I mentioned in an earlier update that it was said that if this player wasn't available, the Islanders would make a trade to go to a later pick. It was said that Cam Fowler moving down would be unlikely. However, it happened and the Isles took someone different. Nino Niderreiter, a right wing from Switzerland was taking out of the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League with the 5th selection in the NHL Draft, becoming the highest picked Swiss player in draft history.
Here's the Scouting Report on Niederreiter from NHL.com:
Director of NHL Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire
"Plays in Portland but showed the world how good he could be in the (World Junior Championship) playing for the Swiss National Team. And after that tournament he kept getting better. He's shifty, he's skilled, he has a good stride and he loves battling in the corner."Portland Winterhawks head coach and GM Mike Johnston
"Nino is a combination of a power forward and scorer. He's a guy who can play a very physical, very involved game. He has touch around the net, he has great instincts on where to be around the net and when he gets the puck on his stick he usually creates scoring chances or a goal. He's a player who, personality-wise, is a great teammate, a real key focal point for the group. And he's becoming a better two-way player."
Just for the heck of it, here are some personal favorites of the new Islander prospect:
NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Player: Ilya Kovalchuk and Vincent Lecavalier
Shootout move: "Every time is different, but I like forehand and backhand"
Goal celebration: "Just put the hands in the air"
Video Game: NHL ‘10
Movie: Cool Runnings, I Can Do Bad All by Myself
TV Show: Jerry Springer
Cartoon: Hey Arnold
Website: facebook.com, youtube.com
Pump-up song: "Elements of Live" by DJ Tiesto
Restaurant: Moxies
Activity away from the rink: Bowling and hanging out with friends
Breakfast food: Toast and Nutella
Superhero: Roger Federer
Ah Switzerland! Where Roger Federer is really a superhero. More to come.