Forward or Defenseman? Minnesota Wild 2022 NHL Entry Draft Preview

SAINT PAUL, Minn. -The Stanley Cup has been awarded, the parade commenced, and the 2021-22 NHL season officially comes to an end as all 32 teams turn their focuses toward the future and the 2022 NHL Entry Draft held in Montreal June 7 and 8.
Minnesota holds eight 2022 picks, including two each in the first and second rounds.
[MINNESOTA PICKS: No. 19, 24, 47, 56, 89, 121, 153, 185]
Last summer, in a year where the Wild held a record nine selections but opted for draft-day trades to reduce the picks to seven, Minnesota chose coveted future goalie Jesper Wallstedt (20th overall) and defenseman Carson Lambos (26th overall) in the first round, followed by Grand Rapids, Minnesota native and current St. Cloud State defenseman Jack Peart at No. 55.

Recently added into the defensive futures is Maple Grove's Brock Faber, acquired by the Wild in a trade packaged with a 2022 first-round pick from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Kevin Fiala.
So, while Minnesota seems to have a glut of defenseman in the prospect pool, both general manager Bill Guerin and Wild director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett are staying the course of selecting the best available player versus committing to positional selections.
(Never mind that the potential best available at No. 19 just so happens to be a defenseman from Minnesota (Sam Rinzel, Chaska)).
"We're still gonna stay focused on best available," Brackett said. "For us, we're talking about 17-year-old players, so there's still a maturation process and some development.
"Roster composition is something we're obviously aware of, but less so when it comes to drafting. We want to try and find the best player available at (no.)19. It could be a forward, it could be a defenseman at that stage of the draft. It's going to be dictated a little bit by what others do in front of us.
Brackett added that the team is willing to move up or down if they see an opportunity, and the war room has already pre-played out scenarios to be best prepared in Montreal.
This year's draft class may not be as strong as past years, largely due to COVID-19 restrictions and shortened seasons during prime development periods for these draft-eligible players.
"Some of those players haven't had the chance to have the offseason and make the adjustments and come back and really take a step in their development," said Brackett. "We're still evaluating the way we typically do, but in the back of our mind, we're still cognizant of the missed time and maybe physical changes that a player didn't play their first year in their league and didn't have an offseason and think about this is what I need to do.
"Some of these guys in the '22 draft might take big steps as a draft plus one. We do our homework…anything that we can get some information on and find out who the guys are that are dedicated and that are working on, and that are going to take the biggest steps. That's what we're looking for."
Keep an eye on…
Luca Del Bel Belluz, left wing, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
Del Bel Belluz knows how to find the back of the net. Following a mediocre campaign in 2019-20, the 18-year-old exploded last season in the Ontario Hockey League with 30 goals and 46 points in 68 games. He's a natural left winger with experience at winning in the faceoff circle. And his offensive prowess is one that could eventually land him a top-six spot with the team who grabs him. The Wild would likely have to move up in position to get their hands on this selection, but with four picks in the first two rounds it just may be worth the consideration.
Frank Nazar, center, Under-18 (U.S. NTDP)
If you are impressed with how Wild rookie Matt Boldy handles the puck in all situations, wait until you see Nazar. The future Michigan Wolverine racked up 42 assists and 70 points through 56 games with the National Team Development Program last season and did so in highlight-reel manner often. His playmaking ability is second-to none, and he has a knack for being explosive with the puck on his stick.
Matyas Sapovaliv, center, Saginaw (OHL)
Sapovaliv is a former teammate of Jaromir Jagr. But he left the future hall of famer behind in the Czech Republic second division to join Saginaw where his increase in ice time helped him better learn how to play a 200-foot game. Sapovaliv put up 18 goals and 34 assists this last season with the Spirit. Projected to go at No. 23, his highly touted hockey I.Q. and 6-foot-3 frame would be an asset for the Wild.
Sam Rinzel, defenseman, Chaska High School (MN-HS)
Minnesota found a right-shot defenseman in Faber, but it certainly never hurts to add more to the bunch. Rinzel is a 6-foot-4 skating defenseman with tremendous ability to move the puck into the offensive zone. As the Wild continue to preach offensive defenseman, Rinzel would seemingly fit into that exact plan.
TOP MINNESOTANS AVAILABLE IN 2022
Jimmy Snuggerud, right wing, U-18 NTDP, Minneapolis
Ryan Chesley, defenseman, U-18 NTDP, Mahtomedi
Sam Rinzel, defenseman, Chaska High School, Waconia
Cruz Lucius, forward, U-18 NTDP, Grant