Minnesota Wild receive mixed grades for picks in NHL Entry Draft
By Tim Johnson
The Minnesota Wild are happy with the six players the franchise took in this week’s NHL Entry Draft.
One blogger/analyst supported the team’s six selections over the two-day event.
Or, at least oortions of the team’s draft.
"He's always with me."
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) June 30, 2023
How late father shaped the rise of #mnwild first round pick Charlie Stramel. ICYMI. Fans will get their first look at former Rosemount High star in Minnesota sweater at next week's development camp. With @RussoHockey https://t.co/rJSMnaIhgb
Adam Herman of Bleacher Report gave the Wild a B- for the draft. He said he groaned when the Wild selected Charlie Stramel at No. 21 as “he’s going to make the NHL as a bottom-six forward and a good one. But he should have gone in round two.”
Herman also wrote:
“The Wild then made up for it by drafting Riley Heidt, 27th on our board, at the start of the third round. Heidt is one of the most gifted offensive players in this draft but his play away from the puck is a mess. Still, he’s worth a swing on the upside.”
Herman’s thoughts were similar to those of Corey Pronman of The Athletic He gave the Wild at C+ overall.
Pronman wrote:
“I was a Charlie Stramel fan throughout the draft process. He’s not perfect by any means, but I think he’s going to play and help an NHL team down the middle. Rasmus Kumpulainen at 53 was a bit high for me. I knew people in the league who had him around that range but I couldn’t get there. Riley Heidt is very skilled and could make it if he rounds out his game over the next few years.”
Bryan Murphy of The Sporting News wasn’t a fan of the Wild taking Stramel in the first round either. He gave the move a C-..
Murphy wrote:
“A year ago, taking Charlie Stramel at No. 21 would have been a no-brainer, but after a tough draft year, the Wild selecting Stramel this early is definitely a reach …. Minnesota is betting on Stramel bouncing back and progressing along like he appeared to be before joining the NCAA ranks, but it’s a risky choice.”
Mary Clarke of For the Win echoed those thoughts. She gave the Wild a C- for the pick of the University of Wisconsin player
Clarke wrote:
“This feels like a reach for the Wild, who bypassed the best pick available to nab Charlie Stramel out of the NCAA. Stramel is a big body with a physically imposing frame who knows how to use it. He’s got good speed for his size, but isn’t anything to write home about offensively.”