Will Colton Gillies make the Wild?

What little I say this past weekend impressed me. If Gillies puts some size on his tall frame he could be a big force for the Wild in front of the net, which they desperately need. In a way he reminds me of Milan Lucic last season, because it appears Colton will also not benefit from another year in the major junior ranks as well.

If forward doesn't make team, he must return to junior hockey
By John Shipley --- Pioneer Press 09/26/2008

Right now," he explained, "I'm trying to lay low and hopefully make the team."

That's a tall order for a 19-year-old, but the Wild are taking a long, hard look at the 6-foot-4, 190-pound winger because they think he can contribute this season and, if Gillies doesn't make the big-league roster, he must return for his fourth season of junior hockey.

Asked Thursday if there's more for Gillies to learn in juniors, coach Jacques Lemaire rubbed his face and thought a moment.

"Not a lot," he said. "Not a lot."

Lemaire plans to take another long look at Gillies tonight in Chicago when the Wild play their second exhibition game against the Blackhawks. "I like what he does on the ice," Lemaire said. "He's a good skater, he plays a physical game. He's fast, quick for his size. He has a presence. We'll have to work on his shot, around the net, his hands so he can get some points.