Thursday, October 28, 2010

'El Nino' Blows Off The Island

This afternoon the New York Islanders announced that 2010 first round draft pick Nino Niederreiter will return to Portland after nine games in the National Hockey League.

There has been plenty of speculation in the last few days over how to handle the 18 year-old Swiss native. His play was solid but not the type of performance that would make management believe he is, at least at this time, an everyday NHL player. He recorded one goal and and one assist during his nine game stint.

Niederreiter will take his skills to the Western Hockey League, where he can develop for the season without the worry of his NHL service time clock ticking.

Though I rarely share my personal opinions on roster moves in this space, I feel it is the right move returning 'El Nino,' as the fans have named him. I always like bringing prospects along slowly. His time in the WHL should only help his development.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our chart ain't that deep. I believe this is a stinky move. Wish they'd thought about it a little further.

Ken Dick said...

I would disagree only because it makes sense financially and from a player development standpoint.

The kid is 18. There's no reason to rush him and he's not going anywhere. Hopefully he will mature into an offensive weapon down the road through proper training.

Thanks for reading.