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Minnesota Wild Blogger •
PRESS RELEASE FROM MINNESOTA WILD:
MONTREAL, Quebec – The Minnesota Wild selected defenseman Nick Leddy with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Wild acquired the 16th pick along with the 77th and 182nd picks in this year’s draft from the New York Islanders in exchange for the 12th overall pick.
“We believe Nick Leddy is an excellent prospect who has the potential to be a complete defenseman while generating a lot of offense,” said Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel Tom Thompson. “He is an excellent skater and puckhandler and an exciting player to watch.”
Leddy, 18 (3/20/91), recorded 37 points (8-29=37) and 22 penalty minutes in 25 regular season games and then added eight points (4-4=8) in six playoff contests helping lead Eden Prairie High School to its’ first-ever boys state high school hockey championship in 2009. The 5-foot-11 1/2, 185-pound defenseman was named the 2009 Mr. Hockey Award winner given annually to the most outstanding senior high school hockey player in the state of Minnesota. He was also named to the Class AA Minnesota State Boys’ Hockey All-Tournament team and will attend the University of Minnesota this fall. Leddy represented Team USA at the Under-18 Ivan Hlinka tournament in 2008, recording two assists in four games. He was the 24th ranked North American skater in the draft by the Central Scouting Service.
NICK LEDDY’S STATISTICS
Regular Season Playoffs
Season Club League GP G A PTS PIM GP G A PTS PIM
2007-08 Eden Prairie High School 20 5 22 27 -- 1 0 1 1 2
2008-09 Eden Prairie High School 25 8 29 37 22 6 4 4 8 4
NHL Central Scouting’s Jack Barzee on Leddy:
"He's such an explosive skater. It's pretty obvious he's a target of every opposing team because he's the engine that drives the train. Really, though, he's a world-class skater. I'd say he's in the same class as John Moore (Central Scouting's No. 8 ranked skater) and Josh Birkholz (No. 33) of this year's class."
Eden Prairie Head Coach Lee Smith on Leddy:
“We've been trying to get him to shoot more because he's got such a great shot, but he's so unselfish with the puck and makes such good decisions -- he can really set up his teammates. He's grown into his body and he feeds off teams trying to take him out by matching that physicality. He's gotten good at initiating contact, so he hasn't allowed people to check him. He's getting to them first. . . . His game is made for the new kind of NHL, with the focus on skills, skating and ability to maneuver with the puck. I think the smaller defensemen in the NHL make it because of their skating, and that's Nick's best asset.”
The Wild owns eight picks in rounds 2-7 of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft which starts Saturday at 9:00 a.m.: #77 in Round 3, #99, #103 and #116 in Round 4, #133 in Round 5, #163 in Round 6 and #182 and #193 in Round 7.
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With that pick, the honeymoon has officially ended for new GM, Chuck Fletcher. While I believe Leddy is a fine hockey player, a couple of questions come to mind: (a) was he really the best player on the board at the 16th selection as Mike Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune obviously had the inside track when he reported days earlier that the Wild "loved" Leddy; and (b) does Leddy help to prove that the Wild will play a different style of hockey next year and in year's to come or is it, as Jacques Lemaire was quoted as saying, going to be more of the same i.e. defense, defense, defense or lose, lose, lose?
That said, what are your thoughts on the selection of Leddy by the Wild at 16? To be clear, any comments should focus on the selection and not on the person or people involved in making the selection.
Lastly, I am now on Twitter. Search "BRADBradRatgen" to follow me, although I don't know that I'll have anything too earth shattering ever. Just thoughts and/or opinions that aren't worthy of a blog and alerts as to when a new blog is posted. Speaking of Twitter, Eklund posted on there after the draft that Heatley to Minnesota was an (e3) in a 3 team trade involving "a goalie". Is Harding on the move? Could Heater make his way to the Wild as the replacement for Gaborik? or is Backstrom being moved before his no-trade clause kicks in on July 1, 2009? (gasp). Should be interesting to see how Day 2 at the draft pans out.
Personal note to Chuck Fletcher, Tommy Thompson and the Wild staff at the draft: Go Wild!!!!!!!!!
Personal note to Nick Leddy: Welcome aboard. It's been fun watching you develop in high school, winning the State Championship. It will be fun watching your continued development when you play for the Golden Gophers and, hopefully, one day for the hometown Wild!!!!!
