Top Prospects: Matt Niskanen

Matt Niskanen
Vital Info
Born:  December 6, 1986 in Virginia, Minnesota
Height/Weight: 6-1/195 pounds 
Position: Defense (Shoots Right)
Selected by the Dallas Stars in the 1st round (28th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft
2006-07 Season
As a sophomore at Minnesota Duluth, had nine goals and 22 assists in 39 games. The 31 points ranked second on the team and was tops among UMD defensemen. He ranked second in both scoring and goals among all Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensemen. Was All-WCHA First Team. Decided to turn pro after the college season ended, signing an entry-level contract with Dallas. Signed amateur tryout contract with Iowa Stars of the AHL. He had no goals, three assists and a minus-three rating in 13 regular season games with Iowa. He had two goals, five assists and a minus-7 rating in 12 AHL playoff games
Background
As a freshman in 2005-06, led all Minnesota Duluth defenseman in scoring with 14 points (one goal, 13 assists). The 14 points tied for 17th in overall scoring among Western Collegiate Hockey Association freshmen. Niskanen played for Team USA at the 2006 World Junior Championship, picking up no points and an even rating and six penalty minutes in seven games. ... Had 27 goals and 38 assists in 29 games for Virginia (MN) H.S. in 2004-05. He was the Duluth News-Tribune's hockey and football player of the year for 2004-05. ... Was ranked 31st among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.... Was ranked 30th overall by Red Line Report and 62nd overall by International Scouting Services....
Scouting Report
Offensive-minded defenseman who is an excellent skater with outstanding acceleration. Superb in transitioning from defense to offense due to his skating and passing ability. Outstanding passer. Has a quick release and a hard shot. Reads what is happening on the ice well. Is showing improvement in defensive aspects of the game. Excellent all-around athlete.
Quotable

"He's a very smoothing skating, poised defenseman. He plays the position quite well and he's mature above his years."

Scott White, Iowa Stars Director of Hockey Operations


"One of the most prolific all-around athletes to come out of Iron Range in recently memory.... Has a great awareness and vision on the ice that you don't often see in high school players. His acceleration and passing ability jumped out immediately in this game. He seems to be a step ahead with his vision/decision making which gives him a good passing game. "

International Scouting Services 2005 NHL Draft Guide


"Kid can flat out fly with long, powerful stride and smooth acceleration. Strong and balanced on skates. Terrifically skilled defenseman with dynamic offensive tools... Projection: Top 3 defenseman. Style compares to: Brent Sopel."

Red Line Report 2005 Draft Guide


Recent Stats
Season Team GP G A PTS +/- PIM
2003-04 Virginia (MN) H.S. 27 24 37 61 - 26
2004-05 Virginia (MN) H.S. 29 27 38 65 - 34
2005-06 Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) 38 1 13 14 - 40
2006-07 Minnesota-Duluth (NCAA) 39 9 22 31 - 42
2006-07 Iowa (AHL) 13 0 3 3 -4 6


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