Colin Wilson is the real deal!

You can hear or talk about how good a player is in practice or a scrimmage. But when he performs just as well (or better) against live NHL action, it finally sets in how good that player can be. Colin Wilson, the #7 overall pick from last summer, dazzled in Nashville’s 5-0 pre-season win over the Thrashers last night.

He tallied 3 points in the game, including a beautiful 3rd period goal. His goal was from a bad angle, and the puck went in off the post. It was very similar to Eric Staal’s 3rd period goal in Game 4 against Boston in the playoffs last spring. And that only scratches the surface. Aside from the 3 points, his stick-handling and hockey sense was astounding. He also won most of his face-offs (13/18). Earlier this week, he scored 2 goals in 2 rookie games against Atlanta.

I have no doubt in my mind that Wilson will become the face of the franchise when the old guard leaves (Arnott, Sullivan, etc.). It’s unclear, though, whether Wilson will start the season with the Predators. He’s just coming off an NCAA championship with Boston University last spring, and GM David Poile is usually leery of playing rookies too soon. He’ll have to keep performing well these next couple weeks. But after last night, Preds fans are already dreaming of what his potential could be.