Frans Nielsen was drafted by the Islanders with pick #87. Spent two seasons in Bridgeport with some NHL time, then made the team for good. By age 24, after 2 NHL seasons, was getting noticed as a plus defender (Selke votes) but also starting to show some offensive skill.
Casey Cizikas was drafted by the Islanders with pick #92. Spent two seasons in Bridgeport with some NHL time, then made the team for good. By age 24, after 2 NHL seasons, was getting noticed as a plus defender (Selke votes) but also starting to show some offensive skill.
Cizikas is the replacement for Nielsen. Their playing style, skill set, and career trajectory are remarkably similar. Cizikas today is basically Nielsen of 7 years ago. There's a reason they locked him up for 5 years, the most unheralded but perhaps most important signing they have made this summer.