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1 (16) Defenseman Nick Leddy, Eden Prarie H.S. (Minn.) - SEE ABOVE
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3 (77) Goaltender Matthew Hackett , Plymouth OHL - Per NHL.com/ice/draftprospectdetail:
"• Named as the Plymouth Whalers Most Valuable Player for the 2009 playoffs, Hackett went 6-5-0 with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, facing more than 40 shots in five of the 11 games. He helped lead the team over the Sarnia Sting in the first round, before losing to the number one ranked Windsor Spitfires in the conference semi-final.
• After starting the 2008-09 season as the back-up goaltender for the Whalers, he worked his way to the number one spot by November and led Plymouth to a fourth place finish in the Western Conference with a 34-15-3-0 record in 55 games. His .913 save-percentage ranked eighth in the Ontario Hockey League.
• Matt is the nephew of former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett. Jeff played 500 NHL games with six teams (NYI, SJ, CHI, MTL, BOS, PHI) between 1988-89 and 2003-04.
• He cites his uncle as his childhood hockey hero – “I watched all his games growing up and I wanted to be just like him. He taught me everything about being a goalie”. He also wears number 31 in honor of his uncle.
• The London Junior Knights product started skating at the age of four after growing a passion for the game in neighborhood road hockey games. His first hockey team was the London Nationals.
• Winning the Bell Canada Cup, held at the Corel Centre (now Scotiabank Place), when he was 11 years old is his most memorable hockey achievement – “the trophy was taller than me”.
• If he could invite any three people to dinner he would choose Ryan Miller, Roberto Luongo and Carey Price “because they are my three favorite goalies and I could learn a lot from them”.
• One thing he couldn’t live without is music and if he could trade places with anyone for a day he’d trade with Tiger Woods.
FAVORITES
NHL Team: Montreal Canadiens
NHL Player: Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller
Video game: NHL ‘09
Movie: Step Brothers
TV show: Entourage
Actor: Denzel Washington
Group: Nickelback
Website: facebook.com
Pump up song: “For Those About to Rock” by ACDC
Home cooked meal: Turkey Dinner
Sport (other than hockey): Basketball
Activity away from the rink: Xbox
Place to shop: Boathouse
Place to visit: Fort Myers, Florida
STATISTICS
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP GAA MIN SO SV%
2006-2007WindsorOHL7 4.38 429 0 .859
2007-2008 PlymouthOHL22 3.57 1,108 0 .895
2008-2009PlymouthOHL55 3.04 3,036 2 .913 "
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3rd round trade for Kyle Brodziak - Per Wikipedia:
"-He was selected by in the 7th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 214th overall by the Oilers after being passed over in the 2002 draft.
-Given that only one-third of all NHL draft picks ever make the NHL, and the success rate for late-round draft picks is even more dismal, Brodziak has overcome some significant odds to become a full-time player.
-Brodziak made the Oilers out of training camp at the beginning of the 2007–08 NHL season, after an excellent preseason where he impressed coach Craig MacTavish. After scoring twice and setting up the winner against the Florida Panthers in pre-season play, MacTavish said "It looks like he's made the decision he's staying, that was a hell of a game."
--------------------------------------
4 (103) Left Wing Kristopher Foucault, Calgary WHL - Per NHL Draft Notes:
"Strengths: Terrific goal scorer's hands. Deceptively good speed.
Weaknesses: History of questionable work ethic. One dimensional game.
This guy is a little hard to figure as a prospect - has he finally made the commitment off the ice to be the best player he can be? Are all those highlight-reel goals going to continue or is he just a flash in the pan? He's got good goal scorer's hands and an ability to get to the scoring areas, but almost everything else about his game is underwhelming. Doesn't do much away from the puck. Skating is underrated, however - sneaky fast and has pretty good agility.
Summary: He's arguably got first round hands - his scoring touch is that good. But there's obviously a lot of risk with this guy. This is the kind of guy that if you draft him early and send him to your NHL camp, your head coach might ask why are you sending him this lazy, out of shape teenager. But this guy has such great hands, you have to consider him beginning somewhere around 3rd or 4th round. If you can keep that fire lit under him, you might have a real prospect."
