RD Casey Nelson (2011 undrafted; 2016 signed, BUF)

[Dabest]

Couldn't find a thread for him....

23 years old, 6'2 D man

Hows he been this year? Attended flyers camp last year

 

[Woodhouse]

Sabres sign defenseman Casey Nelson. Tim Murray's comments: “We’ve been consistently impressed with Casey’s play for the last two years. We identified him as one of the top college free agents available and we’re excited to have him join the organization.â€

***

HF's blurb on Nelson:

Casey Nelson, D
Junior, Minnesota State University-Mankato (WCHA)

One of the hottest commodities on the college hockey free agent market this season is Minnesota State-Mankato junior defenseman Casey Nelson. The Wisconsin Rapids, WI native enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore and has developmentally built on that this season. Nelson currently leads the Mavericks in scoring by a defenseman with 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 34 games to date. He also leads the team with a +14 rating.

Nelson is a 6’2â€, 182-pound offensive defenseman. His superb combination of fluid skating and puck-moving ability has scouts clamoring to get glimpses of him. Nelson is an excellent skater who has good speed and agility. He is blessed with great hands, moves the puck exceedingly well and has shown that he can make some beautiful, tape-to-tape passes. He can also quarterback the power play. In addition, Nelson can get pucks to the net and his shot is quite good.

One notable area where Nelson has steadily improved and developed is in his defensive positioning. He has learned to use his frame, strength and reach more effectively in keeping opposing players to the outside while taking away open spaces.

LWOS's blurb on Nelson:

Casey Nelson, Right Defense, Minnesota State Mankato, Junior (6’2″ 183 lbs)

The 23-year-old is likely the most sought after free agent defenceman in this class. He has put up 4 goals and 20 points in 33 games this year. Nelson has ideal size and a right handed shot that will contribute to him being very sought after. He is a strong skater with good speed and accleration in both directions, and strong pivots. This helps in all aspects of his game, as he moves the puck effectively and can lead the rush or join as a trailer. He makes smart passes on the breakout or in controlling the puck at the blue line and has an accurate wrist shot, and a good slapshot. When defending his skating allows him to be able to keep the attackers in front of him and force them to the outside. He could stand to add a little more muscle to his frame and be a little more physical going forward, but has the opportunity to be an effective two-way defenceman at the NHL level. He’ll need a little bit of AHL time to develop though, as he isn’t as dominant and NHL ready as a Danny Dekeyser was a couple of years ago.

SBN's article and blurb on Nelson:

Nelson is a skilled offensive defenseman that is tremendous at creating his own shot. He is calm and poised in the offensive zone and sees the ice well. He's really improved defensively over the past two seasons as well to become a player that plays major minutes for Minnesota State in every situation. He has potential as a second pairing defenseman at the NHL level that can provide some scoring punch from the blue line.

 

[Woodhouse]

 

[State of Hockey]

Had the pleasure of watching him play for 3 years. Sad to see him go. I was really hoping he would stay for his senior season.

He developed into a great college d-man, but I really don't see the skill needed to make a mark in the NHL. He's really good in all areas of the game, but nothing stands out as NHL-quality. He might be the best college FA defensemen available, but I think it's a low bar this year. He's worth signing, but I'm keeping expectations low.

 

[Revelate]

Off to a nice start. 3 assists in his first 2 games. I believe he's been on the ice for the Sabres last 5 goals.

 

[izzy]

That's definitely not bad.

Looked solid from what I saw of him last night

 

[Ace]

I guess they took one of the assists away. Still managed to be the only Sabre with a positive Corsi rating in that game (and a +2 in a 3-2 loss if you like that terrible stat. Fun fact...he didn't get a + on his first NHL assist because he'd changed and Ristolainen had spent one second on the ice two zones away when the puck went in. Stupid stupid stat). Makes two games in a row he's led the team in Corsi. Those are the only two games he has played.

His play on the Reinhart goal was terrific. I know he's 23 so it's not exactly like a teenager jumping in...but he has been very calm and poised.

 

[Ace]

Another assist already tonight. the Sabres have score 6 goals since Nelson signed. He's been on the ice (well...he assisted and went to the bench on the one lol) for all of them.

3 game point streak to start his career. Pretty cool.

 

[Revelate]

Another assist already tonight. the Sabres have score 6 goals since Nelson signed. He's been on the ice (well...he assisted and went to the bench on the one lol) for all of them.

3 game point streak to start his career. Pretty cool.

Another. 5 in 3.

 

[Ace]

4. One from last game was incorrectly credited to him. It was actually Gionta's.

Still...from deciding whether to leave school and where to go to having 4 points in your first 3 games...quite the week for him.

 

[Revelate]

4. One from last game was incorrectly credited to him. It was actually Gionta's.

Still...from deciding whether to leave school and where to go to having 4 points in your first 3 games...quite the week for him.

Yeah, sorry. I'll get it eventually.

 

[Bonin21]

College hockey UFAs are fun to get cuz they can step right in and make an impact sometimes.

 

[tsujimoto74]

His play has been a pleasant surprise so far. Looks calm with the puck, good at finding/creating seams.