Nicholas Larson
|
Birthday:
1989-11-14 |
Position:
LW |
|
Eligible for draft:
2008 |
Shoots:
Left |
|
Drafted:
2008 |
Height:
6-2 |
|
Acquired:
4th round (108th overall), 2008 |
Weight:
198 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2009-10: Nicholas Larson made good strides learning to play both ends of the ice during his freshman season at Notre Dame. He scored six goals along with five assists but a poor minus ten rating while accumulating 47 PIMs in 35 CCHA games. The rookie winger was able to score once on the power play and showed some clutch play by scoring two game winning goals on the year.
2010-11: Larson played different role positions throughout the lineup but was consistently used on a checking line at even strength. He gained valuable experience playing at times with the skill forwards on the power play. The physical forward managed 10 goals with nine assists in 43 CCHA games for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The sophomore winger's solid play could lead to a larger offensive role as a junior with several key Irish forwards having already graduated. A native of Minnesota, Larson was able to play in front of relatives and friends at the Frozen Four in St. Paul. He was only able to contribute an assist in the game when the Irish lost to the eventual National Champions from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
2011-12: Nicholas Larson skated in 34 of 40 games for Notre Dame as a junior, playing primarily in a checking line, energy role. He finished with a team-leading 73 penalty minutes and was minus-seven with 5 goals and 3 assists. Notre Dame slipped to eighth in the CCHA after finishing second the previous season; struggling to stay above .500 after entering January with a 13-6-3 record.
Talent Analysis
Larson has started to flourish in a checking role but also has all the tools to be the prototypical power forward. The big, physical winger has a strong shot with a quick release but can also create offense using his strength out of the corners and drives hard to the net. He will need to continue improving his skating while being consistently more physical in order to play at the professional level.
Future
Larson will be returning to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for his senior year in the NCAA (CCHA). The big forward will see more overall playing time on one of the top two forward lines and should put up better offensive numbers. He will be looking to have his best year in the NCAA in order to receive an NHL entry level contract before the 2013 summer deadline.

