Thursday, March 01, 2012

Wild Sign Coyle

It has been a little while since I was able to use the 'One to Watch' marker, but now that we are in entry-level contract season, I'll try and pick out some of the higher profile prospects that are getting new deals these days.

On Thursday, the Wild have signed 20-year old forward Charlie Coyle to a new entry-level deal, which will begin next season.  Coyle was the 28th overall selection in the 2010 entry draft by the San Jose Sharks and was included in the deal that saw Devin Setoguchi head to Minnesota for Brent Burns.

Coyle has some good size, last listed as 6'2" and 205 lbs, which is already good enough for NHL play and with a little bit more age and maturity than some rookies that will join the league next season, he could be an early candidate for some Calder talk, even before stepping out onto the ice.

The top prospect moved from NCAA hockey to the QMJHL this season after the World Junior Championships, where he is a 2-time participant for the USA and he is having a pretty good season with the Saint John Sea Dogs.  I would keep a close eye on him in training camp in September, possibly ear-marking him for a late forward pick in the draft next season.

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