http://www.niagarathisweek.com/sports-story/5573897-marlies-sign-nichols/
I saw him play a bit but don't know much about him
I saw him play a bit but don't know much about him
Marlies sign Storm's Goalie Justin Nichols
- Thread starter cw
- Start date
Heroic Shrimp
Active member
cw said:
You know so little about him that his name isn't even Matt, it's Justin.
Can't say I know anything about him. Hope it's a good signing.
WhatIfGodWasALeaf
Well-known member
Seems like a smart move, I'm all for adding free lotto tickets.
Some information on him/the signing from TheLeafsNation:
1. He played on the 2012-13 Soo Greyhounds managed by Mr. Kyle Dubas and Dubas was the GM who drafted him into the OHL. So he's certainly a familiar asset.
2. He's 5'9, so he's teeny tiny by goaltender standards. Hopefully this is what has held him back from getting more attention and he's in fact the most talented goaltender of his generation.
3. While his numbers don't leap off the page at you (.907 save percentage) the number of games he played does (59 GP, 86% of the season). OHL goaltending stats are rarely impressive, but what is a bit more impressive is a team forgoing a tandem in junior in favour of one goaltender.
4. Nichols is the second Guelph Storm goaltender in the Leafs system (Garret Sparks being the other). Both of the goaltenders worked with Matt Smith, he may be a name to watch for as someone who eventually joins the Leafs in some capacity.
While I may be reaching at optimism here, Nichols is another worthwhile, no risk signing, with some potential for upside. It is a safe bet that Nichols won't see much time with the Marlies in the 2015-16 season due to current goaltending depth and will be Orlando bound. If Reimer or Bernier are moved and one of the Leafs current AHL goaltenders is promoted to NHL backup there is the potential for Nichols to see more work, but he will likely be the ECHL backup next season.
Probably not really anything to get all that excited about. He was also only signed to a try-out contract, so there's no guarantee at this point that he'll be anywhere in the organization next season.
1. He played on the 2012-13 Soo Greyhounds managed by Mr. Kyle Dubas and Dubas was the GM who drafted him into the OHL. So he's certainly a familiar asset.
2. He's 5'9, so he's teeny tiny by goaltender standards. Hopefully this is what has held him back from getting more attention and he's in fact the most talented goaltender of his generation.
3. While his numbers don't leap off the page at you (.907 save percentage) the number of games he played does (59 GP, 86% of the season). OHL goaltending stats are rarely impressive, but what is a bit more impressive is a team forgoing a tandem in junior in favour of one goaltender.
4. Nichols is the second Guelph Storm goaltender in the Leafs system (Garret Sparks being the other). Both of the goaltenders worked with Matt Smith, he may be a name to watch for as someone who eventually joins the Leafs in some capacity.
While I may be reaching at optimism here, Nichols is another worthwhile, no risk signing, with some potential for upside. It is a safe bet that Nichols won't see much time with the Marlies in the 2015-16 season due to current goaltending depth and will be Orlando bound. If Reimer or Bernier are moved and one of the Leafs current AHL goaltenders is promoted to NHL backup there is the potential for Nichols to see more work, but he will likely be the ECHL backup next season.
Probably not really anything to get all that excited about. He was also only signed to a try-out contract, so there's no guarantee at this point that he'll be anywhere in the organization next season.
Highlander
Well-known member
Hope it signifies the departure of Bernier, either Bibeau or Gibson (or rotate them) comes up and backs up Reimer. Sparks moves to the Marlies and Nicols starts earning his keep in Orlando. Nice scenario, especialy if we can get a 2nd for Knuckles (a la Joe Bowden)
GhostofPotvin29
Well-known member
Highlander said:
Heroic Shrimp said:cw said:
You know so little about him that his name isn't even Matt, it's Justin.
Can't say I know anything about him. Hope it's a good signing.
Thinking of the Leafs past strength and conditioning coach Matt Nichol I guess, though I thought I copied the headline ...
bustaheims
Well-known member
Highlander said:
It's not an NHL contract, so . . . no. It's a depth move, not a pre-cursor move.
Highlander
Well-known member
We can only hope, I don't see Bernier as the answer. If he stays he will go 4 or 5 season being peppered with shots. Although he seems to thrive on high shots against. He will burn out without any chance of a cup. Sort of like us.
WhatIfGodWasALeaf
Well-known member
I would not be upset if either Leafs goalie is moved for a decent return, at the same time I think you're selling very low.
I think both have enough ability to be starters on good teams.
I think both have enough ability to be starters on good teams.
Redleaf
Well-known member
Highlander said:
I think Bernier will be fine. Played poorly on a piss poor team. Carey Price wouldn't have fared much better backstopping this squad.
seahawk
New member
It's an amateur try-out contract same as Matt Rupert. He was signed as Sparks is getting the bulk of the playing time with Orlando in the ECHL playoffs. I highly doubt he plays especially with Gibson and Bibeau ahead of him.
Highlander
Well-known member
Bernier even said this season that "he has to be mentally tougher". My point in pro sports is by 26 you better have that figured out.
rjd
Well-known member
Highlander said:
I think goalies are a bit different. I think moreso than any other position a goalie can "get it" later and become successful.
Highlander
Well-known member
I think we could garner at least a 2nd for Bernier. I understand Goalies are different kettle of fish, heck Bower was great in his late 30's and perhaps Bernier will be a great one. Just not my gut feeling.
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