Colton Gillies

The Wild finally gave up on Gillies after years of disappointment, but the talent-starved Blue Jackets will see if they can salvage anything other than a fringe fourth-liner out of the former sixth overall pick. Don't expect a miracle.

Gillies, one of Minnesota's most heralded prospects, will look to stay with the big club after signing a two-year contract in July of 2011. He's regarded as a hard-hitting checker with good skating aptitude, though he doesn't project to be much of a scorer in the NHL. The Wild briefly tested him as an emergency call-up in 2010-11, but most of his season was spent with AHL Houston, where he notched 26 points (11 G, 15 A) and 82 PIMs in 64 games.

Gillies was Minnesota's first round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry draft. The power forward plays hard, landing punishing checks on opposing players. The 6-foot-4 center needs to improve his game around the net. Last season for the Houston Aeros of the AHL, he only recorded seven goals and 20 points in 72 games. Give him a few years to improve his game a little more.

Gillies made his NHL debut last season, playing 45 games and putting up seven points. While those numbers are not particularly impressive, he still has room to grow as a player given that he is only 20. Additionally, considering he stands at 6'3" and weighs about 189 pounds, he clearly has the physical tools to play in the league. Gillies barely got any playing time under former coach Jacques Lemaire, and perhaps new coach Todd Richards will be more open to using the talented young center and seeing what he can do.

Gillies is a top minor league prospect for the Wild who was selected 16th overall in the 2007 draft. A versatile player who has superb awareness, the 6-foot-four Gillies must be anxious to play after he saw Brian Rolston and Pavol Demitra pack their bags. His true expertise oozes with grittiness, so for Gillies, hard hits are the norm. In March of 2008, the Wild reiterated their faith in the youngster by securing his services with a three-year contract. Gillies has a future with the Wild.

Gillies was taken by the Wild with the 16th overall pick in the 2007 draft. He was one of the best skaters in the draft, but he has limited offensive ability. He'll play for the WHL Saskatoon Blades this season.

Gillies is the nephew of former Islanders' great Clark Gillies but this young buck won't ever be mistaken for his five-time, 30-goal season uncle. Colton is a pure power forward who can play the walls well and he's probably one of the best skaters in the draft for a man his size (6'3"). Our crystal ball says he becomes a hard-hitting, irritating third-line checker and that just doesn't make much fantasy sense.