Five players the Wild could target in the first round of the NHL draft

Restocking at forward might be key for the Wild, and it will likely have a couple of these players to choose from with the 21st pick in the first round.

June 27, 2023 at 11:38PM
Samuel Honzek went through drills at the NHL combine June 10 in Buffalo, N.Y. (Jeffrey T. Barnes, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Wild have the 21st pick in the first round of the NHL draft on Wednesday in Nashville. Here are five players who they might consider at that spot. TV coverage of the draft begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday with the first round on ESPN and ESPN+. Rounds 2 through 7 start at 10 a.m. Thursday on the NHL Network and ESPN+.

Follow @sarah_mclellan on Twitter for Wild draft updates.

Daniil But, left wing, Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia)

At 6-5, But offers a unique combination of size and skill. A playmaker and a scorer, he produced at a point-per-game clip last season.

Samuel Honzek, left wing, Vancouver (Western Hockey League)

Honzek made a smooth transition from his native Slovakia to the WHL. Not only did he eclipse 20 goals and total more than 50 points in 43 games, but Honzek handled all situations for Vancouver.

Calum Ritchie, center, Oshawa (Ontario Hockey League)

Despite dealing with a season-long shoulder injury, Ritchie was still a key player. Noteworthy is his vision.

Eduard Sale, left wing, Brno (Czechia)

The fourth-ranked European skater by NHL Central Scouting, Sale is a slick skater and effective passer. His transition play is impressive.

Otto Stenberg, center, Frolunda Jr. (Sweden)

Elusive and quick, Stenberg is strong on the puck. He captained Sweden at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship where he led the team in scoring.

about the writer

about the writer

Sarah McLellan

Minnesota Wild and NHL

Sarah McLellan covers the Wild and NHL. Before joining the Star Tribune in November 2017, she spent five years covering the Coyotes for The Arizona Republic.

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