Does he really play similar to either guy, though? Even if you consider him a "lesser" version, he'd still have to play a somewhat similar game.
Wheeler is a legitimate high end playmaker. Nelson never struck me as a guy who was very creative or very good at passing. His bread and butter seems to be as a goal scorer. And vanRiemsdyk scores most of his goals in front of the net. Nelson doesn't really seem to drive the net or set up shop within 5 feet of the net.
That actually brings up an interesting discussion. If Nelson wasn't so soft or was more consistent in his offensive game, which current star player does he resemble the most, stylistically speaking? Maybe I'm off, but I don't see either Wheeler or JVR in Nelson, even when Nelson's on his game.
Eh, it was late at night... I wasn't trying to find an exact stylistic player as much as looking at players of similar physical stature. I was mostly addressing Nelson and his lack of balance and strength. Both JVR and Wheeler are similarly tall rangy players with good mobility like Nelson, but both are significantly stronger on their feet, stick and bodies overall.
My point is if Nelson improved his strength and balance he would be closer to them in their ability to maintain the puck and his balance. Do I think that would translate to the same level of production, no because they are both much better players.
Stylistically I would say Nelson is closer to JVR (Shooter) than Wheeler (Playmaker and overall bigger). JVR has put up 30 goals a couple of times and averaged in the 50-62 point range the past 3-4 years. Nelson with his mentioned flaws has averaged 22 goals 42 points. If he addressed the issues I mentioned, I don't think putting up 25 goals and 50 points would be outlandish. I would put that as a "lesser JVR." Wheeler is in the 70-80 point stratosphere, Nelson would need some Bruce Banner style Gamma Rays to get there.
EDIT: Forgot to mention... I actually feel like he does go to the net at the beginning of the year and that's how many of his goals are scored early on. In his second year, He had 3-4 bounce off of him from Boychuk shots. As the season progresses he seems to get rocked regularly and start shying away.