Minnesota Wild: 2018-19 Season Preview of Louie Belpedio

With only 47 days remaining until the beginning of the Minnesota Wild preseason, these player previews are going to start coming much faster. Up next, #47 Louie Belpedio.

About to enter his first official training camp and preseason, defenseman Louie Belpedio is no stranger to the Minnesota Wild system. Belpedio played in one regular season game at the end of last season, reaching the score sheet with 2 assists and earning a strong look going into the 2018-19 season.

History

Louie Belpedio is a 4th round draft pick of the Wild from the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Following the draft, Belpedio spent 4 seasons in the NCAA with Miami University of Ohio where he has been among the top scoring defensemen on his team each season.

Belpedio earned the assistant captaincy in only his second season, and captained the team through his final 2 years. Last year, in his final season with the NCAA team, Belpedio finished with 30 points in 33 games tied for second in scoring among his entire team.

Louie finished his NCAA career with 83 points in 135 games played, but a dismal -6 plus/minus. While he had personal successes with his offensive ability, he was unable to experience any team success as the University only had a record above .500 in his rookie year. (per eliteprospects.com)

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Upon the completion of the NCAA season, Belpedio was brought in to the AHL to get some ice time with the Iowa Wild. In 10 games with Iowa, Belpedio finished the AHL season with 2 assists and a similar -6 plus/minus.

Despite his clear defensive struggles, the Minnesota Wild still decided to give Belpedio a look at the NHL level in the final game of the regular season. The young defensemen impressed offensively in his debut, but was left to watch from the pressbox through the playoffs

Season Outlook

Belpedio is clearly still a rookie, only having played a single game at the NHL Level. He will enter training camp at a distinct disadvantage, with the Minnesota Wild currently carrying 11 other defensemen into the preseason.

Contrary to the majority of my player previews, I don’t actually expect Belpedio to have much of a chance of making the NHL level roster this year. I have included him anyhow because I do expect him to be high on the call-up list should any trades or injuries require a look to the AHL.

As a right-shot defenseman for a franchise lacking in prospect depth for right handers, he does have a strong chance to impress this year and earn himself future opportunities down the road.

I fully expect Belpedio to get a lot of minutes and responsibilities in his first full year with Iowa. He should be playing in a Top 4 role in even strength, while getting regular time to perfect himself as a powerplay quarterback and chances to improve his defensive ability on the penalty kill.

His offensive abilities are already well developed, with a full pro season this coming year to develop his defensive game in the AHL I feel like Belpedio has a bright future with the Minnesota Wild.

I think he gets a long, hard look during training camp and preseason, providing coach Bruce Boudreau and his staff time to instill some team expectations on the 22 year old before sending him down to the team in Iowa and their head coach Tim Army.

He has a high ceiling, and large expectations set for him as a former 3rd round draft pick. In order for him to live up to the high expectations of the Minnesota Wild fans he will need to develop his defensive game to limit his mistakes. If he can solidify that part of his game, we should see him as part Minnesota opening day roster for 2019-20.