Top 25 Under 25: Sam Hentges clocks in at #24

Photo by Justin Berl/Getty ImagesA smart, versatile center from New Brighton, St. Cloud State’s Sam Hentges has the Minnesota Wild hoping that a seventh-round centerman can eventually play big minutes for the team, just like fellow final-round selection Erik Haula did in the past. Hentges takes the #24 spot on Hockey Wilderness’ Top 25 Under 25 list, and could climb even higher in years to come if he can overcome injury issues that have dogged his junior and collegiate career.

Age: 21

Weight: 185 pounds

A product of Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, Minnesota, Hentges has been just shy of a point-per-game player at every level, and scouts note his strong stride and top speed, his vision,…