Minnesota Wild: Top 10 prospects entering the 2019 season

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 21: Matthew Boldy, twelfth overall pick by the Minnesota Wild, poses for a portrait during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Nico Sturm (Photo by Glenn James/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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.

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