Claimed:Wild Things [Final 6/6]

[Tylar 219]

Wild Things 

The S45 VHLM dispersal draft did not seem like it was going to be kind to the Saskatoon Wild who did not have a first round pick and had to pick at the end of each round. According to draft rankings it did not seem that the Wild would have much hope in selecting some impact players this season as most of the top prospects were ranked in the top 12 or so players. Once their pick came at 16 the Wild had a couple low-end prospects they could choose from that could provide some known depth for the team now and in the future. But there was one prospect sitting there that was a bit unknown and seemed to have a higher potential than everyone else but possibly a lower ceilings. After some deep discussions the Wild decided that it was worth the risk. The Saskatoon Wild decided to select center Jonathan Killeen.  Then at the end of the third round, the same scenario came up and the Wild went the same route and selected Niels Svovgaard. Both these prospects have shown thus far they have what it takes to become a great VHLM player and potential VHL player. The rest of the Wild’s draft were boom or bust picks that seem to have gone more towards the bust side but things can change. The Wild got two great players to help their franchise that have extremely high potential and that’s all that matters is to hit on higher round picks.

The Wild have had a surprise start to the season at least in the eyes of management. Although it should not be too surprising when they have two of the top defenseman in the entire league still on their roster in Erik Hedman and MC Hammer. These two defenseman have been driving the team thus far from the back end. MC Hammer is leading the league in points with 17 and Hedman is following close behind with 11 points. With these two holding down the Wild’s blue line they should be in decent shape to make the playoffs this season but that’s not a given. It’s unknown whether Saskatoon management will try to chase in one or both of these players for assets later on in the season but for now these two will keep lighting it up for the Wild.

 

Up front the Wild have some good depth with veteran forward Markus Muller in the fold, who was picked up in unrestricted free agency to provide some help for the young forwards. He is leading the team in points for forwards with 11 while helping recent draft picks Jonathan Killeen and Niels Skovgaard. Skovgaard has also been impressive thus far into his rookie season scoring 5 goals and recording 5 assists for 10 points in 7 games.  Playing first line minutes with Muller has been helping Skovgaard learn the game and has taken pressure off the young rookie. Jonathan Killeen is the team’s first line center and has been pretty impressive off the scoresheet. His almost 64 face-off percentage is fairly impressive for a first year player. As of late though he’s been getting on the scoresheet with two assists in the last 2 games. Once he starts finding his offensive grove, Killeen will be an impact player for the Wild.  R-Truth has also helped providing some veteran leader ship playing as the second line center. Truth has 7 points and a 60 face-off percentage thus far.

SSK-G has been a surprise so far for the Wild playing every game and having a 4-1 record and a .918 save percentage with 1.60 goals against average. Although this pace is not sustainable it’s nice to see at the beginning of the season from such an unknown goaltender. 

[DollarAndADream 3,356]

Content: 3/3 - Great write-up. The team has definitely been doing well and I've been following the players as well.

Grammar: 2/2 - Not a whole lot here.

 

"some impact players this season as most of the top prospects were ranked in the top 12 or so players." - you don't need to say 'players' twice in this sentence.

 

"but possibly a lower ceilings." - ceiling should not be plural. Likely a typo.

 

Appearance: 1/1 - Looks good.

Overall: 6/6

[Kesler 1,514]

Claimed