Artemi Nizameyev
2024-25 Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL)
Date of Birth: Nov. 20, 2005
Place of Birth: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Ht: 5-foot-10 Wt: 192 pounds
Shoots: Right
Position: Right Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 second-year eligible
Rankings
- NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings: 217th (among NA skaters)
- Foley’s Midseason 2025 NHL Draft Guide: 200th
Artemi Nizameyev is quickly becoming a name to watch as we approach the 2025 NHL Entry Draft coming up in June. Born on Nov. 20, 2005, in Chelyabinsk, Russia, he started his hockey journey with the Traktor Chelyabinsk organization, where he served as a team captain for several seasons. His leadership and skill stood out early, setting the foundation for a promising career at such a young age.
Now in his third season with the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Tri-City Storm, Nizameyev is known as one of the best danglers in arguably the best junior league in North America. He joined the Storm back in 2022-23, where he began adapting to the pace and physicality of North American hockey. That season, he put up 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 52 games under then-coach Anthony Noreen. Last season, in 2023-24, Nizameyev took a significant step forward, notching 49 points (16 goals, 33 assists) in 50 regular-season games, adding six points in five playoff appearances.
As of March 23, Nizameyev stands out as one of the most productive forwards in the USHL, putting up an impressive 50 points through 48 games (25 goals, 25 assists). His offensive contributions have been vital in the top six for the Tri-City Storm as they battle for a playoff spot. Elite Prospects projects him to finish the season with 60 points, though his final total could be even higher if the Storm make the playoffs. Currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference, holding the final playoff spot, the Storm are in a tight race, and Nizameyev’s ability to deliver in key moments will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their postseason hopes.
Another of the most impressive aspects of Nizameyev’s game is his discipline. Despite being an active and shifty winger who plays in all situations, he has accumulated just 31 penalty minutes over 48 games this season. His ability to avoid unnecessary infractions not only maximizes his time on the ice but also reflects his maturity as a young player. This kind of discipline is a rare and valuable trait for a prospect with his level of ice time and high-impact playing style.
Related: THW’s 2025 NHL Draft Guide
His high point totals can be attributed to his offensive explosion and ability to perform under pressure. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 192 pounds, Nizameyev relies on creativity and intelligence rather than size to make an impact. Known for his ability to read plays and adapt on the fly, he often positions himself perfectly to exploit defensive weaknesses. An elite dangler, Nizameyev’s hands are a weapon, allowing him to beat defenders with slick dekes and highlight-reel plays. His high shot power and fast, precise wrist shot make him a legitimate scoring threat from almost anywhere in the offensive zone. Add in his exceptional offensive vision and innate playmaking abilities, and you have a player who can not only finish plays but also create them with ease, especially on the breakout and zone entries.
@NHLFoley of RecScouting has Nizameyev at 91.9% on transition, which is hard to pass up in that department, while all of his scoring and shot generation percentages remain high too.
He already shows flashes of promise on the back-check, moving well and putting in the effort defensively. It’s just a matter of refining his awareness and becoming more effective without the puck. Competing in the NCHC next season will be a perfect opportunity to grow in these areas, and if he can tighten up his defensive game, he could really unlock his full potential as a two-way forward.
While currently ranked 217th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Nizameyev’s skill set, and upward trajectory make him a potential sleeper pick in the 2025 Draft. His knack for generating offense could translate well at the next level, especially on the power play, where his creativity and shot power make him a serious weapon.
Looking ahead, Nizameyev will reunite with head coach Anthony Noreen at Miami University next fall, joining a stellar 2025-26 recruiting class alongside talents like Shaun McEwen, Kocha Delic, David Deputy, Shika Gadzhiev, and Ryder Thompson. After a challenging season in which Miami failed to win a single NCHC game, Nizameyev is poised to play a pivotal role in the program’s rebuilding efforts. His dynamic offensive game will be a key asset in helping bring RedHawks’ hockey back where it belongs.
Artemi Nizameyev – NHL Draft Projection
Nizameyev is shaping up to be a sleeper pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. While not projected to go in the early rounds, he’s likely to fall within the 150-200 range, making him an excellent candidate as a late draft selection in the fifth to seventh rounds. With his dynamic offensive ability, disciplined play, and knack for transitioning the puck with elite efficiency, Nizameyev offers teams incredible value as a hidden gem who could outperform his draft position.
Other THW Draft Profiles
Quotables
“A shifty winger who gets on the puck a ton. Moves well on defense, follows the play, and jumps in quick. Can beat defenders head-on with his stickhandling but losing some control at top speed. Makes good passes but doesn’t necessarily look in sync. Killer shot, stout build. A fine talent to leave the late draft with.” – Gabriel Foley, Recruit Scouting
“Nizameyev’s game in a word: Dynamic. He does everything in motion, attacks at angles, and constantly changes pace. He circles high, slows down to bait the opponent to chase, then accelerates into the slot. Full-reach handling and backhand skill allow him to beat opponents with flashy moves or pass in the space under their sticks.” – Elite Prospects 2024 NHL Draft Guide
“Someone like Artemi — speaking a new language, being in a new country, a new group of teammates, new coaches — you grow up fast. He’s a guy that was good his first year, but you knew the potential was for him to be special.” – Miami University (OH) Head Coach Anthony Noreen on Nizameyev
Strengths
- Shifty and agile
- Speedster
- Power forward with elite stickhandling in tight
- High shooting accuracy/shot power
- Transition game/great on the rush
- Disciplined
- Playmaking ability/elite passing
Under Construction/Improvements to Make
- Overall defensive game
- Game away from the puck
- Controlling pucks on the rush
- Physical game
NHL Potential
Artemi Nizameyev has the raw talent and skill to develop into a special player, but his NHL future will depend heavily on how he grows his game in the coming years. Competing in the NCHC, widely regarded as the toughest NCAA conference alongside Hockey East, will challenge him to elevate every part of his play. To reach his full potential, Nizameyev will need to improve his defensive game, and play with more physicality on the forecheck.
Standing at 5-foot-10, Nizameyev shares similarities with fellow undersized Russian forward Matvei Michkov of the Philadelphia Flyers. Like Michkov, Nizameyev uses his creativity, quick hands, and sharp hockey sense to make plays that few others can. If he can combine those offensive strengths with more consistent defensive responsibility and a stronger physical edge, he could become a well-rounded and impactful player at the professional level.
His disciplined style and dynamic offensive talent already set him apart, but with continued development and a focus on his defensive game, Nizameyev has the chance to grow into a player who can make noise at the next level.
Risk-Reward Analysis
Risk – 2/5, Reward – 4/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense: 9/10 Defense 7/10
Awards/Achievements
- Districts Cup U15 Bronze Medal
- Districts Cup U15 Most Assists (15)
- Russia U17 Bronze Medal
Interviews/Links
Tri-City’s Roed, Nizameyev make NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings – Tri-City Storm
Artemi Nizameyev earns USHL Forward of the Week honors – Tri-City Storm
Tri-City forward Artemi Nizameyev announces commitment to Miami – Tri-City Storm
From Russia with Goals: Storm’s Nizameyev among USHL’s best – KearneyHub.com
Artemi Nizameyev Stats
Videos