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4 (116) Right Wing Alexander Fallstrom, Shattuck St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.) - Per hockeysfuture.com:
Described as a "traditional power forward", a "big-strong, strapping player", a "rough and tumble power forward" comparable to Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom, "very intelligent", and "exciting to watch" when playing with Shattuck teammate Erik Haula, whom the Wild has also drafted. He is Harvard bound. He describes his best qualities as "my shot, stickhandling and my skating." Last year, in 56 games, he had 19 goals, 42 points, and 50 penalty minutes
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6 (161) Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer WHL -
Season Team Lge GP Min GA EN SO GAA W L T Svs Pct
2008-09 Red Deer55 3167 156 3 3 2.96 21 25 8 1378 0.898
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6 (163) Left Wing Jere Sallinen, Blues Jr. Finland Jr. - Per hockeysfuture.com:
"History
2008-09: The previous season Sallinen made a name for himself – appearing in six SM-Liiga games as a 17-year old and putting up thirty points in his first season of A juniors so it was hoped that he was headed for a breakout season – possibly sharing time on the SM-Liiga squad with older brother Tomi somewhere down the line. Unfortunately, a back injury curtailed his season after just nine games and has left his career somewhat in limbo. He did receive an invitation to the national junior team summer camp in Vierumaki which should have several outstanding prospects. He will have his work cut out for him but he appears to be healthy.
Talent Analysis
Opinions vary widely on Sallinen. Some scouts view him as a Bobby Holik-type power forward while others feel he is merely a big bodied, undisciplined player who put up big scoring numbers playing against smaller junior players but does not have the requisite skill level to be successful at the NHL level. On the plus side, his energy and enthusiasm, as well as a willingness to compete all over the ice, are popular with both teammates and fans alike. While not as awe inspiring as some of the other prospects in Finland, Sallinen is a strong skater and also handles the puck well in traffic. Unfortunately, he suffered a back injury this past season which limited his season to nine games. With his punishing style of play, that is something that has teams concerned. "
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7 (182) Left Wing Erik Haula, Shattuck St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.) - Per hockeysfuture.com:
"History
2007-08: Put up decent numbers, playing in 40 games where he racked up 22 points in the U20 league for Assat. He also represented Team Finland at the 2008 U18 tournament, where he tallied a goal and three assists in six games.
2008-09: With Shattuck St. Mary's, he racked up 22 goals and 49 assists. Roomed with Swede Alexander Fallstrom.
Haula speaks nearly flawless English. His father used to coach American football in Finland, and he had Americans staying in his house growing up who taught him English. Also speaks Swedish.
HF's Interview with Haula from the 2009 U18s.
Talent Analysis
Haula is an incredible passer and has good speed to go along with it. He's only 5'11 though and quite light yet. Excellent character.
Future
Committed to playing for the University of Minnesota in 2010, but will spend a year in the USHL first. Should be a relatively high pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. "
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7 (193) Center Anthony Hamburg, Dallas Stars AAA Midget -
Season GP G A Pts PIM +/- PPG SHG GW
2008 70 29 70 99 76 0 3 0 5
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PRESS RELEASE MINNESOTA WILD:
MINNESOTA WILD SELECTS SEVEN PLAYERS IN DAY TWO OF 2009 NHL ENTRY DRAFT
CLUB ALSO ACQUIRES CENTER KYLE BRODZIAK FROM EDMONTON OILERS
MONTREAL, Quebec – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild selected seven players today in day two of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at Belle Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Minnesota selected goalie Matthew Hackett in the third round (#77), left wing Kristopher Foucault (#103) and right wing Alexander Fallstrom (#116) in the fourth round, goalie Darcy Kuemper (#161) and forward Jere Sallinen (#163) in the sixth round, left wing Erik Haula (#182) and center Anthony Hamburg (#193) in the seventh round.
The Wild also acquired center Kyle Brodziak (brohd-ZEE-ak) and the Edmonton Oilers sixth round pick (#161) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft today in exchange for the Wild’s fourth round pick (#99) and fifth round pick (#133) in this year’s draft.
Hackett, 19 (3/7/90), posted a 34-15-3 record with a 3.04 goals against average (GAA), a .913 save percentage and two shutouts in 55 games with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2008-09. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound native of London, Ontario was the top ranked North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting. Hackett ranked eighth in the OHL in save percentage during the regular season and was named the Whalers most valuable player in the playoffs going 6-5 with a 3.01 GAA and a .930 save percentage in 11 contests. He is the nephew of former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett.
NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen
“He has great potential, very good size, very poised. His angles, his net positioning are very good. He's a very smart goaltender with excellent net coverage.”
Plymouth Whalers’ goaltending coach Stan Matwijiw
“You look at Matt, and he’s a pure goaltender. He’s the type of goaltender that NHL teams are looking for. He’s big in stature and takes up a lot of net. He’s very fundamentally sound. The work that I’ve done with him is tweaking a thing here and there. He’s already had good instruction, with his uncle (former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett).”
Foucault, 18 (12/12/90), tallied 17 points (9-8=17) and 16 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Calgary Hitmen and Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2008-09. He added 16 points (11-5=16) in 18 playoff games for the Hitmen and was named MVP of the Eastern Conference final. The 6-foot, 202-pound left wing native of Calgary, Alberta was the 96th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Fallstrom, 18 (9/15/90), a senior captain at Shattuck St. Mary’s in 2008-09 led his team with 40 goals and 87 points in 52 games. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound right wing registered 67 points (20-47=67) in 62 games in his first season with Shattuck in 2007-08. He has committed to play at Harvard University this fall. The native of Gothenburg, Sweden was the 69th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Kuemper, 19 (5/5/90), posted a record of 21-25-8 with a 2.96 GAA, a .898 save percentage and three shutouts in his rookie season with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. He ranked second among WHL rookie netminders in save percentage and wins and third in goals against average. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound native Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was the ninth ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.
Sallinen, 18 (10/26/90), recorded three points (1-2=3) and 31 penalty minutes in nine games with the Blues Espoo of Finland’s Junior League. The 6-foot, 183-pound native of Espoo, Finland registered three points (2-1=3) and 31 penalty minutes in six games for Team Finland at the 2008 Under 18 World Hockey Championships in Russia. Sallinen tallied 30 points (11-19=30) and 94 penalty minutes in 36 games in the Finnish Junior league in 2007-08. He was the 73rd ranked International skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Haula, 18 (3/23/91), notched 84 points (26-58=84) and 46 penalty minutes in 53 games in his first season with Shattuck St. Mary’s High School in 2008-09. He led the team in assists and ranked second in goals and points. The 6-foot, 170-pound native of Pori, Finland will play for the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Omaha Lancers in 2009-10 and has committed to play for the University of Minnesota in 2010-11. He was the 57th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Hamburg, 17 (8/30/91), notched 99 points (29-70=99) and 76 penalty minutes in 70 games for the Dallas Stars AAA Midget team in 2008-09. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound native of Phoenix, Arizona led the team in scoring and assists and ranked tied for third in goals. He was selected by the Omaha Lancers in the USHL Entry Draft May 13.
Minnesota selected defenseman Nick Leddy with the 16th overall selection in the first round Friday night. The Wild acquired the 16th pick along with the 77th and 182nd picks from the New York Islanders in exchange for the 12th overall pick.
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WOW! Now that's a lot to digest. For those of you needing a hockey fix, that should do, eh? So, what are your thoughts on this year's draft under the new regime?
My thoughts:
- Leddy: nervous b/c of the Wild's history with previous Minnesota guys
- Hackett: can't really go wrong with the top rated goalie in the draft
- Brodziak: trade for a guy to fill a hole at 3rd or 4th line center that wins more face-offs than he loses and played for Coach Richards on the baby Pens
-Foucault: goal scorer with great hands that doesn't like to work hard? Uh-oh!!!!
-Fallstrom & Haula: obviously a dynamic duo at Shattuck that hopefully can progress together and should be fun to see one day, if they both make it; also Haula sounds like the "pizzazz" type of player Tommy Thompson was looking for; I am somewhat surprised that Fallstrom got drafted well ahead of Haula.
-Kuemper: depth in goal is always a good thing to have; wait and see
-Sallinen: can you say Cal Clutterbuck, but with more skill?
-Hamburg: the kid appears to be able to play with 99 points in 2008, averaging 1 assist per game, but can he continue that type of play as he progresses?
OK Wild fans, let's hear it. You only have 3-4 days until free agency and Danny Heatley may be on his way to Minnesota. So let's hear your thoughts on this year's draft.
