Meet your 2010-11 Aeros: Joel Broda

JOEL BRODA

Born: November 24, 1989 (age 20)
Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

6 ft
203 lbs
Center

Shoots: Left

Some guys just have that gift for putting the puck in the space around the goalie and some guys have the gift for putting the puck right in the goalie's stomach (or in the space around the goalie but outside the net). Apart from one year in recent memory, most Aeros forwards have been of the latter persuasion. So on that front, Broda has the potential to be a stand-out, as he was a point-per-game guy his last two seasons in junior (and is currently tearing it up in the Wild's rookie tournament in Traverse City).

But he comes with some red flags, the biggest of which is that the Caps, who drafted him in the 5th round in 2008, decided to let him walk rather than signing him. Sure, that organization has crazy depth, but who lets a point per game center go for nothing if there's not something else going on?

The Wild took a flyer on him anyway because, why not? Let's see what the kid can do. The scuttlebutt I'd heard on him was that maaaaybe there's a lack of hustle in his game, so I went to a couple of friends (Scotty Wazz and I Mean, We Got Guys -- thanks y'all!) who have seen him in juniors and asked for the low down.

Here's the gist: There is something to the "lazy" reputation, but that could be attributable to his poor skating skills. Apparently Caps scouts have said he's got an NHL shot and hands with ECHL skating. They haven't said that to ME though, so I can't vouch for it, but it's something to look for.

Scott says he's got a beefy frame (ahem) and will take a hit to make a play, but isn't good in 1 on 1 situations and rarely wins those battles. And chemistry may be an issue for him as well, as he did fine throughout his junior career but really blew up when paired with Brandon Kozun (108 and 107 points the last 2 seasons for the Calgary Hitmen).

So he's a guy clearly with a lot of potential in his hands, but we've seen guys with sick hands (but lacking the full package in one way or another) be tremendous disappointments and we've seen them have tremendous success. Which way will Broda go?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch....

While we all wait on the edge of our seats to see what Anton decides, here's some info and video from the Aeros players at prospect camp.

First up is a guy the team signed yesterday, Joel Broda. I think there's some skepticism around him because he was not signed by the Caps, who drafted him two years ago. And then he didn't go at all in the most recent draft. But the Wild like him and apparently he can put some points on the board, so they're giving him a shot for a mere 3 years. Here's the Wild's feature on him, which I thought was pretty refreshing that they actually addressed the skepticism to some degree.

Forgive me now because I will forever be calling him Josh. I have no idea why. Josh Brolin maybe? Anyway, it's gonna happen, but I'll at least try to get his name right in the paper, should the opportunity arise.

Here's a quick interview with him from prospect camp:


A college guy from Cold Miami, Jarod Palmer, also came aboard this summer and could spend some time in Houston. Really didn't know much about him but loved this interview with him. Can't beat a guy who doesn't speak in athlete cliches. Also? Rawr. Just sayin'.



Outside of the new guys, our old buddies Justin Falk, who's getting married in a few weeks, and Colton Gillies put in some face time, too:





Awww, poor Colt. Least they could do is use real whipped cream.

Lastly, some video with Aeros new assistant coach Darryl Sydor, one of the two new assistants who will be behind the bench with Coach Yeo, talks about retiring as a player and the challenge of moving to the coaching ranks: