Rangers Sign Nicholls
NYR sign UFA OA F Josh Nicholls, 20, of Saskatoon Blades. 41 goals and 73 points in 65 GP this season. Originally drafted by TOR in 2010.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 4, 2013
McKenzie adds that the 20-year old Nicholls, who was a 2010, 7th round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, signed a standard three-year entry level deal, which has an annual cap hit of $925K.
Here's Hockey Future's talent analysis of the 6-3, 186lb Nicholls...
"An interesting combination of size and speed, Nicholls is a two-way forward who displays some offensive upside. He is able to line-up both at center and on the right-wing. Very thin at the moment being only 186lbs and 6’2 so weight will be a priority over the next two seasons. Not a physical force, but forechecks well. He has developed into a well-rounded forward over the last few seasons; dangerous in all areas of the ice."
And apparently he can also do this...
...size and speed? Sounds like a Gordie Clark guy to me. Think about the bulk the Rangers could have in their line-up in a couple of years with Kreider, Miller, McIlrath, Nieves, Nicholls, Hrivik, Yogan, Skjei and Jean. Wow, no one under 6-1! Remember when the only guys coming out of the Rangers system were smurfs (Dawes, Prucha, Parenteau).
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Bulk? 6'3, 186.....this guy is a bean pole. He's got some skills though, if he can hit the weight room he might be OK
@Scott_from_Jersey Young guy still. Once he gets to the Whale, they'll bulk him up to near 200lbs.
@Scott_from_Jersey same height and only 7 pounds less than Malkin! Obviously Malkin is a different animal, but it shows it can be possible at his size to play in the NHL.
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How could you not like this kid after watching that goal!!! Best of Luck in the Future Josh!!!
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From the same major junior team as McCoglan(sp?) future chemistry? I love the big guys with speed, maybe Boyle should take the lead out of his skates and take a hint. Lets hope for the best for this kid!
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I'm a fan of the deal. Prospects that can score goals, that's what we need on the farm. Who cares what line he plays on, as long as he keeps scoring goals. Don't judge a book buy it's draft status, Henrik was a 7th rounder, Girardi's wasn't even drafted, let's hope Nicholls can help our teams win games!!!
Rangers should have kept JAM in the system, he only leads the AHL in goals and points scored. I've alway been a fan of the underdog PLAYING his way on the team!!!
I read about this signing yesterday and can't help but wonder, "what is the catch," based on this guy's numbers, which are fantastic. Looks like a terrific signing.
@TheNYRBlog Not saying so, but these are the David Clarkson, Dan Girardi's of the NHL. Late bloomers that go unnoticed, Stats blooming too
@TheNYRBlog Lets not get everyone all whipped up about him. Was a 7 round pick in '10 went back to draft from not signing and went undrafted
@TheNYRBlog All the size in the world doesnt mean more puck in the back of opp nets I need to see what St Croix & others do at AHL and up
