Scouting Report: William Nylander, C, Sodertalje (Sweden)
Central Scouting Rank: 2nd
Bio
| Hometown | Calgary, AB |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | 5/1/1996 |
| Height | 5'11 |
| Weight | 169 |
| Shoots | Right |
| Position | Center |
2013-14 Stats
| Team | Sweden |
|---|---|
| GP | 57 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 18 |
| Points | 34 |
| PIM | 22 |
Overview
Nylander opened the season with Sodertalje SK, moved to Rogle BK, and finished the season with Modo Hockey Ornskoldsvik. The second-ranked European skater showed his offensive prowess, scoring 34 points in 57 games.
Nylander is a gifted playmaker but will likely need to add some bulk to survive at the NHL level. With his vision, he would be a great fit with the New York Islanders working alongside John Tavares, or feeding Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle in Edmonton.
Pro Comparison
Joe Thornton, Martin St. Louis.
Scouts are saying
Craig Button, TSN
Nylander boasts high-end skills highlighted by excellent puck control. His confidence with the puck is outstanding and he has as much patience with it as any player in the draft.
William Nylander named top forward, Haydn Fleury top defenseman, and Mason McDonald top goaltender at the U18s by the Directorate.
— Corey Pronman (@coreypronman) April 27, 2014
Gordan Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting
They both have great tools and excellent offensive instincts. Kapanen [ranked No.1] is a bit taller than Nylander [5-11, 169] and perhaps more mature as a player, but there is a very small difference between the two.