2013 Top 10 Wild Prospects: 10-8

Ive promised this for many months now, but that lockout thing, had me lacking motivation to get this done. But, the lockout is over, and the motivation to blog is back. So today, we kick off the top 10 Wild prospects list, by looking at 10-8.

10. Mario Lucia-Forward Notre Dame (CCHA). Previous Rank: 6

Lucia was drafted in 2011 by the Wild, and showed a pretty good offensive skill set while playing for Penticton last year (Posted a 42-52-94 line). Now he has moved on to play for the Fighting Irish, and was sidelined early in the year due to a broken leg. But since his return, he has scored 5 goals and 5 assists in 10 games. Lucia is still a ways away from playing professionally, but if he can develop nicely at ND, he has the potential to jump back up the list as time goes on.

9. Brett Bulmer-Forward Houston (AHL). Previous Rank: 9

Last year, we saw Bulmer have his cup of coffee with the Wild before being sent back to Kelowna of the WHL. While here, Bulmer displayed that gritty type of play that head coach Mike Yeo loves to see. Bulmer only notched 3 assists in his time here, but scored 34 goals and added 28 assists (2nd on Kelowna in scoring). But being the gritty player he is, he also notched 93 penalty minutes. Don't expect Bulmer to get anytime with the Wild in 2013, but look for him down the road as a 3rd-4th line type of guy.

8. Zack Phillips-Forward Houston (AHL). Previous Rank: 2

Coming out of St. John's, it appeared that sky was the limit for Zack Phillips. But, he has moved to Houston, and the transition to pro hockey has been anything but good. After posting 95 (38-57-95) and 80 (30-50-80) points in back to back seasons with St. John's, Phillips has just scored 12 points (2-10-12) in 33 games played with Houston. A big reason for his lack of success in the AHL, is Phillips skating ability. It was not overly sharp while he was with St. John's, and it has not improved while playing with Houston. This will clearly have to improve if he wishes to move up in the organization. He has a pretty decent offensive skill set (Minus the skating), and is a great setup guy. Look for him to spend a few years in Houston before we utter the words "call up".

Minnesota Wild 2012-13 Top 10 Prospects List

10. Mario Lucia

9. Brett Bulmer

8. Zack Phillips

7. Tomorrow

6. Tomorrow

5. Tomorrow

4. Sunday

3. Sunday

2. Sunday

1. Sunday

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