LD Daniel Nieminen - Pelicans, Liiga (2024 Undrafted)

[Dr Quincy]

I can't believe he wasn't drafted. Was very good last year in U20 league and in international competition.

Currently 2nd in all U20 players in Liiga. despite being 18 and a defenseman.
Made almost this same exact play in the spring against his peers, now doing it against adults.


Listed at 6'0" so size might be a slight concern and defending in general, but very creative player.

 

[Motoro]

He’s made some huge strides over the summer. Only exceptional talents can perform at that level right from their debut in the FEL. I’m calling it now—he’s going to be one of the best defensemen in the FEL by the end of the season, if not the best.

 

[shotvalley]

He’s made some huge strides over the summer. Only exceptional talents can perform at that level right from their debut in the FEL. I’m calling it now—he’s going to be one of the best defensemen in the FEL by the end of the season, if not the best.

Ok

 

[Svedu]

He's had quite the season so far. Lucky bounces? I mean it's not even controversial to state he's taken some big steps in the right direction considering earlier showings.

 

[BKarchitect]

This year’s Pulkkinen?

 

[pgfan66]

He's had quite the season so far. Lucky bounces? I mean it's not even controversial to state he's taken some big steps in the right direction considering earlier showings.

Haven’t seen him yet this year but I definitely thought he was a draft last season.

 

[TheFinnishchamp]

3 goals in 3 games against Jokerit in Liiga qualifications. Has to get drafted this Summer, the question is how high.

I think Nieminen has the highest ceiling of the 2006 born Finnish defensemen because of his great skating combined with a good level of skill.

 

[Jersey Fan 12]

What happened to Pelicans that they missed the playoffs this year? Was Nieminen just a good player on a bad team or is there real potential to his game?