The Minnesota Wild need a sprinkling of star power and could they get that from Vasili Podkolzin?
There are no blemishes on Podkolzin’s copybook aside from the fact that he’s tied to the KHL for two more years, and Minnesota fans have already had their fair share of troubles waiting for a Russian prospect to arrive. Yes, step forward Kirill Kaprizov.
However, Podkolzin would be worth the gamble given that’s a complete winger with the perfect blend of brute force and dazzling skill.
The highest rated goaltender in the draft and arguably the most exciting American born goalie since Jonathan Quick, Spencer Knight has all the attributes required to be able to morph into a franchise netminder.
Goalies are hardly ever taken in the first round, especially this high, but the Panthers need elite goaltending if they are to take the next step and become a Stanley Cup contender.
Many experts believe that Florida will spend big to sign Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Sergei Bobrovsky in free agency, and if they can draft Knight and let him develop behind Bobrovsky then their Stanley Cup window will all of a sudden swing wide open.