The first European player has been selected by the Minnesota Wild. with Mikael Granlund, HIFK center. Granlund was the top ranked European skater in the final Central Scouting Rankings and his stats warrant that ranking. In the past two seasons with HIFK, Granlund has had 97 points in 78 games.
2010 NHL Draft,9th Pick: Minnesota Wild Select Mikael Granlund, HIFK Center
Our Stars site, Defending Big D, had this to say about Granlund
The kid is a freaking Brad Richards clone when it comes to distributing the puck. Just from watching highlights, you really get the picture that Granlund has a second sense when it comes to playmaking ability. And if the Stars ARE inclined to move a Mike Ribeiro this offseason, why not add another potential top-six playmaking center to the system? He’s dazzling to watch play hockey.
The Wild should be happy with this selection and they can wait on Granlund as he is still under contract with HIFK through next season.
For more on this choice, visit Hockey Wilderness.
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