Jani Nyman

Born: 2004-07-30

Team: Ilves

Position: Right Wing

Shoots: Left

Height / Weight: 6-2 / 194

OBSERVATIONS: MAY 15, 2021

The 16-year-old winger had a pretty good season in the U20 league. It was evident that it took some time for him to adjust to the speed and tempo of the league, however he started to look more comfortable towards the end of the season and got a fair amount of opportunities on the top two lines. Nyman is a big, strong winger with goal-scoring potential. He shoots with a purpose and his release is both quick and heavy. He is strong along the boards and he can use his reach as leverage to protect the puck. He shows good edge work and has a clean stride. If he can improve his quickness and mobility he will be more dangerous in offensive transitions and on the rush. And that’s a scary thought. Stylistically, Nyman’s small-ice maneuverability, stickhandling skills and ability to protect the puck down low are somewhat reminiscent of Kaapo Kakko. Nyman could be one of the top players for Ilves U20 next season, as well as on the Finnish U18 national team.

REPORT: JOKERIT @ ILVES, JANUARY 29, 2020

Nyman was one of the driving forces for Ilves U18 as they beat Jokerit 7-4. The third Ilves goal started after he stopped an opposing rush with an interception in the neutral zone. He scored a nice goal where he received the puck in the neutral zone, maneuvered around two opponents and finished off with a precise far-side wrist shot. He is a high-volume shooter, he shoots the puck hard and with good precision. The most impressive thing was his stickhandling as he had soft hands and puck touch. He generated multiple zone entries but not many zone exits which has been the case in my previous viewings. He’s a strong skater with good mobility and strong edges, and he can beat defensemen with speed or skill. Nyman’s attributes and style of play remind me of Mikko Rantanen, even though Rantanen was more physical at the same age.

REPORT: ILVES @ HIFK U18, JANUARY 5, 2020

Nyman had an excellent performance in a 3-1 win against HIFK U18. He was smart at both ends of the ice, involved in several good offensive opportunities and had lots of puck touches. He made a few nice passes from down low in the offensive zone. With the exception of a sloppy pass that led to a dangerous HIFK counter attack, he was able to execute an efficient passing game. He was strong in the corners and along the boards as it was tough to get the puck away from him in those areas. His stickhandling was really good and he had the ability to maneuver with the puck under pressure. He forechecked with intensity and hunted down pucks. He was alert and reliable in his own end, too. Nyman showed he can impact a game without scoring.