Who Should the Minnesota Wild Select At 50th Overall?

With the Minnesota Wild’s second selection in the 2015 NHL Draft, at 50th overall, there will be plenty of big fish left to reel in. No doubt, tons of NHL stars could still remain past the first round, but the Wild will have to make a very smart decision. After 50th overall, there is expected to be a fairly large drop-off in potential of prospects, so the Wild should keep the possibility of trading up a few selections in the back of their mind. Listed below are the top 3 forwards and defensemen likely to be available for the Minnesota Wild at 50th overall.

At 50th Overall:

Forwards:

3: Nikita Korostelev- 54GP, 24G, 29A, 53PTS for the Sarnia Sting of the OHL.

Nikita Korostelev of the Sarnia Sting [photo: OHL Images] — Nikita Korostelev has adjusted to the North American game and excelled in Sarnia. [photo: OHL Images]

Korostelev has played in Canada since he was 14 years old, so he’s pretty accustomed to the style. He has terrific talent with the puck and knows where to be on the ice. He’s great down low on the power play as well. Only doubt is in his skating which he must improve to be successful in the NHL.

Rankings: 60th by ISS, 50th by Central Scouting, 46th by THN.

2: Takov Trenin- 58GP, 18G, 49A, 67PTS for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL.

Renin came over to Gatineau this year for his first in Canada. He adapted well and was able to improve many lacking aspects of his game very quickly. He has excellent puck skills and hockey sense that make him a solid playmaker. He’s also become great on both the power play and penalty kill.

Rankings: 59th by ISS, 48th by Central Scouting, 43rd by THN.

1: Anthony Beauvillier- 67GP, 42G, 52A, 94PTS for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL.

Anthony Beauvillier could have been a 1st rounder, but scouts are doubtful because of his size. (Judith St-Pierre/Shawinigan Cataractes)

Beauvillier has awesome leadership abilities already and was named the captain at the Top Prospects Game. He is very smart and plays with passion. He always does whatever it takes to win and has a top notch skill set. Only thing lacking is his size, standing at 5’10. Played for Canada at the U18’s and scored 3 goals in 6 games. Wild would likely need to trade up to get him.

Rankings: 41st by ISS, 33rd by Central Scouting, 48th by THN.

Defensemen:

3: Rasmus Andersson- 67GP, 12G, 52A, 64PTS for the Barrie Colts of the OHL.

Andersson is an offensive defenceman who may need to work on his defensive game to become a top prospect. He’s very smart and is terrific at starting the breakout with a smart first pass. Awesome on the power play at getting passes through and also getting pucks on net to create chances.

Rankings: 107th by ISS, 93rd by Central Scouting, 44th by THN.

2: Parker Wotherspoon- 72GP, 9G, 33A, 42PTS for the Tri-City Americans of the WHL.

Wotherspoon is a solid two-way defender who played at the U18’s for Canada, scoring 5 points in 7 games. He is great on both ends of the ice when he makes smart decisions, but he still noticeably overthinks plays. His skating could improve still and he could work on getting pucks through traffic.

Rankings: 54th by ISS, 43rd by Central Scouting, 49th by THN.

1: Nicolas Meloche- 44GP, 10G, 24A, 34 PTS for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the QMJHL.

Nicolas Meloche uses his size well, and often, to halt any offensive chances. (Jonathan Roy/Quebec Remparts)

Meloche is a big, physical defender who uses his size to his advantage each night. He knows when to lay an attacker out and when to simply angle him into the corner and out of danger. He’s great at going to the smart places on the ice and can definitely contribute offensively when he decides to join the rush. Could become a solid 4th defenceman.

Rankings: 37th by ISS, 40th by Central Scouting, 54th by THN.