Cristoval Nieves
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Birthday:
1994-01-23 |
Position:
C |
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Eligible for draft:
2012 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2012 |
Height:
6-2 |
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Acquired:
2nd round (59th overall), 2012 |
Weight:
185 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2009-10: Cristoval Nieves was one of the top forwards at USA Hockey's Select 15 Festival and skated for the Syracuse Junior Nationals midget team. In 60 games for the Nationals he scored 30 goals with 42 assists and had 70 penalty minutes. Nieves committed to playing college hockey at Michigan in 2012-13. He was selected by Niagara in the 10th round (182nd overall) of the 2010 OHL Priority Draft.
2010-11: Nieves transferred to the Kent School in Connecticut for his junior year. He scored 11 goals with 28 assists in 27 games for Kent – which reached the New England Prep School Championship game, falling 2-1 to Milton Academy. Nieves had 1 goal and 2 assist in Kent's win over Salisbury in the semifinals.
2011-12: Nieves skated for Team USA at the 2011 U18 Ivan Hlinka Tournament and played for the USHL's Indiana Ice in addition to completing his senior season at the Kent School. Nieves scored 1 goal with 3 assists and was plus-four in three games for Team USA. In 13 USHL games with Indiana he scored 2 goals with 8 assists and was an even plus/minus. Nieves scored 7 goals with 32 assists in 26 games for Kent School. He was invited to the NHL Draft Combine and was ranked 27th amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft.
Talent Analysis
Nieves is a skilled forward with good speed and deft playmaking skills. Although he has the height, Nieves is still a bit on the skinny side and will need to bulk up to better handle the rigors of the pro game. He'll also need to show that he can compete well at a higher level of competition, but most signs point to Nieves becoming a creative offensive player with top-six potential.
