Matt Dumba, the Wild's first-round pick last night at seventh overall, wrote a blog for NHL.com.Here it is, and it includes the video (and highlights) from when he drafted. It leads right into the Commish announcing the Jordan Staal trade.
The Wild has chosen six more prospects today, including future Gopher Louis Nanne, the grandson of former North Stars GM Lou Nanne and son of Wild scout Marty Nanne. "It's phenomenal," said Lou Nanne, who was golfing when he heard the news. Marty Nanne was at the table and said he was in a conversation with scout Brian Hunter when he heard his son's name.
He was shocked and admits, he's worried what people think and why he was taken, but he says his son is a character kid and will overcome that pressure. He's heading to Penticton, B.C., to play junior next year.
By the way, the Wild took kids with a lot of projections today and three college kids. That means the Wild owns their rights for four, maybe five years (depending on if they play junior), which gives them more time to develop and more time for the Wild to sign them. With so many prospects now, the Wild will always be counting contracts to the max 50 they're allowed.
That's one big reason why the Wild will not tender Nick Johnson a qualifying offer. They're closing in on 30 forward contracts, Chuck Fletcher said.
In the second round, the Wild took Raphael Bussieres from Baie Comeau of the QMJHL. He scored 44 points in 56 games last season. Check him out here He's an offensive left wing, a big one who can make plays and has a great shot.
The first person he met at the Wild table? Dumba, whom he fought at the prospects game in Kelowna in January.
"A little awkward," said Bussieres, laughing.
