After ranking the top 100 NHL prospects for 2015-16, and ranking each team by organizational depth, ESPN Insider Corey Pronman ranks the top 10 prospects for each NHL team. Here is his entry for the Minnesota Wild. Extended write-ups on prospects ranked in the top 100 can be accessed here.
The Minnesota system has seen a ton of graduations in recent years, and while there is still some talent left -- most of its top 10 prospects are players with upside -- there is also notable uncertainty on the players' projections.
Kirill Kaprizov's skating is above average and arguably plus. He's also quite skilled with the puck, but what stands out is his hockey IQ. He's not a fantastic defensive player but has value in his own end. If he wasn't 5-foot-9, I think we'd be talking about a very well-rounded player. His high level of play in the KHL was very impressive.
Tyler Graovac had a great second pro season, showing significant improvements in his skating combined with above-average puck skills and size, which made him one of the top players on his AHL team. He needs to continue to round out his game, but he has a lot of potential. I've been impressed by Louis Belpedio when I've seen him live. He skates very well and works hard, and despite subpar size, he battles hard.
At times, Mario Lucia can dazzle you with his potential due to his offensive skill and size. However, inconsistency in his off-puck game and pace have been problems with him the past few seasons.
Jordan Greenway is somewhat raw but has a lot of upside. He's a bulky forward who uses his body well to win battles and protect the puck, and his offensive IQ shows very good flashes. Greenway skates and handles the puck well for a big man, although he's not top-end in either area.
Gustav Bouramann is a very good, puck-moving defenseman. His skating and vision grade as good to very good. Defensively, his reads are hit-or-miss, and he has a lackluster physical game.
Noteworthy prospect
Gustaf Olofsson missed the entire 2014-15 season because of shoulder issues. He's a big defenseman who skates and moves the puck well but has played only 40 league games in the past two seasons as he enters his age-21 season.
2015-16 impact
Graovac and Mike Reilly are ready to compete for NHL jobs out of camp. Zack Mitchell could be a potential midseason call-up. He doesn't have a ton of upside, but his hockey sense is quality, and he could potentially play in the bottom six.