Monday, September 16, 2013

Top 10 Prospects: #3 Nino Niederreiter

Nino Niederreiter
Forward
Born: September 8, 1992
Height: 6'2" Weight: 209
Shoots: Left
2012-13 Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL)
Acquired: Traded from NYI on 6/30/13
Previous Rank: NR


Yes, Nino is considered a prospect and yes, he is the third best prospect in the system.

The Wild acquired Niederreiter at the NHL Draft in exchange for Cal Clutterbuck and the team's third round (70th overall pick). Nino was previously a 5th overall pick by the New York Islanders in the 2010 Draft (the same year Mikael Granlund was drafted), and was very highly regarded out on the Island.

He is an electric goal scorer who can be a huge game changer any team would want. He can still be a solid NHL player. He never panned out in New York because he was vastly mishandled, and now has the chance for a fresh start with a new team. 

The Wild will have several kids battling for roster spots this year, and Nino will be one of them. One of the good things about having several players battle for one or two spots is that it creates good competition, so the best will be able to lock down those spots. Nino will have to find that fourth gear he once had in the WHL if he wants to start the season with Minnesota. If not, you can find him on the top line in Iowa and will be one of the first players called up this season should the Wild suffer an injury.

Team of 18,001's 2013-14 Top 10 Wild Prospect List
1. Wednesday
2. Tomorrow
3. Nino Niederreiter


Follow Giles on Twitter @gilesferrell

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