10. Louie Belpedio
Acquired: 2014 NHL Draft (third-round pick)
Age: 23
Position: Defenseman
Stats: 2 games, 0 points (Minnesota Wild, NHL); 70 games, 6 goals, 15 assists, 21 points, 11 postseason games, 1 goal, 2 assists, 3 points (Iowa Wild, AHL)
Louie Belpedio had a very nice season last year. He was one of the Iowa Wild’s best defensemen and even got a cup of coffee in the NHL. Belpedio’s lack of offense will likely keep him as a third-pairing option, but he skates well and his positioning is sound.
He doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses in his game. Unfortunately, Belpedio doesn’t really have a calling card, so it will be hard for him to earn a consistent roster spot. If he can improve on special teams, though, I could see him finding a niche there.
9. Nico Sturm
Acquired: Undrafted
Age: 24
Position: Center
Stats: 39 games, 14 goals, 31 assists, 45 points (Clarkson University, NCAA); 2 games, 0 points (Minnesota Wild, NHL)
Nico Sturm is the Wild’s most NHL ready forward prospect, in my opinion. He has everything you look for in a bottom six forward. Sturm plays responsibly and has a nice 200-foot game. He has enough offensive upside to be interesting.
Sturm was a Hobey Baker finalist, and deservedly so. He was terrific in his senior season, though he did have a year on most of his competition. Sturm has an NHL-ready frame and should be ready to compete for a roster spot as soon as this season.
He has the ceiling of a bottom-six forward and his floor is an interesting depth forward. Sturm played two NHL games last season and I think they won’t be his last two.