Matt Nieto
Position: Left Wing
Goals: 10
Assists: 8
Age: 25
Matthew Nieto is the third component of what has been the Colorado Avalanche’s most consistent line through most of the season. He’s a player who skates really well — when I see him in practice, I’m sometimes surprised at how much speed he has in him.
Nieto also handles the stick well and doesn’t make any egregious mistakes — this is notable in a team that makes a lot of huge mistakes. Indeed, his turnover ratio is 14:8, or +6. He’s another player who sees time on the penalty kill. Likewise, 68.2% of his zone starts are in the defensive zone.
Matt is also the youngest of his three linemates and another one for not breaking too easily. He’s finishing out his one-year contract worth $1 million. After that, he’s a restricted free agent.
I could see a team wanting him for a little forward depth. As a boon, if he fits in well with the team, they could extend his contract or re-sign him easily. Maybe they’d give up a fourth or fifth rounder.