The NHL Entry Draft took place June 28 and 29. The Minnesota Wild held six picks, including three in the first two rounds. In a draft loaded with high end talent, the Wild were able to grab a few players that project to help the team in the coming years. Additionally, Minnesota hockey fans should celebrate as three homegrown talents were selected by the Wild organization.
Stramel boasts a big frame. At 6-foot-3 216 pounds, Stramel is one of the biggest forwards in the draft. Something Minnesota is lacking in its prospect pool. He’s a hometown kid, born in Rosemount, Minnesota.
Once projected to go near the top half of the first round, Stramel slid down draft boards after a tough first year at the University of Wisconsin. The Badgers finished near the bottom of the Big Ten Conference and Stramel put up just 12 points in 33 games. Paired with the brutal numbers, he lacks the high-end playmaking ability displayed by some of his peers. Consequently, it makes sense why he slipped.
Although some viewed the pick as a reach, it makes sense why the Wild brass had Stramel high on their list. He is a physical forward with an extremely high competitive level. In addition to his frame, Stramel has a heavy shot and high-end top speed. Stramel may make the flip to wing in the NHL. Despite this, he has the upside of an offensively skilled power forward. A rare find in today’s NHL. All things considered, Stramel is an excellent fit with the identity General Manger Bill Guerin is building in Minnesota.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Minnesota doubled down on big centers with their first pick in the second round, selecting the 6-foot-2 Kumpulainen. He put up 34 points in 41 games playing in Finland’s top junior league. While it’s unlikely he will fly off the screen with his offensive skill, Kumpulainen has a decent shot. Developing his skating ability will have to be a top priority.
Kumpulainen’s game shines in the dirty areas of the ice. He battles for pucks in the corners and has great instincts in front of the net. His large frame makes him difficult to knock off the puck. Additionally, Kumpulainen is extremely reliable in his own end of the rink. Kumpulainen’s physicality makes him another identity-building pick for Guerin’s squad.
Talk about value. Many people, including myself, had Heidt as an option for the at pick 21. Heidt is an explosive playmaker. He was tied for the WHL lead in assists last season with 72. Not only that, but 39 of those came on the powerplay. Some of his biggest strengths include his offensive game in transition and his puck handling at speed. Heidt is widely considered one of the premier play drivers of his draft class.
So, why did Heidt fall? He is a pesky player that can sometimes cross the line. Some scouts saw discipline as an issue. Heidt also rocks a small frame coming in at just 5-foot-10. He’ll have to work on his play away from the puck if he wants to succeed at the next level. After a safe first two picks, Heidt was a great home run swing for Judd Brackett and company.
The hometown love continued for the Wild in the 5th round, selecting Hermantown native and Aaron Pionk. Pionk is also the younger brother of current NHLer Neal Pionk. Interesting point, Pionk is 20 years old and this is the third time eligible for the draft. His skating has been a concern. Specifically, his ability to keep pace with more skilled players. Although Pionk was one of the top defensemen in the USHL, it is unknown if he’ll be able to make the jump to the NHL. Either way, the Wild organization will be able to keep a close eye on him playing at the University of Minnesota Duluth next season.
Parker showed great growth this year logging top minutes for the Victoria Royals in the WHL. Skating may be Parker’s greatest strength, allowing him to defend well in transition. He plays aggressively and is willing to line up a big hit when needed. His play with the puck and hockey IQ are his weakest attributes, but he showed improvement this season. If Parker puts in the work and keeps improving, don’t be surprised to see him crack an NHL lineup a few years down the road.
If you’re a Minnesota hockey fan you’ll be thrilled with this draft class. The Wild took their third homegrown talent taking James Clark from Edina. There are areas of his game that translate to the pro level. Clark is a powerful skater and has the work ethic to potentially propel him to the next level. He’ll be playing on an highly touted Golden Gophers roster next season. University of Minnesota coach Bob Motzko has a knack for growing future NHLers and the Wild will monitor his development closely playing in the team’s backyard.
Minnesota took a variety of different players in the 2023 NHL Draft, highlighted by three homegrown talents. Wild fans should be excited by the injection of talent in their prospect pool. The waiting game begins as only time will tell if they develop enough to help the Wild in the future.
Stay tuned for more NHL content, including trades, signings, and various updates.
Featured image courtesy of NHL.com
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