MONTREAL, Quebec – The Minnesota Wild selected defenseman Nick Leddy with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft at Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Wild acquired the 16th pick along with the 77th and 182nd picks in this year’s draft from the New York Islanders in exchange for the 12th overall pick.
“We believe Nick Leddy is an excellent prospect who has the potential to be a complete defenseman while generating a lot of offense,” said Assistant General Manager/Player Personnel Tom Thompson. “He is an excellent skater and puckhandler and an exciting player to watch.”
Leddy, 18 (3/20/91), recorded 37 points (8-29=37) and 22 penalty minutes in 25 regular season games and then added eight points (4-4=8) in six playoff contests helping lead Eden Prairie High School to its’ first-ever boys state high school hockey championship in 2009. The 5-foot-11 1/2, 185-pound defenseman was named the 2009 Mr. Hockey Award winner given annually to the most outstanding senior high school hockey player in the state of Minnesota. He was also named to the Class AA Minnesota State Boys’ Hockey All-Tournament team and will attend the University of Minnesota this fall. Leddy represented Team USA at the Under-18 Ivan Hlinka tournament in 2008, recording two assists in four games. He was the 24th ranked North American skater in the draft by the Central Scouting Service.
NICK LEDDY’S STATISTICS
Regular Season Playoffs
Season Club League GP G A PTS PIM GP G A PTS PIM
2007-08 Eden Prairie High School 20 5 22 27 -- 1 0 1 1 2
2008-09 Eden Prairie High School 25 8 29 37 22 6 4 4 8 4
NHL Central Scouting’s Jack Barzee on Leddy:
"He's such an explosive skater. It's pretty obvious he's a target of every opposing team because he's the engine that drives the train. Really, though, he's a world-class skater. I'd say he's in the same class as John Moore (Central Scouting's No. 8 ranked skater) and Josh Birkholz (No. 33) of this year's class."
Eden Prairie Head Coach Lee Smith on Leddy:
“We've been trying to get him to shoot more because he's got such a great shot, but he's so unselfish with the puck and makes such good decisions -- he can really set up his teammates. He's grown into his body and he feeds off teams trying to take him out by matching that physicality. He's gotten good at initiating contact, so he hasn't allowed people to check him. He's getting to them first. . . . His game is made for the new kind of NHL, with the focus on skills, skating and ability to maneuver with the puck. I think the smaller defensemen in the NHL make it because of their skating, and that's Nick's best asset.”
The Wild owns eight picks in rounds 2-7 of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft which starts Saturday at 9:00 a.m.: #77 in Round 3, #99, #103 and #116 in Round 4, #133 in Round 5, #163 in Round 6 and #182 and #193 in Round 7.
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With that pick, the honeymoon has officially ended for new GM, Chuck Fletcher. While I believe Leddy is a fine hockey player, a couple of questions come to mind: (a) was he really the best player on the board at the 16th selection as Mike Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune obviously had the inside track when he reported days earlier that the Wild "loved" Leddy; and (b) does Leddy help to prove that the Wild will play a different style of hockey next year and in year's to come or is it, as Jacques Lemaire was quoted as saying, going to be more of the same i.e. defense, defense, defense or lose, lose, lose?
That said, what are your thoughts on the selection of Leddy by the Wild at 16? To be clear, any comments should focus on the selection and not on the person or people involved in making the selection.
Lastly, I am now on Twitter. Search "BRADBradRatgen" to follow me, although I don't know that I'll have anything too earth shattering ever. Just thoughts and/or opinions that aren't worthy of a blog and alerts as to when a new blog is posted. Speaking of Twitter, Eklund posted on there after the draft that Heatley to Minnesota was an (e3) in a 3 team trade involving "a goalie". Is Harding on the move? Could Heater make his way to the Wild as the replacement for Gaborik? or is Backstrom being moved before his no-trade clause kicks in on July 1, 2009? (gasp). Should be interesting to see how Day 2 at the draft pans out.
Personal note to Chuck Fletcher, Tommy Thompson and the Wild staff at the draft: Go Wild!!!!!!!!!
Personal note to Nick Leddy: Welcome aboard. It's been fun watching you develop in high school, winning the State Championship. It will be fun watching your continued development when you play for the Golden Gophers and, hopefully, one day for the hometown Wild!!!!!
