CAN score. He can also set up goals, give the hits, win the puck battles and screen the goalie.

He'll be able to do everything, and with his competitiveness and his good sized frame, he'll become a very good NHLer.

Good Choice At #10?

Yes! We finally do a post on a prospect I think could wear the Wild jersey.

Fingers crossed.

How Does He Look As A Wild?

Comment away!