Nick Oliver
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Birthday:
1991-05-04 |
Position:
C |
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Eligible for draft:
2009 |
Shoots:
Left |
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Drafted:
2009 |
Height:
6-3 |
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Acquired:
4th round (110th overall), 2009 |
Weight:
205 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- D
History
2008-09: A collarbone injury that he suffered back in November limited Nick Oliver’s appearances. He spent time with Roseau and the Fargo Force (USHL) this season. He appeared in 12 games with the Force posting a goal and an assist. In 11 games with the Rams, Oliver posted 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) and earned the team’s Oscar Almquist Award. He was also named an honorable mention to AP and Pioneer Press All-State teams as well.
2009-10: Oliver played another year in the USHL with the Fargo Force. He scored 5 goals, 13 assists for 18 points in 53 regular season games and added 95 PIMs. In 13 playoff games, Oliver managed 1 goal, 1 assist and 4 PIMs.
2010-11: Oliver skated in 56 of 60 games for Fargo in his second USHL season. Playing in an energy line, two-way role for the Force he scored 7 goals with 10 assists and was -2 with 64 PMs. Oliver played in all five playoff games as the Force reached the second round and was +1 with no points an 6 PMs.
2011-12: Oliver skated in 34 of 39 games for St. Cloud State as a freshman. Playing in mostly a lower line role early in the year, his role for the Huskies increased when fellow Nashville prospect Cam Reid left school in January to play in the WHL. Oliver scored 2 goals with 2 assists and was minus-three with 33 penalty minutes. After finishing sixth in the WCHA and struggling to stay above .500 for much of the season, the Huskies won 7 of their final 11 games, with two losses coming in overtime.
Talent Analysis
Oliver is a banging and crashing type of forward with size and grit. He can play both at center and on wing. Oliver brings a physical presence to his game, often delivering bone-jarring hits to opposing players. As he fills out his nearly 6’3 frame, he’ll become an even more intimidating force to be reckoned with. He is extremely competitive, works hard, and is never one to give up on the puck so easily. He also does an outstanding job of supporting plays as well. Oliver isn’t the prettiest skater, with long legs and a hunched-over style, but he does get around the rink quite well. One of Oliver’s best attributes is his shot. It’s accurate with a very quick release. He is very good around and has shown a knack for scoring the so-called “garbage” goals.
Future
Oliver will play his sophomore at St. Cloud State for the Huskies and is expected to improve his offensive game while creating space for his linemates. The big physical forward should have two more years of development at the NCAA level to work on his overall game.
