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On Thursday, the Minnesota Wild hosted the first scrimmage as part of the team's developmental camp, which is a collection of the organizations young stars of the future. Taking place at an impressively packed Xcel Energy Center, Team White battled Team Green in a game that ultimately saw the White side come out victorious by way of a shootout.
However, the game's result was far less important than the impressive display put on by players such as Mikael Granlund, Charlie Coyle and Johan Larsson, three of the organization's more promising prospects.
Here is what SB Nation's Wild site, Hockey Wilderness had to say about the three men listed above:
#64 C Mikael Granlund
As always, amazing. He appeared to have eyes on the back of his head, always knowing where to pass to, when to pass to, and never having to need to stop and look for the play. He makes the play, that is our Finnish Baby Jesus for yah! Obviously, he still has alot to prove, that he can take the NHL physical rigors, but he's most definitely at the best position any young forward can possibly be in.
#47 C Johan Larsson
Absolutely loved him in the WJC, and will continue loving him. I would argue he was the #2 best player of the ice, after Granlund. He is just so strong, very good in all areas, and smart too. Also knowing he oozes leadership also skews my opinion of him. He is going to be a very good player in the near future.
#63 RW Charlie Coyle
I think many of us got our expectations a tad high after his great season in the QMJHL. Coyle looked similar to when I viewed him in Boston: very strong, solid skater, great board and zone type of player, but he isn't going to be a dynamic goal scorer or pile through three guys. He played well this game, but he didn't dominate like many thought he would. I still think he has a great future, but suggest maybe we be patient with him rather than throwing him straight into the NHL.
You can read the full report with evaluations on every player, here.
For more on the Minnesota Wild, check out Hockey Wilderness. You can check out more hockey news from around the league at SB Nation's NHL page, or watch SB Nation's YouTube channel:
