Observations:

May 2013 - The Wild recalled Granlund from the Houston Aeros (AHL) after an early exit in the Calder Cup Playoffs where he posted two points (one goal, one assist) in the series against Grand Rapids. Granlund was a healthy scratch in Game 3 vs. Chicago. Clayton Bailey

December 2012 - Wild top prospect Mikael Granlund has been sidelined since November 3rd with an ankle njury leaving the Finnish forward at an impressive four goals and 12 points (plus-5) in eight AHL games with the Houston Aeros. Brendan Ross

November 2012 - Houston Aeros first year forward and top Minnesota Wild prospect Mikhail Granlund was named CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month (October) after posting three goals and 10 points, along with a plus-5 rating, in seven games last month. Brendan Ross

May 2012 - Granlund capped off a stellar season by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, the team that drafted him ninth overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He is expected to make the opening day roster for the upcoming 2012-13 NHL season after leading his HIFK team and Finnish U20 WJC team in scoring with 51 and 11 points respectively.  Granlund was the U20 WJC assist leader for the tournament as well.  The offensive forward posted respectable numbers for the host Finland World Championship team in Spring with five points through 10 games. Brendan Ross

April, 2012- Mikael Granlund’s game is reminiscent of a young Igor Larionov and may become an even better player, which is high praise for a 20-year-old. He has world-class skills, creativity and his hockey sense is potentially his best asset. Like Larionov, he is not a blazing fast skater. However, as smaller playmaking centers, they know how to make masterful plays both by slowing down the play and increasing the pace when it is called for. The young Finn is strong on the puck and has shown that he can more than hold his own against both men and his junior peers. There was speculation that Granlund would join the Wild after last season but instead Granlund opted to finish his academic studies and his military service in Finland. Now that those responsibilities are out of the way it appears the last roadblock has been cleared and expect Granlund to jump immediately into a scoring line role for the Wild. Yas Guthe

Fantasy Outlook: A+

He has tremendous all-round offensive upside and is very proven against professional competition. The Wild expect big things from Granlund and fantasy hockey should be no different.

Footage:

Getting to know Mikael Granlund (12/27/12)

Granlund showing his fast hands and smooth moves in a shootout at the 2011 Minnesota Wild prospect camp:

Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR's released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Mikael Granlund's statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects

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