Charlie Coyle or Nino Niederreiter: The Battle for Top 6 Forward
During the season, I’ll be pleased to bring you game recaps. Before I transition to my new role, I wanted to bring you a follow-up to the Nino Niederreiter coverage from earlier this week.
When I asked our readers where we thought Niederreiter might find his role with the Wild, An overwhelming majority of you responded with second line winger. While I certainly agree, that spot was held by Charlie Coyle for most of the year. Zach Parise, Mikael Granlund, Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, and Mikko Koivu are heirs-apparent to five of the top six spots, leaving space for one forward to round out the top six. Who should it be, Wild fans? Charlie Coyle or Nino Niederreiter?
Mar 22, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild center Charlie Coyle (3) scores a penalty shot goal in the third period against the Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard (35) at Xcel Energy Center. Detroit Red Wings wins 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Charlie Coyle: From Weymoth to the Wild:
Born and raised in Weymouth, Massachusetts, Coyle grew up playing hockey at many levels. In 2009, Coyle starred on the South Shore Kings, a tier III junior team based in Foxboro, MA. scoring 23 goals to go along with a stunning 72 points in just 47 games, Coyle established himself as a high draft pick leading to the 2010 NHL entry draft. Coyle entered the 2010 draft as the 24th ranked North American skater. Coyle was ultimately taken 28th overall in the talent laden draft, 19 picks after the Wild took Granlund. Following the draft, Coyle moved on to Boston University for the 2010-2011 season. In 43 games over parts of two seasons with the Terriers, Coyle Posted 40 points (10G-30A.)
One year after being drafted, the unsigned Coyle was traded to the Wild along with Devin Setoguchi and a first round pick in the 2011 NHL draft for stud defenseman Brent Burns and a second round pick in the 2012 NHL draft. Coyle was quickly signed by the Wild to an entry level deal carrying a $900,000 yearly cap hit. That deal expires after this season. Coyle went on to play one season with the St. John’s Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before joining the Wild for parts of the 2012-2013 season.
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Finishing 17th in Calder voting after the lockout shortened 2012-2013 season, Coyle enjoyed a breakout season with the Wild in 2013-2014, splitting time on the top three lines and moving between center and right wing.
The playoffs were even better for Coyle, scoring 3 goals to go with 4 assists through 13 games.
Jan 21, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing Nino Niederreiter (22) waits for play to begin against the Dallas Stars during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Wild 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nino Niederreiter: The Swiss Sniper
We’ve covered Nino quite a bit in recent days, and the links below will help fill you in more.
Originally from Chur, Switzerland, Niederreiter played junior hockey with HC Davos of the Swiss Under-18 and Junior League from 2006-2009, Posting well over point-per-game numbers. In 2009, Niederreiter chose to transfer to the Portland Winterhawks of the gritty, hard-nosed Western Hockey League. There, Niederreiter found continued success and a nose for the net, with 77 goals and 53 assists for a staggering 130 points in 120 games over two seasons.
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Selected by the New York Islanders 5th overall in the 2010 NHL entry draft, Niederreiter became the highest drafted Swiss born player in NHL history.
Failing to live up to his expectations on Long Island and spending the formative years of his NHL career in the minors, Niederreiter was ultimately traded to the wild for Cal Clutterbuck and a draft pick. Although Clutterbuck was a fan favorite who wasn’t afraid to drop the gloves, he never played a full season in Minnesota or broke the 20 goal threshold.
Playing in 81 games last season, Niederreiter gained true form, playing on multiple lines almost exclusively at Right Wing. A large portion of that time was spent on the 3rd line.
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Putting it all together
Let’s start by looking at a side by side comparison of the two during the 2013-2014 season with some advanced stats, thanks to our friends at War On Ice. The table below shows data for all situations, not just 5 on 5.
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As you can see, the two players are quite similar. Both averaged over a point per 60 minutes played, a positive Fenwick, and a positive Fenwick relative. Niederreiter gets the advantage in both goals and assists, which also gave him a higher points per 60 minutes played average.
That being said, we’re looking at different players. Coyle plays a majority of the time at right wing, but spent parts of the season at center, something Niederreiter didn’t do. Although neither player is afraid to get in to dirty areas, It seemed throughout the season the Niederreiter could be found camped out near the crease in the offensive zone. Additionally, it is nearly impossible to compare two players that have yet to reach their prime. I certainly don’t envy Mike Yeo for the decisions he has to make when forming lines; but as a Wild fan I’m more than excited to see the opportunity for two young, skilled players to battle it out for a coveted top six position. No matter what player ends up there, we can look forward to three great lines.
You’ve seen the data and you’ve seen them play. Both have undeniable heart and tremendous upside. Who wins the spot? take the poll and give us your reasons in the comments below!