With the No. 64 overall pick, the Minnesota Wild select ... Quinton Burns from the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL.
Why pick him? Another defenseman who is a quick skating 6-foot-1 left shot defender who plays a physical brand of hockey. He needs a couple of good years of development before he is NHL ready but his physical presence and ability to initiate contract are his most prominent strengths to his game.
What the scouts say: "There's a lot to work with for Quinton. He didn't have a great year, and his skill is probably below average. I would take a chance on this guy in the right spot, but I haven't been able to figure out what the right spot is yet."
Who are the other options? William Whitelaw of the Youngstown Phantoms (USHL). The Minnesota native is a finisher and shooter. He skates very well and just helped Youngstown win the Clark Cup. Carey Terrance of the Erie Otters (OHL) might be available. After his 30-goal season with the Otters, Terrance may be on the radar of many teams. His biggest asset is his speed and skating which is why he meshed well with Oliver Moore during the USA under-18's.
What else is on the agenda?
Like I said in pick No. 53, it is hard for me to image the Wild taking three defensemen with their first three picks in the draft when their number one need right now is offensive scoring centers. But Burns wouldn't be a bad pick if he is developed correctly.
Although the Wild are scheduled to make a pick with the 64th overall, I think it could be a pick that is traded. Whether it is used to trade up in the draft or for a player, I think it gets moved.