Isles Sign Brock Nelson

Photo From: LINK

Islanders Sign Brock Nelson To A 3-Year Entry Level Contract

C. Brock Nelson Age: 20 Height: 6-4 Weight: 192 Drafted: New York Islanders in the 1st round (30th overall) of the 2010 draft. 2011-12 Statistics: University Of North Dakota (NCAA): 42 Games Played | 28 Goals | 19 Assists | 47 Points | 4 PIM CONTRACT: Three-Year Entry Level Contract (ELC) Important Facts: -Amazing hockey family history ----Grandfather Billy Christian was inducted into the US HOF in 1984 & the IIHF HOF in 1998. ----Great Uncle Roger Christian was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989. ----Great Uncle Gordy Christian played on the 1955-56 US olympic team & 2 years of pro hockey. ----Uncle Dave Christian played on the famous 1980 US olympic team & in over 1,000 NHL games. ----Uncle Ed Christian was drafted into the NHL, and played minor hockey. -Led the 2011-12 University of North Dakota team in goals and points. -Third-most goals of all NCAA players. -North Dakota's youngest 20-goal scorer since Jonathan Toews scored 22 in 2005-06 -Named to the 2011-12 NCAA (WCHA) All-Academic Team. -Named to the 2011-12 NCAA (WCHA) Third All-Star Team.

Thoughts: 

The New York Islanders have reached an agreement with forward Brock Nelson on a three-year entry level contract. Nelson, coming off of a break-out season with the University Of North Dakota, decided to forego the final two years of his collegiate career and turn pro. Since the conclusion of his team's season, there has been much speculation regarding Nelson's future. According to Islanders beat writer Arthur Staple, the Islanders were hoping he'd begin his professional career, but weren't pressuring him. They made it clear to Nelson that they were leaving it all up to him, and apparently he believed that he was ready to make the jump. He is set to join the Islanders AHL Affiliate — the Bridgeport Sound Tigers — for the rest of the season on an amateur try-out agreement before the contract officially begins next season.

Not many people have a hockey bloodline as rich as Brock Nelson's. Most notably his uncle Dave Christian had an incredible hockey career, playing on the 1980 USA olympic hockey team as well as over 1,000 NHL games. The rest of his families hockey history, which includes many other big names, can be found in the player information listed above. In recent years the idea of having good hockey genes has been a bit overrated, but in this particular case, with this amount of hockey talent & success in his bloodlines, I believe it really is something that will make him a better player. Thus far in his career, that does seem to be the case. 

Brock Nelson has a wide array of talents that will help him become a successful NHL player. Right on the surface his size is terrific, and although he isn't overly physical his big frame will be an asset going forward. His game is very well-rounded, and it is safe to say that he could step onto the ice in any situation and be of value. What makes him so special at both ends of the ice is his incredible hockey sense. In the offensive zone, that hockey sense has enabled him to be one of the more dangerous players in college hockey. Similar to John Tavares, he is able to quietly sneak into where he needs to be and then pounce when the opportunity presents itself. He also has a terrific wrist shot that is made even more deadly by a quick release. One aspect of his game that his (now former) coach Dave Hakstol has praised frequently his performance in the clutch. He thrives when the game is on the line, and has been a player that will always rise to the occasion. On the other side of the puck, Nelson has developed a solid defensive game as well. His hockey sense has been a huge proponent to his success in his own end. He does a good job reading plays and is very positionally sound. He also has a very long reach which has helped him be an effective pass blocker as he will frequently get his blade into the passing lanes. When he does break up a play in his own end, it will sometimes end up as a scoring chance for Nelson himself. His impressive speed and good first step will open up opportunities for an odd man rush when the opposing team turns the puck over to him around the blue-line. That speed, and his skating in general, is very surprising for a guy as big as Nelson. His agility, speed, and overall fluency on the ice is hard to find in a man that size. 

As a winner of North Dakota's Tom Hoghaug Memorial Scholarship —  which is awarded to the freshman who demonstrates initiative, character and a sense of responsibility — and a member of the 2011-12 NCAA (WCHA) All-Academic Team, the off-ice Brock Nelson is just as well rounded as the on-ice Brock Nelson. 

This is very good news for the New York Islanders, and I believe this is the right move for his development. By getting to play a few games with Bridgeport on an amateur try-out before the season concludes, he will get to see what needs to be adjusted for the pro game. He will probably only need one full AHL season before being ready to take on the National Hockey League. I have a good feeling about this kid, he is one to watch going forward.