A common concern among Minnesota Wild fans recently is the aging core of the team, and a desire for an infusion of youth to add a speed boost to a slower forward group. We’re taking a look here at the top 5 youth options in the system.
The last wave of youth additions for the Minnesota Wild included Mikael Granlund, Jason Zucker, Charlie Coyle, and Nino Niederreiter among others. The additions of those players has resulted in six consecutive playoff appearances, but they are all now reaching the end of their 20’s.
We have seen sporadic arrivals of players through the last few years, but nothing like the rookie influx that accompanied that group of players. Looking ahead we should expect another rookie wave in the coming years, but who will be a part of that wave?
I’ve reviewed the recent play of the Minnesota Wild’s top prospects and weighed out strength of competition along with skill level and points output this year.
Jordan Greenway and Nick Seeler have been excluded from this list due to their full-time status with the NHL club this year. They are no longer ‘future prospects’, instead being considered part of the present core of the club.
Likewise, Mathew Dumba and Joel Eriksson Ek have been up with the big club long enough to have lost their ‘prospect’ status.
I did contain this top five to players under 25 years old, with a high likelihood of making it to the NHL within the next couple seasons. Be sure to let me know if you feel someone on this list is not deserving, or if I missed anyone high on your prospect watch list.