Draft Profiles: Colin Mr. Wilson

In a three-part series, McKeen's correspondent Max Giese profiles some of the top draft-eligible prospects that played in the U.S.A. this season including Colin Wilson, a standout rookie terrier for Boston University and a probable top-10 selection. John Carlson, Jake Gardiner, Cody Goloubef, Patrick Wiercioch and Aaron Ness are also featured in part one. McKeen's final draft rankings are indicated in brackets.

Colin Wilson C, Boston University NCAA (12th overall)

One of the safest picks that a team could make on June 20th, Wilson is a sure-thing to become a productive player in the NHL. The only two-knocks on his game that could hold him out of the top-five selections are his lack of explosiveness and the fact that he's not a pure game breaker. However, the last time we've heard that about a young freshman that oozed maturity and was already internationally experienced was Jonathan Toews, who is a young star in Chicago last time we checked. Being the son of former NHLer Carey Wilson has helped Colin become a consummate pro at a very young age, as he's built like a tank and was the star of the NHL combine. When you sprinkle in the high end skill level and savvy two-way game he exudes, you have yourself a blue-chip prospect and future captain material.

John Carlson D, Indiana Ice USHL (16th overall)

This big offensive defenseman grabbed the attention of our scouts last summer at the Select 17's in St. Cloud and never let it go. It was immediately obvious that he was the best draft-eligible prospect the USHL had to offer this season and that his offensive prowess was special even amongst the world's best in his peer group. Previously committed to the University of Massachusetts, Carlson is now set to play for the London Knights of the OHL next fall where the coaching of Dale Hunter should help immensely. He owns an NHL-caliber shot that is one of the most feared in the draft and his skill in distributing the puck is phenomenal, but he will need to pick his spots better when attacking at the next-level and continue to polish his defensive play and mobility.

Jake Gardiner D, Minnetonka USHSW (20th overall)

Once the can't miss defensemen from the Ontario Hockey League are selected, there may be no other defenseman with as much offensive upside left on the board than this Minnesota High School star. Gardiner is a world-class skater with a supersonic top-gear that can take the puck coast-to-coast. He uses blitzkrieg tactics to launch the offensive attack, although at times, his defensive responsibilities take the backseat to offensive temptations. All the physical tools are here for him to become a home-run pick and some team will surely roll the dice on him in the first round. The fact that he's going to the University of Wisconsin is also a positive, as coach Mike Eaves won't accept anything less than him hitting the gym to bulk up his wiry frame and staying late after practice to fine-tune his defensive game.

Cody Goloubef D, Wisconsin Badgers NCAA (40th overall)

There is nothing sleek or sexy about Goloubef's game, but any team looking for a polished, skilled, and reliable two-way defenseman should look no further. Opinions are mixed on the Badger defenseman, as some see him as a soft defender with nothing really special to offer, while others view him as a promising prospect that has seen his lack of strength be confused for lack of competitiveness. Here at McKeen's, we have no issue with his toughness and believe he possesses an underrated skill-set that will blossom with age, making Goloubef an attractive pick late in the first or early second round.

Patrick Wiercioch D, Omaha Lancers USHL (41st overall)

It's rare to see one of the drafts youngest-eligible defensemen average over half a point a game while standing 6-foot-3 and go underrated, but that's the story of this Wisconsin Badgers recruit. Wiercioch isn't the type of defenseman that will lift you off your seat with a highlight play at either end of the rink, but he's the type of defenseman that can be a steadying presence in all situations. If you looked closely, he was the USHL's second best draft-eligible prospect all season behind only John Carlson, but his dominating playoff performance helped open any eyes that weren't previously paying attention. He's just beginning to scratch the surface of how good he could become and will be huge once he matures.

Aaron Ness D, Roseau Rams USHSW (45th overall)

If a team can look past his diminutive frame, Ness could go in the first round, as his skill-set is really that good. He's a marvelous playmaking defenseman with great quickness and sparkling ingenuity with the puck. Ness has that snap to him where he can really change the complexion of a game on his own. Current pint-sized defenders like Tobias Enstrom that have made an NHL impact provide hope that Ness could carve out a productive NHL career. His weak shot and petite frame are glaring faults that are hard to ignore, but his ability with the puck is so special that he will not fall far outside of the first round if at all.