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Best of the West #1: Dylan Olsen, Minnesota-Duluth

 

Olsen_bmp_medium_medium

Dylan Olsen, Defenseman, 6-3 200 lbs., Camrose(AJHL)

Role He'll Likely Play: Duluth has to replace a lot of experience on the blueline from their team last season. Olsen could potentially be the team's top defenseman by the end of the season.

Why he is ranked here:  Not only is Olsen tremendously talented, and very well-developed for his age, but he’ll be stepping into a situation at Minnesota-Duluth where he’ll be expected to play big minutes right away, including using his big shot on the powerplay. It's a case of a really good player finding a perfect situation.

Why he’ll be great: Olsen should make the perfect replacement for Evan Oberg who signed with the Vancouver Canucks over the offseason.He even played for the same junior team as Oberg. He'll give UMD an elite defenseman that plays every situation and will make life easier for new starting goaltender Brady Hjelle.

Why he might not: Players like Olsen don’t come to UMD every year, meaning UMD could have a hard time replacing him if he leaves after a year or two.

Contrived Rivals-style Star Ranking: 5 stars

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments |

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Comments

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He is even wearing Oberg’s old number! #4.

by Runninwiththedogs on Aug 24, 2009 12:51 PM PDT reply actions  

Already starting off the wrong foot by saying he is number one recruit in the West… Ever heard of Nick Leddy, taken 16th overall by the Minnesota Wild… come on dude! They are both good D and who knows they could even be flipped flopped but you do not even have Leddy as number 2 or 3. I will be curious where you put Zach Buddish… Do you actually get out and watch these kids or what? If so, not sure what you are watching!

by ironflexgym on Aug 24, 2009 1:54 PM PDT reply actions  

I know I’m biased, but I’m willing to stick my neck out and say that Olsen makes a bigger impact at UMD this season than Leddy does at Minnesota.

(In defense of Leddy, this is out of necessity as well as skill level.)

I’d also guess that Olsen is in the NHL before Leddy is, but that’s subject to so many variables that it’s almost ridiculous of me to bring it up at this point. :)

by bciskie on Aug 24, 2009 2:17 PM PDT reply actions  

Bruce, I saw this kid play in Faro last spring at the U-18’s and I was seriously impressed with his abilities. Good skater, good with the puck and his size, if any thing people will be more aware when their in the UMD offensive zone.

by Eric B on Aug 25, 2009 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

If we’re talking impact as freshmen, no way should Leddy be #1. Freshmen straight out of high school with no junior experience struggle, it’s just the way it is.

by The Rabid One on Aug 24, 2009 8:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Ironflexgym you’re idiot, What’s makes Leddy #1?? because he was drafted high because he’s a gopher…. Being draft high and by the Wild doesn’t mean the best recuit, look at AJ Thelen,,,,,,,Word to gopher nation, we don’t get the best recuits all the time. Mr Olsen will make an impact to the team, more than Leddy. Lee will probably be the biggest impact because we all know what goalies can do to improve a team….

by gopherfan on Aug 25, 2009 6:15 AM PDT reply actions  

Olsen

I think he made a valid argument for Olsen at #1. The main reason being his team will count on him much more early than some of the other names being thrown around. On the other hand, the early demands on Olsen could hurt too. He doesn’t seem to have other defensive players on UMD with similar abilities to take some of the pressure off. It is nice for a first year guy to be able to ease his way in and not be expected to try to do too much early on. Olsen apparently won’t have that luxury and if he struggles, it might hurt his confidence.

by 20Forever on Aug 25, 2009 10:28 AM PDT reply actions  

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