New York Islanders sign first-rounder Nino Niederreiter
The New York Islanders took another step in their rebuilding process, announcing Tuesday that they have signed Swiss forward Nino Niederreiter to a three year entry-level contract. Niederreiter
was selected by the Islanders with the fifth overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
The Chur, Switzerland native played for the Portland Winterhawks in the Western Hockey League last season where he led the team with 36 goals. Niederreiter also had 24 assists to finish
the regular season with 60 points in 65 games. He then went on to add 16 points in 13 playoff games. Niederreiter was also named to the All-Tournament team at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship where he was a dominant force for Switzerland.
"It's just fantastic to be a part of the Islanders and even now that I've signed here, it's just unbelievable," said Niederreiter in a statement released by the team. "It's a young team,
so it's a big battle out there and everybody can't make the team. I know that a spot is open and I'd love to use the spot."
Niederreiter is said to have all the tools to be a star forward in the National Hockey League and the 18-year-old has already made an impression on the Islanders management with a strong
showing at the team’s rookie camp.
"He played extremely well last week in Boston at the rookie games," said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow in a statement. "He's obviously a big body, that's something that he has in
his favor going in to training camp, along with his skill set."
There is a great chance that Niederreiter will crack the Islanders lineup out of camp and team management will be hoping that he will eventually form a lethal 1-2 punch with fellow young
gun John Tavares.
Niederreiter already has experience playing against older competition after representing Switzerland at the 2010 World Hockey Championship last April.
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