[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (U-18 Edition, Vol.4):

LHD Niklas Nykyri (pronounced NEW-kih-ree, apparently?) won the lottery when he was picked to ride shotgun in the U-18's alongside partner Mitja Jokinen for Team Finland. The 6'2",190lb rearguard looked good in both ends of the rink, and the duo performed admirably together, with Nykyri tying potential future-star Aron Kiviharju for 2nd in points by D for the Finns, with 3 in 5 games, and finished first on the team with a plus-6. It didn't come completely out of left field for Nykyri, who was the top-scoring blueliner for HIFK U20 (one of the worst, and lowest scoring teams in the league) with 19 points in 43 games, which was 29th in the league for defensemen, and 4th for U-18 D. At the 5 Nations, he was tied for 4th overall in scoring by D, with 2 points in 4 games.

Nykyri is an offensively inclined puck-rusher trapped in a meat-and-potatoes shutdown defender's body. At this stage of his young career, he's performing as a defensive defenseman who contributes in all areas, but flashes the potential for much more. One thing that holds him back at this stage is his largely average skating- he has a rather poor start-up with sluggish acceleration, but moves fairly well when he gets to top speed. He mostly keeps things simple, and moves the puck effectively with safe, risk-free passes, but is heavy in offensive inclination when his team gets a foothold in the zone. Once installed, he can quarterback the play from the point, walk the line with purpose, and distribute to teammates in dangerous positions. He will pinch into the play fairly often, but stays mindful of his defensive duties, and will join the rush to attack the net like an extra forward. Nykyri displays strong puck-skills, and loves to have the biscuit on his blade with his ability to stickhandle through defenders, and protect the puck with his body and reach. His point shot doesn't seem to be a huge threat, but he seems to be able to score when pinching to the low slot to use his wicked wrister and deceptive release. When he shoots from distance, it's mostly to cause chaos in front of the net, and create opportunities for teammates. His goal in the U-18's was a pass interception in the neutral zone near the opposition's blueline that he skated up the middle through traffic to wrist it top corner from between the circles.

Nykyri plays a physical brand of hockey with a good compete level, winning battles in the greasy areas, and finishing his checks- though I think he could benefit from more intensity. When the play leaves the offensive zone, he always seems to be on the right side of the puck, with the play in front of him, and puts in a good effort in the defensive end of the rink. His transitions are quick, and he is balanced in his backwards crossovers with an active stick to disrupt plays, and tight gap control to stop rushes before they ever reach his zone. Nykyri has the IQ and awareness to intercept passes, and the guts to block shots while using his size, reach, and physicality to snuff plays and rob his enemies of possession. He makes the first-pass look relatively easy, and despite his speed deficiencies, he can skate it out on his own. I like this kid, but he needs plenty of work, particularly on his shot, speed, and strength. I believe he has potential on the offensive side of the puck, with the floor of a bottom-6 puck-mover with PK duty, but could move up to the second-pair with some work. I'm thinking round 5 or 6.