Season Preview: Brock Nelson

Brock Nelson

Position: C
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 185 lbs
Birthdate: October 15, 1991 (19 years old)
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Acquired: Draft, Round 1, 30rd overall, 2010 NHL Entry draft

2010-2011 Team: North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA)
2010-2011 Stats: 42 GP - 8 G - 13 A - 21 P - 27 PIM
2011-2012 Team: North Dakota Fighting Sioux (WCHA)
Team Role: Top 9 Forward

Last year: Nelson had a very good freshman year for North Dakota, averaging half a point a game mostly playing in a third line role. Brock was also invited to play for the United States World Junior team around Christmas, in which he played 5 games but only had one assist despite being injured during the tournament. North Dakota made it to the Frozen Four last season, giving Nelson the opportunity to play for a national championship, but he was unfortunately injured there too leaving the NCAA Semifinals against Michigan on a stretcher. Injuries aside, 21 points is nothing to sneeze at for a freshman, so overall Nelson put a very solid season together.

Expectations: Nelson will enter his sophomore college season much improved. After seeing him this summer, it is clear he has hit the weight room. He gained muscle and speed, and will be expected to improve upon his freshman point total. It's unclear right now where Nelson will slot in, but it will certainly be in the top 3 lines. With high powered, small forwards like Danny Kristo and Mario Lamoureux, Nelson will provide an element of size and speed that the Sioux can certainly use going forward. Brock is still a few years away, but it's important that he continues his development curve as he is playing in a great program at UND. Now a younger team, Nelson may be forced to take on a leadership role earlier than expected.

Projections: 44 GP - 14 G - 17 A - 31 P

Thoughts:

CH: The Nelson pick really came out of nowhere back in 2010, as the Islanders slipped back very late in the first round to select him. He looked a little uncomfortable in his first prospect camp, but that was certainly not the case this past summer. During the scrimmage, he looked like a completely improved player. His skating was above average. His size is above average. He has a great nose for the net and playmaking ability. Working with Anders Lee, the two combined for a multitude of goals on the top line for the White team. I'm really looking forward to watching him develop, as he certainly has the tools to be a versatile NHL player. The only question is where his potential will take him. The Islanders may have uncovered a great prospect here, it's just going to take a little while to get there.

AT: Along with Anders Lee, his performance at the Blue and White scrimmage was absolutely astonished compared to what he'd shown previously at camps, and even more so astonishing seeing how horrifying his last injury was. After most of us saw the replays, we thought there was a chance he'd never be the same. Man, this crow is tasty. His playmaking ability and passing still need a bit of work, but they were by far improved upon what we'd seen previously. He's bigger, stronger, and ready for his sophomore year at UND. There was clearly a reason Garth traded up to get him, and I think we may have seen it.