Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Top 10 Prospects: #1 Mikael Granlund

Mikael Granlund
Forward
Born: February 26, 1992
Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 lbs
Shoots: Left
2012-13 Team: Houston (AHL)/Minnesota (NHL)
Acquired: 1st round pick (9th overall) in 2010 NHL Draft
Previous Rank: 1


Every year this blog has existed, Mikael Granlund has checked in at number one on the top prospects list (the blog was created in August 2011). Its all the blog has come to know from "Finnish Baby Jesus". But this will be the final year FBJ makes the list and takes home the top spot.

Granlund came over from Finland last year, playing with Houston during the NHL lockout. When the lockout was lifted, Granlund was on the Wild's opening night roster as their second line center. He registered his first career NHL goal that evening via a tip in to give the Wild a 2-1 lead.

But after that, it was all struggles for Granlund and found himself in Houston by March. 

He might not have made the impact at the NHL we were all looking for, but Granlund is still a very dynamic player who uses a good mix of speed, vision, hands, and creativity to cause havoc in the offensive zone. He still has the tools to be a top line center in this league, whether you like to think that or not.

A big issue for Granlund in the NHL was his size, and his ineffectiveness against the opposition when they took the body on him. It is a big obstacle for him to overcome, but the team has confidence he can make the necessary adjustments to succeed.

Mikael Granlund: The Team of 18,001's 2011, 2012, and 2013 #1 Prospect
Team of 18,001's 2013-14 Top 10 Wild Prospect List
1. Mikael Granlund

Follow Giles on Twitter @gilesferrell

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