2003-04 Statistics: 30 GP, 45-55—100 (Breck School)

Central Scouting: 17th among North American skaters
The Hockey News: 72nd

Background: A Minnesota recruit who will spend this coming year either back with the Breck School or with the U.S. NTDP, Wheeler is a young entrant to this draft (born 8/31/86). He'll join the Gophers in the fall of 2005.

Scout's Take: “He's a 6-foot-4 player who scored 100 points last year. You can say what you want about the level of competition, but not many players can do that.

"He has very good patience with the puck. He's got real good hands, good finishing skills and great size.

"Right now he needs to fill out. He's got room to grow, and he's got time to get stronger and get better. Meanwhile, his ability to score and to create offense make him a great prospect."

INCH Projection: While The Hockey News has him ranked as a third-rounder, we find it hard to believe that teams would pass on him twice. His size and skill – plus the knowledge that he has a year of juniors and at least one year of college to develop for free – should make Wheeler at least a second-round pick.