Versatile prospect Wilson could go early in draft
Source: USA Today (Original Article)
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As much as Boston University center Colin Wilson awed scouts with his bench pressing prowess at the NHL scouting combine, it will be the intangibles that will weigh heaviest in his favor at Friday’s NHL draft.
Detroit Red Wings assistant general manager Jim Nill says Wilson projects to one day be an NHL captain.
“Leadership qualities are written all over him,” adds Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell. “He’s going to get his points but not going to tear it up. But he’s going to be just as good at both ends of the ice.”
Wilson could go as early as No. 8 to the Phoenix Coyotes, who already have a strong collection of young talent led by Kyle Turris and Peter Mueller.
“Faceoffs, shot blocking, in traffic at the net, Wilson thrives in all those areas,” says Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of USA Hockey. “He can play as a checker against a top player or center an offensive line.”
Scouts seem to view Wilson, son of former NHL player Carey Wilson, as a No. 2 center.
“But he’s a No. 2 center who will outplay the other team’s No. 1 in the playoffs,” says Johannson.
BOGOSIAN: Defenseman could be a top-three pick this weekend
BOGOSIAN: Defenseman could be a top-three pick this weekend
Defenseman Zach Bogosian and Wilson will be the first two Americans off the draft board, but others have a chance to go early. Some of them:
•Defenseman Jake Gardiner, Minnetonka (Minn.) High. Recruited by the University of Wisconsin, Gardiner is considered one of the top skaters in the draft.
•Defenseman John Carlson, Indiana Ice: He’s 6-2, 210, and he’s expected to go in the bottom of the first round. “He’s big, powerful, and he’s got great buffy the vampire slayer dvd hands,” says Charlie Skjodt, Ice president …continue reading