It's Award Season! Minnesota Prospects Johan Larsson, Zack Phillips Get Honored

With a regular season where the only league-wide award any Minnesota Wild player is getting is for this piece of shootout excellence - Devin's already been honored by Puck Daddy - the awards are piling up for the youngsters.

Johan Larsson (Photo from Wild.com)

Two Wild prospects, Johan Larsson and Zack Phillips, were honored today for their play this season by their respective leagues, adding to a list that includes Charlie Coyle and Mikael Granlund's runner-up finish as best player in Finland by his fellow players.

More after the jump...


Larsson was named the 2011-2012 Rookie of the Year in the Swedish Elite League, joining a group that includes Henrik Zetterberg, Loui Erikson and Nicklas Backstrom (aka the Backstrom on Washington).

From Wild.com:

Wild prospect Johan Larsson has been awarded Rookie of the Year in the Swedish Elite League (SEL). Larsson was selected by Minnesota in the second round (56th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

The 19 year old had 36 points (12-24=36) in 49 games in his rookie season with Brynas of the SEL. Larsson finished regular season ranked third on Brynas in scoring and assists.

It's a big honor for Larsson, who at times has become the "forgotten" 2010 second round pick. Playing against men in Sweden, Johan has matured and become an integral part of Brynas' run to the SEL Finals, including beating Jonas Brodin's Farjestad squad in the postseason. He also captained Sweden's gold-medal winning 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships team.

Larsson will soon no longer be forgotten as the 19 year-old is looking to come over to North America next season and get a chance for a roster spot on Minnesota.

Phillips, meanwhile, was named the CHL Player of the Week for his performance in the Saint John win whooping over Baie-Cormeau. The second 2011 first round pick (28th overall) by the Wild, Zack scored 9 points (4 goals - 5 assists) in two lopsided wins over the Drakkar to lead the CHL in playoff scoring with 21 as the Sea Dogs continue to put up video game numbers. Saint John has scored 53 goals in six playoff games and looks to be tough to beat as they try to repeat as Memorial Cup champions.

He joins fellow Minnesota Wild prospect and Sea Dog teammate Charlie Coyle in receiving this honor. Coyle was named the CHL Player of the Week two weeks ago and has 20 points in six playoff game.