Minnesota Wild: Which centers could be available in first round of NHL Draft?
By Tim Johnson
The Minnesota Wild have picked a center in the first round of the NHL Draft three times since 2015, including Marco Rossi last year.
With two selections this year — at No. 21 and No. 25 — it’s more than possible that the trend continues as it is a franchise need. Adding depth to the position could be the move to make even if the Wild take steps to address the issue via free agency or a trade over the coming weeks or months.
The Wild have five selections through the first three rounds of the Draft to stockpile additional centers as well.
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As for the opening round, it’s nice to picture Matthew Beniers in a Wild sweater. The truth is the Michigan standout’s name will be called long before Minnesota gets a chance when the Draft begins on July 23, likely within the first few picks..
Mason McTavish, Chaz Lucius, Cole Sillinger, Fedor Svechkov and Kent Johnson also prospects who could all be snapped as lottery picks or within the first half of the draft board.
That doesn’t mean that the pool of center candidates will be dried up for the Wild.
The question is which is the best fit?
Here is a look at some centers who might be available for the Wild in the first round, or at least some of the most intriguing of the options. That group begins with one individual who was considered a No. 1 pick candidate not that long ago before he slid down the draft boards.