Top 5 young prospects in the Minnesota Wild system
By Cody Defoe
![ST. PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 6: The Minnesota Wild line up for the National Anthem before a game between the Minnesota Wild and Las Vegas Golden Knights at Xcel Energy Center on October 6, 2018 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Golden Knights defeated the Wild 2-1 in a shootout.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images) ST. PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 6: The Minnesota Wild line up for the National Anthem before a game between the Minnesota Wild and Las Vegas Golden Knights at Xcel Energy Center on October 6, 2018 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Golden Knights defeated the Wild 2-1 in a shootout.(Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/23755e29b2766489409a35a1423777bc8e0967596ec07a351a8f6663dd6c2949.jpg)
#1 Connor Dewar (WHL – Everett Silvertips)
Maybe this is a surprise to some, or maybe we’re on the same page here, but 2018 draft pick Connor Dewar is looking like a third round gem for the Minnesota Wild. His production in the WHL this season is befitting of a much higher draft position.
Dewar’s 12 goals are good enough for 5th in the league, and his 21 points have him tied for 20th among league leaders.
The Minnesota Wild had 3 third round picks in the 2018 NHL Draft. Dewar was the final selection of the round, and yet early into the 2018-19 NHL season he looks like he could be the best of the three players selected by the Wild in that round.
At 19 years old, Dewar has been on a consistent rise throughout his junior professional career, drastically increasing his point production each season. This season appears to be continuing his upward trend, as he looks to be peaking at the right point in his career.
His -3 plus/minus is currently the biggest concern, but that is something that should be able to be coached when he arrives in Iowa and/or Minnesota next season. A star with his offensive talent and hard-working skill is exactly what the Wild need for the future, and defensive responsibilities are something that can always be taught.
The jump from the Canadian Hockey League to the National Hockey League is a big one, and not always the easiest transition to make. Dewar may require a season or two in Iowa to develop before making the full pro jump, but with a point curve like his we should be expecting big things from this third round pick
He is on pace to produce over 100 points this season, which would be a massive increase from his 68 point season last year. Should he accomplish that feat, expect him to get a strong look in the NHL preseason next year, and a top line role in whichever pro league he ends up in.
Next. Colton Beck signs first NHL Contract. dark
What did you think of our list? Do you agree with our top 5 prospects? Did we leave someone out you feel very strongly about, or is our list not in the correct order for you? Let us know in the comments, and join the discussion.