Latest news with #EricNilson
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 NHL Draft: Best Prospects Available After Round 1
The NHL draft never goes exactly the way anyone thinks. There are always a few surprises and twists that throw everyone for a loop. Every year, there are players that everyone expects to go in the first round of the NHL draft who fall to Day 2. Let's look at some of the most interesting and intriguing names remaining after the first round. Eric Nilson, C, Djurgarden (Swe.2) Nilson is one of the most intelligent and tactical centers in the draft. I've been high on him all year, and it took until the end of the year for the hype to begin to build, but it looks like it was a little too late. Nilson advances play with excellent decisions at both ends of the ice. He needs to bulk up, but the six-foot center has a ton of utility. He could be one of the first names off the board in the second round. Michal Svrcek, C/W, Brynas Jr. (Swe.) It's not shocking to see Svrcek's name on the board still, as he's an undersized forward who had a good but not great U-18s. Svrcek always drives excellent results, and he creates for teammates at a very high level. He has NHL-caliber speed and a relentless pace. He will have to continue proving people wrong about his size, but he could be a steal if he falls much more on Day 2. 2025 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And More 2025 NHL Draft Tracker: Round 1 Picks, Reports, Rankings And More The 2025 NHL draft day is here. Check out the picks and scouting reports of the first round as they come in, as well as draft rankings and much more prospect coverage. Cameron Schmidt, RW, Vancouver Giants (WHL) Another undersized forward, Schmidt is an elite shooter who plays at top speed all the time. He doesn't let his size get in the way of trying to be a pest either, getting into players' faces, pushing guys around after the whistle and even laughing at defenders after he scores on them. The kid has a ton of moxie, and his play style is brash. Someone will get a nice prospect. Blake Fiddler, D, Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) Fiddler is one of the most understated players in the draft. The defensive blueliner is a perfect complement to a skilled, offensively minded defender. He isn't a flashy or fun pick, but he is an effective and stout defensive player who can take the pressure off his defense partner. Malcolm Spence (Brandon Soto/OHL Images) Malcolm Spence, LW, Erie Otters (OHL) Spence not getting chosen in the first round was one of the bigger surprises. He is a very meat-and-potatoes kind of player. He has had some big moments internationally, and he is a rock-solid contributor in the OHL, but his game isn't consistently flashy. He is a crafty playmaker and a good shooter. Spence plays with a physical edge and understands how to play within a pro-style system. He could be a steal on Day 2. Shane Vansaghi, LW/C, Michigan State Univ. (NCAA) A physical, hard-working forward who lays it on the line every shift, Vansaghi is typically the kind of player NHL teams will call in the first round. His production at Michigan State is likely the reason he fell a bit. He was so close, so often when it came to finding the scoresheet in his freshman season, that there is room to believe a big sophomore year is in store. He's a pro-style forward, and someone will be ecstatic to draft him. Milton Gastrin, C/LW, MoDo Jr. (Swe.) Gastrin is smart and defensively responsible with legitimate moments of intriguing skill. He was on the edge of the first round on most draft boards, so it's not entirely shocking to not see him go on Day 1, but the versatility as a center and winger is enticing. He could be a sneaky good pick early on Saturday. Alexander Zharovsky, RW, Ufa Jr. (Rus.) Zharovsky, one of the most skilled and interesting players in the draft, skyrocketed up boards by the end of the season. There is a ton of risk because he needs some refinement in various parts of his game, but the intrigue had people discussing a possible first-round selection. We will have to see where he ends up because he's a big swing. Get the latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eric Nilson Commits To Michigan State
Djurgårdens IF forward Eric Nilson has committed to Michigan State, it was announced on Friday. A native of Calgary, Alta., Nilson played in 37 games for Djurgårdens IF's J20 team this past season, where he tallied 12 goals and 26 assists. Nilson is eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and is ranked as the seventh-best European skater by NHL Central Scouting in its final rankings. A 2007-born skater, Nilson will make the jump to the NCAA and join the Spartans for the 2025-26 season. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' NCAA Page for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Michigan State hockey lands commitment from Swedish forward Eric Nilson
Michigan State hockey lands commitment from Swedish forward Eric Nilson Michigan State hockey finished their roster moves on the defensive side of the ice with adding Ferris State transfer Travis Shoudy into the mix, leaving just one or two more forwards left to add to completely fill the 2025-26 roster. The Spartans have found their latest piece to the puzzle on Friday night. Michigan State gained the commitment of Eric Nilson, a 2007-born native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, but coming from Sweedish heritage. He is expected to join the Spartans roster in 2025-26. He will come to MSU from Sweden's J20 Nationell league as a member of Djurgårdens IF. Nilson is the son of former NHL player Marcus Nilson, who played 10 seasons in the league, racking up 270 points. The son of an NHLer, Nilson has NHL prowess himself, being one of the top prospects in the upcoming 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and is currently projected as a second round pick. A 6'0", 155 pound 18-year-old, there will most likely be a small learning curve coming to NCAA hockey, but he should be a plus player for the Spartans over the next few seasons. Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on X @Cory_Linsner