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1 (16) Defenseman Nick Leddy, Eden Prarie H.S. (Minn.) - SEE ABOVE
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3 (77) Goaltender Matthew Hackett , Plymouth OHL - Per NHL.com/ice/draftprospectdetail:
"• Named as the Plymouth Whalers Most Valuable Player for the 2009 playoffs, Hackett went 6-5-0 with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage, facing more than 40 shots in five of the 11 games. He helped lead the team over the Sarnia Sting in the first round, before losing to the number one ranked Windsor Spitfires in the conference semi-final.
• After starting the 2008-09 season as the back-up goaltender for the Whalers, he worked his way to the number one spot by November and led Plymouth to a fourth place finish in the Western Conference with a 34-15-3-0 record in 55 games. His .913 save-percentage ranked eighth in the Ontario Hockey League.
• Matt is the nephew of former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett. Jeff played 500 NHL games with six teams (NYI, SJ, CHI, MTL, BOS, PHI) between 1988-89 and 2003-04.
• He cites his uncle as his childhood hockey hero – “I watched all his games growing up and I wanted to be just like him. He taught me everything about being a goalie”. He also wears number 31 in honor of his uncle.
• The London Junior Knights product started skating at the age of four after growing a passion for the game in neighborhood road hockey games. His first hockey team was the London Nationals.
• Winning the Bell Canada Cup, held at the Corel Centre (now Scotiabank Place), when he was 11 years old is his most memorable hockey achievement – “the trophy was taller than me”.
• If he could invite any three people to dinner he would choose Ryan Miller, Roberto Luongo and Carey Price “because they are my three favorite goalies and I could learn a lot from them”.
• One thing he couldn’t live without is music and if he could trade places with anyone for a day he’d trade with Tiger Woods.
FAVORITES
NHL Team: Montreal Canadiens
NHL Player: Buffalo goaltender Ryan Miller
Video game: NHL ‘09
Movie: Step Brothers
TV show: Entourage
Actor: Denzel Washington
Group: Nickelback
Website: facebook.com
Pump up song: “For Those About to Rock” by ACDC
Home cooked meal: Turkey Dinner
Sport (other than hockey): Basketball
Activity away from the rink: Xbox
Place to shop: Boathouse
Place to visit: Fort Myers, Florida
STATISTICS
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP GAA MIN SO SV%
2006-2007WindsorOHL7 4.38 429 0 .859
2007-2008 PlymouthOHL22 3.57 1,108 0 .895
2008-2009PlymouthOHL55 3.04 3,036 2 .913 "
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3rd round trade for Kyle Brodziak - Per Wikipedia:
"-He was selected by in the 7th round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, 214th overall by the Oilers after being passed over in the 2002 draft.
-Given that only one-third of all NHL draft picks ever make the NHL, and the success rate for late-round draft picks is even more dismal, Brodziak has overcome some significant odds to become a full-time player.
-Brodziak made the Oilers out of training camp at the beginning of the 2007–08 NHL season, after an excellent preseason where he impressed coach Craig MacTavish. After scoring twice and setting up the winner against the Florida Panthers in pre-season play, MacTavish said "It looks like he's made the decision he's staying, that was a hell of a game."
--------------------------------------
4 (103) Left Wing Kristopher Foucault, Calgary WHL - Per NHL Draft Notes:
"Strengths: Terrific goal scorer's hands. Deceptively good speed.
Weaknesses: History of questionable work ethic. One dimensional game.
This guy is a little hard to figure as a prospect - has he finally made the commitment off the ice to be the best player he can be? Are all those highlight-reel goals going to continue or is he just a flash in the pan? He's got good goal scorer's hands and an ability to get to the scoring areas, but almost everything else about his game is underwhelming. Doesn't do much away from the puck. Skating is underrated, however - sneaky fast and has pretty good agility.
Summary: He's arguably got first round hands - his scoring touch is that good. But there's obviously a lot of risk with this guy. This is the kind of guy that if you draft him early and send him to your NHL camp, your head coach might ask why are you sending him this lazy, out of shape teenager. But this guy has such great hands, you have to consider him beginning somewhere around 3rd or 4th round. If you can keep that fire lit under him, you might have a real prospect."
