It would be a mistake to rush Nino this year, maybe even next year.
Let him play at Portland, then see if he can make the Isles.
The kid is still just 17, will turn 18 on September 8.
He could add an inch or more and 12 pounds to his 6'2" 203 frame, be a beast at age 19. The one year at Portland is a must for him to develop. grow into his body.
He could add an inch or more and 12 pounds to his 6'2" 203 frame, be a beast at age 19. The one year at Portland is a must for him to develop. grow into his body.
Just the thought of Nino being 6'3 and 220lbs would be enough for me to be terrified to play against him as a d-man. Some posters mentioned during the draft that his playing style (not skill set!) is comparable to Ovechkin.
Maybe this is a little bit off-topic, but what do you guys think where Nino would have gone in next year's draft if he had added a little bit more to his frame and obviously improved his point total from last season?
I say let him have a nice camp and destroy the WHL this season. Looking at the roster I dont see him making the team just yet but wouldnt mind if it happened. The kid looked like a beast at the blue and orange scrimmage. His hands looked nice too. If he had Kabonovs frame I would be concerned but he doesnt. Cant wait for this season to start, the Isles are going to be nasty with all the talent and toughness...
Just the thought of Nino being 6'3 and 220lbs would be enough for me to be terrified to play against him as a d-man. Some posters mentioned during the draft that his playing style (not skill set!) is comparable to Ovechkin.
Maybe this is a little bit off-topic, but what do you guys think where Nino would have gone in next year's draft if he had added a little bit more to his frame and obviously improved his point total from last season?
Interesteing comparison to Ovechkin. That's whom I first thought of when I saw him play, Nino plays with reckless abandon. Obviously he doesn't have skill set as mentioned (speed especially, Ovy is ridiculous in that department). I also thought of two other players when I saw Nino play, Jagr and Vanek of Buffalo. If he can come anywhere close to any of those three players I'll be thrilled. I also agree he needs another season at Portland.
Interesteing comparison to Ovechkin. That's whom I first thought of when I saw him play, Nino plays with reckless abandon. Obviously he doesn't have skill set as mentioned (speed especially, Ovy is ridiculous in that department). I also thought of two other players when I saw Nino play, Jagr and Vanek of Buffalo. If he can come anywhere close to any of those three players I'll be thrilled. I also agree he needs another season at Portland.
I've heard comparisons to John LeClair and his Legion of Doom days.
J.LC. might be better than Ovie, since J.LC has a lower skill set.
Interesteing comparison to Ovechkin. That's whom I first thought of when I saw him play, Nino plays with reckless abandon. Obviously he doesn't have skill set as mentioned (speed especially, Ovy is ridiculous in that department). I also thought of two other players when I saw Nino play, Jagr and Vanek of Buffalo. If he can come anywhere close to any of those three players I'll be thrilled. I also agree he needs another season at Portland.
Nino has speed, maybe not as fast as OV, but certainly faster than average.
I think it's high time we calm down a little regarding this kid. I wouldn't compare his playing style to Ovechkin at all. I'd have to think about it, but I could definitely come up with a more accurate comparison.
I think it's high time we calm down a little regarding this kid. I wouldn't compare his playing style to Ovechkin at all. I'd have to think about it, but I could definitely come up with a more accurate comparison.
Some other comparisons I like are: Hossa, Shanahan, Morrow or Nash. I don't really understand why McGuire from NHL Scouting compares him to Erik Cole. Cole isn't really a goal scorer, more a grinder.
I think it's high time we calm down a little regarding this kid. I wouldn't compare his playing style to Ovechkin at all. I'd have to think about it, but I could definitely come up with a more accurate comparison.
Some other comparisons I like are: Hossa, Shanahan, Morrow or Nash. I don't really understand why McGuire from NHL Scouting compares him to Erik Cole. Cole isn't really a goal scorer, more a grinder.
I don't really understand why McGuire from NHL Scouting compares him to Erik Cole. Cole isn't really a goal scorer, more a grinder.
Cole was actually a pretty good scoring powerforward from 2005 to 2007, playing alongside Eric Staal when he had 30 goals (in 60 games) and 29 goals (in 71 games), respectively. I think that Cole is the one McGuire is comparing Niederreiter to, not the one who only scored 16 points in 40 games last year.
I also don't like the Getzlaf comparison. As noted already, Getzlaf's game is more about playmaking, where as I think El Nino will be a scorer more than he will a setup man in the NHL.
He definitely needs another year there. If he was 18 and had played in the WHL for 2 or 3 seasons that would be one thing. But as a 17 yo with only one year's experience it is simply not enough. He needs to develop and get physically bigger and mentally stronger to meet the demands of the NHL.
Well thats not a very good idea... Josh Bailey all over again..
Personally Josh Bailey is right on par I feel. Would he of become a top 0hl producer for the Spits playing along side Hall and Co? Ofcourse, would be of challenged to be major junior player of the year like Hodgson? Ofcourse! So what I say, Bailey learned how to play in the NHL these last 2 years. I do look for a 20-30 season out if him next year and topping out a 30-30 guy one day maybe a 30-40 in a career year.. RIght on pace for his top 6 position
HE already played 3 years at the OHL level, it was time to move on I feel
He definitely needs another year there. If he was 18 and had played in the WHL for 2 or 3 seasons that would be one thing. But as a 17 yo with only one year's experience it is simply not enough. He needs to develop and get physically bigger and mentally stronger to meet the demands of the NHL.
Bingo, bango, boingo. He's only played one season in the Western League. He should get at least one more before they even consider him for a spot on the big club.
Nino can play in the NHL right away. No junior time need for him.
Interesting comment. Do you have any proof behind your comment. Like possibly the Isle's GM and Coach stating he's ready for the NHL ?, or Nino stating he's ready ? I believe that he is probably more ready than Bailey was after being drafted, and size and strength wise, he's more ready than Tavares was. But as one of the youngest guys in the 2010 draft, it probably would be smart to give him one more season of the WHL.
