June 21, 2004
2004 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Inside College Hockey will profile some of the best NHL Draft-eligible college players between now and when their names will be called, June 26-27 in Raleigh, N.C. Check back often to get the scoop on where you can expect your favorite players to go on draft day.


Forward
6-4 | 185
BLAKE WHEELER
Minnesota

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.

"Scout's Take" is Inside College Hockey's exclusive evaluation of the player from one or more NHL scouts. Scouts were granted anonymity in exchange for their candor.

Archives: Dartmouth's Grant Lewis | Maine's Mike Lundin | Michigan's Al Montoya | North Dakota's Drew Stafford | Michigan State's A.J. Thelen | Michigan State's David Booth | North Dakota's Travis Zajac | Boston College's Cory Schneider

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