Player Discussion: Sami Niku

[Jimby]

Showcasing Poolman.

 

[Daximus]

Then why wouldnt they let him play with the Moose tonight?

Could be keeping him out of the lineup.

 

[KingBogo]

Then why wouldnt they let him play with the Moose tonight?

Agreed.

 

[KingBogo]

Could be keeping him out of the lineup.

This was my 1st thought. But the question is why? To showcase with the Jets or to not risk injury?

 

[Gabe Kupari]

Showcasing Stanley and Comrie .

 

[Daximus]

Showcasing Stanley and Comrie .

Just tuned in to the game. Figure I might as well get a read on whose playing well down by 1 already..

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I assumed they would let him play tonight. This is interesting.

I assume they will continue to see that he gets plenty of rest.

 

[ps241]

I assume they will continue to see that he gets plenty of rest.

No he is in tonight. Sounds like Buff is out.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

No he is in tonight. Sounds like Buff is out.

Yeah, saw that in the GDT. Hadn't heard about Buff. Thought Sami was just called up because of Morrow.

Good to see Sami back in. Shame that Buff needs to get hurt for that to happen.

I know that he plays the right side a lot, maybe even most of the time, but he should not be behind Morrow on the depth chart.

 

[Farmboy Patty]

Niku was the best jet on ice against the Avs. It may not seem like a great achievement, considering how bad the whole team played around him, but it actually makes his performance even more impressive IMO. I can't help but wonder how good he would be by now if he had played instead of Morrow all season.

 

[Gil Fisher]

How 'bout this kid's game. Better and better every night!

 

[Whileee]

How 'bout this kid's game. Better and better every night!

He's been really good lately. Tonight was his best game. His puck retrieval and movement is top class. Still needs some work without the puck, but his gap control is very good.

 

[bustamente]

Very encouraged with his play, a few tweeks here or there and more game experience and I feel he should be ready to be counted on next year, and we might really need him

 

[LaScheifers]

He's been really good lately. Tonight was his best game. His puck retrieval and movement is top class. Still needs some work without the puck, but his gap control is very good.

I'll say this niku is gonna be awesome

I really dont want to trade him

 

[FonRiesen]

It's a travesty that it's taken so many injuries is order for him to play. He has a bright future now, and he'd better be staying in the lineup for the rest of the season/playoffs!!!

 

[Jetfaninflorida]

Now with Morrissey out, it really shows what a mistake it was to delay Nikus development with his extended press box assignment.

 

[Neuf]

Now with Morrissey out, it really shows what a mistake it was to delay Nikus development with his extended press box assignment.

Yeah it's trial by fire now when we could have had him up to speed by sitting Morrow

 

[StumpyTown]

I disagree with the pressbox complaints with Niku. I love his style and his game as he really reminds me of a guy named Numminen back in the day with his smooth skating, puck handling, and cerebral play. Because he appears to me to such a smart player the time in the box may have been just as beneficial as being on the ice this early in his career. That being said, I think now is the time for him to shine and apply all the theoretical knowledge he as acquired studying the game.
This kid is really, really good and is likely a top pairing guy for this team next year, barring some major changes to what is expected with Trouba and Meyers.

 

[Ducky10]

He's been really good lately. Tonight was his best game. His puck retrieval and movement is top class. Still needs some work without the puck, but his gap control is very good.

Without the puck when the Jets have it or when they don't? I think one of the most underrated parts of his game is his play away from the puck when the Jets gain possession, he is very good at providing a relief option.
In comparison to half his peers on the blueline, his defensive positioning is a minor shortcoming.

 

[blues10]

He is really starting to show some promise. So glad Chevy didn't involve him in any trade for a rental. I have no clue what his fancy stats look like but the eye test shows some really good upside here.

He is playing with Ben Chiarot. Remember the Myers /Chiarot pairings of the past. This alone is a positive as the pair appears to be doing what is asked of him.

I know there is discussion of him playing the right side if Trouba departs but he may also look very good beside Buff too.

 

[Kaako Kappo]

Haven't noticed him much. At least in his own end. That's great news when it comes to a dman.

 

[HoistTheCup]

Seems sloppy with the puck tbh

 

[JetsUK]

Seems sloppy with the puck tbh

Of all possible complaints about Niku this seems the least obvious to me. His puck management is one of his clear strengths, IMO, and already superior to most Jets D.

 

[Ducky10]

Of all possible complaints about Niku this seems the least obvious to me. His puck management is one of his clear strengths, IMO, and already superior to most Jets D.

Makes plays that most if not all of the current D can't make. His puck management is largely why he should stay in the lineup.

 

[Fastfrde]

From my perspective, the “sloppy with the puck” perception, is sometimes he tries to make very difficult touch passes, he can probably make those in the A. More experience in the big league will remove those from his game in danger areas, but overall his play has been very good.