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Minnesota Wild prospects saw limited post-season play in 2011-12 Photo: Forward Johan Larsson was impressive this season for Brynas IF Gavle, managing 36 points in 49 games. (Vincent Muzik/Icon SMI) It was a tough postseason for the majority of the Wild's prospects. Another year out of the playoffs for the rebuilding Wild is testing the patience of the fans, though a promising youth movement is on the horizon. Hockey’s Future Organizational Rankings, Spring 2012: 1-10 Photo: Forward John Huberdeau is the top prospect for the Florida Panthers and one of the top forwards not currently playing hockey at the professional level. (Cliff Welch/Icon SMI) Below is the final part of Hockey's Future's 2012 Spring Organizational Rankings. The rankings were determined by taking each NHL team's entire prospect pool into consideration as well as the likelihood those prospects are to meet their maximum potential. For reference, each team's top five prospects are included, as well as the players they have graduated, traded, or added to their pool over the 2011-12 season. To be eligible, a player must meet HF's prospect criteria. The rankings are done twice each season, in the fall and spring. Wild sign top prospect Mikael Granlund Photo: The Minnesota Wild have signed their top offensive prospect, Mikael Granlund. HF also has the Finnish star ranked among the top 10 NHL prospects (courtesy of Vincent Muzik/Icon SMI) The Minnesota Wild took a major step toward improving their club from within with the signing of their top prospect, Mikael Granlund. Granlund is considered by some to be the top prospect currently playing outside of the NHL. Strong rebuilding effort shows in Minnesota prospect awards Photo: Matt Hackett has gradually over the past year to become one of the top goaltending prospects in all of hockey. (Photo courtesy of Russell Lansford/Icon SMI) Over the last several seasons the Minnesota Wild have filled their pipeline to the brim with highly regarded prospects; a strategy which is starting to pay early dividends at the NHL level. Below is the inaugural edition of the Wild's prospect awards. Most Improved Prospect: Johan Gustafsson, G, Luleå HF (SEL) 2012 World Championship: Jonas Brodin, Sweden
 Photo: Minnesota Wild defensive prospect Jonas Brodin is seeing plenty of ice time at the 2012 World Championships in Stockholm (courtesy of Vincent Muzik/Icon SMI) Last summer, Jonas Brodin was one of the fast risers at the 2012 NHL Draft, ultimately being taken 10th overall by the Minnesota Wild. That draft ranking came on the strength of some regular SEL play for the Swedish champion Farjestad, as well as a top-flight performance at the 2011 U18 World Championship. This past season was yet another eventful one for the 18-year-old, most especially in light of his WJC gold medal performance. |
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