Observations:

February 2014 – “El Nino” snapped a 12-game scoreless drought with a powerplay tally in a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 4th. Niederreiter now has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in his last 18 games with the Wild and finds himself skating on the third line alongside veterans Kyle Brodziak and Matt Cooke. Jamie Zadow

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November 2013 – A fresh start is exactly what El Nino needed and he got it in Minnesota. So far in 2013, it sure has paid off for the 21-year-old. In 17 games so far this season he has 10 points (three goals and seven assists) and is also a plus-4. The Swiss winger seems to be clicking well on the second line alongside Mikael Granlund and veteran Jason Pominville. Look for Niederreiter’s production to remain steady as the season moves along. Jimmy Zadow

March 2013 – El Nino was off to hot start in the AHL, which is just what the doctor ordered for his flagging confidence. He has since slowed, but still sits 25th in AHL scoring with 42 points in 55 games. Rumors that he wants out of the organization persist, but then again – lots of Isles say that and they end up going nowhere. He’ll get a long look in the fall. Dobber

April 2012 – Niederreiter receives high grades for pure skill, determination, and personality. He possesses good size and creativity. He is a player too with great puck protection traits and for a big winger he also has some soft mitts. Niederreiter’s rookie season this past year was a bit troublesome as he had to deal with two separate injuries and fourth line duties. The Isles didn’t want to send him to junior because he had nothing left to prove there, but he was too young to be sent to the AHL. Look for Niederreiter to be a top-six forward in the Isles organization in the upcoming years, but now that he’s AHL-eligible you may see him there in 2012-13. Russ Bitely

Fantasy Outlook: B+

A fresh start with the Wild, and Niederreiter is finally showing the skill-set that the Isles saw when they drafted him in 2010. He has the size and skill to develop into one of the league’s most dangerous power forwards.

Footage:

Nino Niederreiter shows his quick release for his first career NHL goal with the Islanders on 10/13/2010.

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