Posts About "Matt Nieto"
The Avalanche Should Re-Sign Nieto at the Right Price
October 8th, 2020 Entering the 2020 offseason with $22.4 million in cap space, some believed the Colorado Avalanche would make a splash in free agency. However, with several key restricted free agents, the idea of spending elsewhere remains a long shot. General manager Joe Sakic made a clear statement on draft night to emphasize that...
Oilers Need to Prepare for an Alex Chiasson Drop Off
August 21st, 2019 The 2018-19 season was one to remember for Alex Chiasson. Despite just coming off a season in which he got to raise the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals for the first time in his career, last season may have been more memorable. He set career highs in points and goals totaling 22 goals, 16 assists and 38 points. Even with the...
Meet the Colorado Avalanche's Unsung Heroes
November 22nd, 2018 Amid all the hoopla surrounding the Colorado Avalanche’s dangerous top forward line, the less glamorous role of reliable workhorse has been lost in the shuffle. It’s great to have a top scoring trio like the Rocky Mountain Line but there is more to winning hockey games than just scoring flashy goals. Sometimes, a team ends up with...
3 Blue Jackets Deadline Predictions
February 24th, 2017 The Columbus Blue Jackets are an interesting team to watch at the NHL trade deadline. That's because we're really not sure how they'll handle things leading up to the deadline. On one hand, the Blue Jackets are in a solid playoff spot. As such, they are a buyer. On the other hand, they're still a young team who many consider a year...
Wingels Trade Puts Sharks' Future in Motion
January 26th, 2017 Time was ticking since the start of training camp for Tommy Wingels. Last season, the physical forward was often scratched from the lineup by San Jose Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer. More of the same from Wingels was seen again this season as his play did not satisfy DeBoer, leading to healthy scratches. Like former teammate, Matt Nieto,...
Nieto’s Departure Start of Roster Shakeup
January 7th, 2017 Matt Nieto’s time with the San Jose Sharks is over. The former second-round pick in 2011 was placed on waivers during the week. His departure was long overdue as he quickly fell out of favor when Peter DeBoer took over as head coach. With the replenishment of the Sharks’ farm system, prospects have been knocking at the door to crack...
San Jose’s Speed Problem
January 6th, 2017 Last season, the San Jose Sharks lost in the Stanley Cup Final against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Many observers noted Pittsburgh’s superior team speed as a key reason for their championship. Funny thing about speed in hockey, though. Speed is not enough. The Sharks are a case study for this. Speed Doesn’t Kill Two of the...
Sharks' Special Teams, Line Shake-Ups & Hertl
December 29th, 2016 The San Jose Sharks are starting to find consistency. Despite a logjam currently in the Pacific Division, San Jose is slowly gaining separation from the pack, having won seven of their past eight games. While even-strength play has carried the bulk of the Sharks’ offense, special teams have been non-existent. The offense has been a...
Speculation Rises For Sharks Top Trade Candidates
December 26th, 2016 The San Jose Sharks are in a good spot. They have pushed themselves to the top of the Pacific Division in time for the Christmas break. Further, they have added two rookie forwards to the roster and both are panning out. While the Sharks are in a good spot, there is a fly in the ointment. It is the salary cap. Currently, Tomas Hertl...
Expansion Draft Scenarios for Sharks
December 26th, 2016 The Vegas Golden Knights will arrive next season. Well-managed NHL teams have considered the impact of expansion since the expansion draft rules were finalized. Players have been, or will be traded, waived or bought out based upon the expansion draft rules agreed to by the NHL and the NHLPA. Twenty-six of the NHL’s 30 teams have at...
Sharks' Compete Level a Concern
November 18th, 2016 Before embarking on a six-game road trip, the San Jose Sharks left SAP Center with a bitter taste. Three consecutive losses left coach Peter DeBoer searching for answers with a struggling Sharks offense. Given the talent on the roster, DeBoer was juggling lines desperate to find a breakthrough. NHL teams are bound to have off-nights...
The Sharks Strange Twelfth Man Debate
November 3rd, 2016 The San Jose Sharks have used just 19 skaters this season. All six defensemen and 11 of the 12 forwards have played all 10 games. It is the 12th forward spot which conjures up an atypical debate. Matt Nieto started the season in this spot and has played five games. Micheal Haley has played the other five. Contrasting Styles The...
Where Does Matt Nieto Fit in the Sharks 2016-17 Lineup?
September 28th, 2016 Speedy winger Matt Nieto was selected by the Sharks in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft (47th overall), with many hoping that he would one day become a top-six scoring winger. Three years into his NHL career and the 23-year-old Nieto had what some could define as an up and down season in 2015-16. In October, Coach Pete...