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4 (116) Right Wing Alexander Fallstrom, Shattuck St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.) - Per hockeysfuture.com:
Described as a "traditional power forward", a "big-strong, strapping player", a "rough and tumble power forward" comparable to Detroit's Tomas Holmstrom, "very intelligent", and "exciting to watch" when playing with Shattuck teammate Erik Haula, whom the Wild has also drafted. He is Harvard bound. He describes his best qualities as "my shot, stickhandling and my skating." Last year, in 56 games, he had 19 goals, 42 points, and 50 penalty minutes
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6 (161) Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, Red Deer WHL -
Season Team Lge GP Min GA EN SO GAA W L T Svs Pct
2008-09 Red Deer55 3167 156 3 3 2.96 21 25 8 1378 0.898
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6 (163) Left Wing Jere Sallinen, Blues Jr. Finland Jr. - Per hockeysfuture.com:
"History
2008-09: The previous season Sallinen made a name for himself – appearing in six SM-Liiga games as a 17-year old and putting up thirty points in his first season of A juniors so it was hoped that he was headed for a breakout season – possibly sharing time on the SM-Liiga squad with older brother Tomi somewhere down the line. Unfortunately, a back injury curtailed his season after just nine games and has left his career somewhat in limbo. He did receive an invitation to the national junior team summer camp in Vierumaki which should have several outstanding prospects. He will have his work cut out for him but he appears to be healthy.
Talent Analysis
Opinions vary widely on Sallinen. Some scouts view him as a Bobby Holik-type power forward while others feel he is merely a big bodied, undisciplined player who put up big scoring numbers playing against smaller junior players but does not have the requisite skill level to be successful at the NHL level. On the plus side, his energy and enthusiasm, as well as a willingness to compete all over the ice, are popular with both teammates and fans alike. While not as awe inspiring as some of the other prospects in Finland, Sallinen is a strong skater and also handles the puck well in traffic. Unfortunately, he suffered a back injury this past season which limited his season to nine games. With his punishing style of play, that is something that has teams concerned. "
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7 (182) Left Wing Erik Haula, Shattuck St. Mary's H.S. (Minn.) - Per hockeysfuture.com:
"History
2007-08: Put up decent numbers, playing in 40 games where he racked up 22 points in the U20 league for Assat. He also represented Team Finland at the 2008 U18 tournament, where he tallied a goal and three assists in six games.
2008-09: With Shattuck St. Mary's, he racked up 22 goals and 49 assists. Roomed with Swede Alexander Fallstrom.
Haula speaks nearly flawless English. His father used to coach American football in Finland, and he had Americans staying in his house growing up who taught him English. Also speaks Swedish.
HF's Interview with Haula from the 2009 U18s.
Talent Analysis
Haula is an incredible passer and has good speed to go along with it. He's only 5'11 though and quite light yet. Excellent character.
Future
Committed to playing for the University of Minnesota in 2010, but will spend a year in the USHL first. Should be a relatively high pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. "
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7 (193) Center Anthony Hamburg, Dallas Stars AAA Midget -
Season GP G A Pts PIM +/- PPG SHG GW
2008 70 29 70 99 76 0 3 0 5
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PRESS RELEASE MINNESOTA WILD:
MINNESOTA WILD SELECTS SEVEN PLAYERS IN DAY TWO OF 2009 NHL ENTRY DRAFT
CLUB ALSO ACQUIRES CENTER KYLE BRODZIAK FROM EDMONTON OILERS
MONTREAL, Quebec – The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild selected seven players today in day two of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft at Belle Centre in Montreal, Quebec. Minnesota selected goalie Matthew Hackett in the third round (#77), left wing Kristopher Foucault (#103) and right wing Alexander Fallstrom (#116) in the fourth round, goalie Darcy Kuemper (#161) and forward Jere Sallinen (#163) in the sixth round, left wing Erik Haula (#182) and center Anthony Hamburg (#193) in the seventh round.
The Wild also acquired center Kyle Brodziak (brohd-ZEE-ak) and the Edmonton Oilers sixth round pick (#161) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft today in exchange for the Wild’s fourth round pick (#99) and fifth round pick (#133) in this year’s draft.
Hackett, 19 (3/7/90), posted a 34-15-3 record with a 3.04 goals against average (GAA), a .913 save percentage and two shutouts in 55 games with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2008-09. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound native of London, Ontario was the top ranked North American goalie by NHL Central Scouting. Hackett ranked eighth in the OHL in save percentage during the regular season and was named the Whalers most valuable player in the playoffs going 6-5 with a 3.01 GAA and a .930 save percentage in 11 contests. He is the nephew of former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett.
NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen
“He has great potential, very good size, very poised. His angles, his net positioning are very good. He's a very smart goaltender with excellent net coverage.”
Plymouth Whalers’ goaltending coach Stan Matwijiw
“You look at Matt, and he’s a pure goaltender. He’s the type of goaltender that NHL teams are looking for. He’s big in stature and takes up a lot of net. He’s very fundamentally sound. The work that I’ve done with him is tweaking a thing here and there. He’s already had good instruction, with his uncle (former NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett).”
Foucault, 18 (12/12/90), tallied 17 points (9-8=17) and 16 penalty minutes in 26 games with the Calgary Hitmen and Kootenay Ice of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2008-09. He added 16 points (11-5=16) in 18 playoff games for the Hitmen and was named MVP of the Eastern Conference final. The 6-foot, 202-pound left wing native of Calgary, Alberta was the 96th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Fallstrom, 18 (9/15/90), a senior captain at Shattuck St. Mary’s in 2008-09 led his team with 40 goals and 87 points in 52 games. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound right wing registered 67 points (20-47=67) in 62 games in his first season with Shattuck in 2007-08. He has committed to play at Harvard University this fall. The native of Gothenburg, Sweden was the 69th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Kuemper, 19 (5/5/90), posted a record of 21-25-8 with a 2.96 GAA, a .898 save percentage and three shutouts in his rookie season with the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels. He ranked second among WHL rookie netminders in save percentage and wins and third in goals against average. The 6-foot-4, 195-pound native Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was the ninth ranked North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.
Sallinen, 18 (10/26/90), recorded three points (1-2=3) and 31 penalty minutes in nine games with the Blues Espoo of Finland’s Junior League. The 6-foot, 183-pound native of Espoo, Finland registered three points (2-1=3) and 31 penalty minutes in six games for Team Finland at the 2008 Under 18 World Hockey Championships in Russia. Sallinen tallied 30 points (11-19=30) and 94 penalty minutes in 36 games in the Finnish Junior league in 2007-08. He was the 73rd ranked International skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Haula, 18 (3/23/91), notched 84 points (26-58=84) and 46 penalty minutes in 53 games in his first season with Shattuck St. Mary’s High School in 2008-09. He led the team in assists and ranked second in goals and points. The 6-foot, 170-pound native of Pori, Finland will play for the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Omaha Lancers in 2009-10 and has committed to play for the University of Minnesota in 2010-11. He was the 57th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting.
Hamburg, 17 (8/30/91), notched 99 points (29-70=99) and 76 penalty minutes in 70 games for the Dallas Stars AAA Midget team in 2008-09. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound native of Phoenix, Arizona led the team in scoring and assists and ranked tied for third in goals. He was selected by the Omaha Lancers in the USHL Entry Draft May 13.
Minnesota selected defenseman Nick Leddy with the 16th overall selection in the first round Friday night. The Wild acquired the 16th pick along with the 77th and 182nd picks from the New York Islanders in exchange for the 12th overall pick.
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WOW! Now that's a lot to digest. For those of you needing a hockey fix, that should do, eh? So, what are your thoughts on this year's draft under the new regime?
My thoughts:
- Leddy: nervous b/c of the Wild's history with previous Minnesota guys
- Hackett: can't really go wrong with the top rated goalie in the draft
- Brodziak: trade for a guy to fill a hole at 3rd or 4th line center that wins more face-offs than he loses and played for Coach Richards on the baby Pens
-Foucault: goal scorer with great hands that doesn't like to work hard? Uh-oh!!!!
-Fallstrom & Haula: obviously a dynamic duo at Shattuck that hopefully can progress together and should be fun to see one day, if they both make it; also Haula sounds like the "pizzazz" type of player Tommy Thompson was looking for; I am somewhat surprised that Fallstrom got drafted well ahead of Haula.
-Kuemper: depth in goal is always a good thing to have; wait and see
-Sallinen: can you say Cal Clutterbuck, but with more skill?
-Hamburg: the kid appears to be able to play with 99 points in 2008, averaging 1 assist per game, but can he continue that type of play as he progresses?
OK Wild fans, let's hear it. You only have 3-4 days until free agency and Danny Heatley may be on his way to Minnesota. So let's hear your thoughts on this year's draft.
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