Jonathon Blum

The 2007 first-round pick hasn't really turned into a reliable NHL defender at this point, but he at least earned a career-high 35 NHL appearances a year ago, posting seven points in the process. A change of scenery could help after he signed with the Wild.

In February, after watching Blum's development at AHL Milwaukee the previous two seasons, the Preds were so convinced he was ready to be an everyday NHL player that they traded fellow blueliner Alexander Sulzer to Florida and recalled Blum to join the Preds on a full-time basis. Blum then went on to play the the final 23 games of the regular season, as well as 12 of the team's 14 playoff games, averaging almost 18 minutes of ice time per night including 2:19 on the power play. Blum finished the regular season with just eight points, but this does not reflect his value to the team, and he continues to improve in all facets of the game. He's not worthy of much fantasy attention just yet, but keep an eye on his progress this season - his time will come.

Blum is expected to challenge for the Predators' sixth d-man spot this season. Selected 23rd overall by Nashville in the 2007 draft, he scored 41 points (11G, 30A) for the Milwaukee Admirals last season, ranking him third in the AHL among all rookie defensemen. He skates well and moves the puck very efficiently - you should see him in the NHL within the next season or two.

The first round selection in the 2007 NHL entry draft continues to push the bar higher in the Predators' farm system. In his third season with the Vancouver Giants of the WHL, he scored an astounding 18 goals and 45 assists in 63 games. Blum is a smart and talented defenseman. He has a future in the NHL, but not likely this season. Blum will spend another year fine tuning his skills in the minor leagues.

The first round selection in the 2007 NHL entry draft has played two seasons for the Vancouver Giants of the WHL. He scored eight goals and added 43 assists in 72 games for the Giants last season. Blum is a smart and talented defenseman. He has a future in the NHL, but not likely any time soon. Blum will spend 2007-08 fine tuning his skills in the minor leagues.

Turn this kid sideways and you can't see him -- yep, he's that skinny. A surfing bum from California, Blum spends more time on frozen water than on the waves. But at 6' and 160 lbs, his size is already a problem -- the kid has a hard time putting on weight. His passing is sublime but his brain cells don't always seem to fire together. He could be a 50-point guy or he could spend his career riding buses. Yet another risk/reward pick from the 2007 draft class.