Minnesota Wild: Draft Preview

There is a lot of talk around the State of Hockey about the upcoming draft. With the 24th pick, the Wild's biggest need in my opinion is at defense, particularly in the offensive defenseman department.

Two names on the list of prospects for this year's draft jump out at me more than others. Minnesota likes to bring in hometown boys, and there are a few that will be highly touted this year.

Ranked 23rd among North American skaters, Jake Gardiner of Minnetonka, Minn., has excellent stick-handling abilities and can produce points, tallying 43 in 25 games his senior season.

He will be attending the University of Wisconsin this upcoming school year, so this would be an investment for the future that I think few Wild fans would have issues with.

The other name that jumped off the paper at me is that of Aaron Ness. Ranked 27th of North American skaters and native of Roseau, Minnesota, Ness captured Minnesota's coveted Mr. Hockey award, beating out the aforementioned Gardiner.

Although some scouts have issues with his size, standing only 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 157 pounds, his play more than makes up for it. Ness tallied 28 goals and 44 assists his senior year with a plus/minus of plus-67.

Throughout his high school career, Ness tallied 44 goals, 100 assists and a whopping plus-133. On top of that, the kid is 18. He will have plenty of time to gain weight and bulk up before taking on the NHL. Ness will be attending the University of Minnesota this fall. So, like Gardiner, this would be a pick for a few years down the road.

When it comes down to it, I believe Ness to be the better fit for the Wild, but both choices would be excellent. The Wild also have always been a team that is heavy in draft day trading. However, word around town is that they will most likely be refraining from trades this year unless one involving Florida's Olli Jokinen came along that would be too good to pass up, but that option is most likely just a pipe dream.