Toronto Maple Leafs: Andrew Nielsen is a Call-up Option
The Toronto Maple Leafs have more NHL players than they can fin in the lineup. With so many incumbents returning, it may be hard for any rookies to crack the lineup. What’s important to keep in mind however, is the injury bug.
Injuries can change the look of a roster over night. With this in mind we’ll be taking a look at a player who is likely on the Toronto Marlies this year, but is not far from suiting up for the Toronto Maple Leafs- Andrew Nielsen.
A bit of backstory on Nielsen…
The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Nielsen 65th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. A bit of a late bloomer and coming off 24 point season, the defenceman was nonetheless a big man with a big shot. The scouts saw enough of those two factors take a chance on him.
The following season, that little gamble paid off. Nielsen’s production exploded. Nielsen scored 18 goals and tallied 52 assists for 70 points in 71 WHL games. Not bad for a third round pick.
On the Marlies…
Nielsen’s first year of pro hockey went rather well. At 6’3 and 207 lbs, he already had the size and strength to handle the pro game. He uses his frame to punish forwards in the corners and box them out effectively.
Nielsen’s biggest struggles in the AHL come from his lack of foot speed. He isn’t terribly slow and can get by okay, but he needs to get quicker. With a full summer to work on his skating and first step, he likely has.
What’s encouraging is that Nielsen’s ability to move the puck as well as blast it has translated to the AHL rather smoothly. He scored 39 points (including 14 goals) in 74 games. Ten of the goals were scored at even strength. His first pass is quick and accurate. He’s also a big threat on the power play.
This upcoming year…
Like several other defence prospects, Nielsen is almost certainly set for another year on the Marlies. He’s great in the offensive zone but needs time to polish his game in the defensive zone and become more well-rounded. Despite this, He’s not too far behind Travis Dermott in terms of development.
What the Toronto Maple Leafs have to consider…
This is where injuries come into play. If Nielsen does have a good summer and start to his second year of pro hockey, he’s a call-up option.
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It remains to be seen how quickly Calle Rosen and Andreas Borgman acclimate to the North American rink. They’re both older than Nielsen. Both have promise, but for now are still battling for a spot like Nielsen and Dermott.
What Nielsen can do if he gets a call-up is make the Leafs dangerous power play an ever bigger threat. A booming shot from the blue line is something the Leafs don’t currently have (though I think Gardiner has a good slapper when he uses it). He also adds some physicality with his size and strength to a defence group that isn’t very bruising.
Final thoughts…
There is lots of competition on the Marlies this year and that can only mean good things for the Leafs. There are plenty of players that could see some time when injuries happen.
If the Leafs have an injury on the back-end or want to add another weapon to their power play, Nielsen is good candidate. The size and puck skills are there.
Next: Where Will Timothy Liljegren Play This Season?
It wouldn’t be the first time the Leafs took a chance on him.