FRANS NIELSEN: FUTURE SELKE CANDIDATE
Dane developing into top two-way NHL player
Chris Botta on Twitter
When the Islanders return to the playoffs, Frans Nielsen‘s name will rightfully be mentioned when votes are placed for the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward. Nielsen is the Islanders’ best forward in the D zone and he is emerging as one of the best in the game.
“I take a lot of pride in keeping the other guys off the scoreboard,” said Nielsen, the 25-year-old center who leads the team with a plus-11 and is sixth on the Islanders in scoring with 9 goals and 19 assists.
“Frans has been a strong defensive player for a while now,” said head coach Scott Gordon. “There isn’t anybody I wouldn’t play him against. It’s a credit to how hard he has worked at it, plus he is someone with a good deal of skill who will continue to improve in the offensive end.”
As a result, Nielsen is every bit a fixture in this rebuild as some of his more hyped and earlier-drafted young teammates. The 2002 third round pick has been impressive in his own zone since joining the Islanders organization in the 2006-07 season. However, it wasn’t until the magnificent hockey writer and stats analyst James Mirtle posted a story at the end of January when many around the league realized how far the Dane had come in such short time.
There for everyone to see was the proof of Nielsen’s checking efforts. Using his calculus to determine the best defensive forwards in five-on-five and shorthanded situations, Mirtle ranked the young Islander third in the NHL – behind Daniel Alfredsson and Troy Brouwer and one place ahead of Patrick Marleau.
I asked Mirtle of the Toronto Globe & Mail for an explanation of his math (since, to be candid, I’d be lying if I told you I understood all this stuff). James was kind enough to write me before the Olympic break:
“The 1.60 (Nielsen’s grade) is like a goals against average for a player, but it’s only for even strength and shorthanded situations,” explained Mirtle. “The Islanders are almost never getting scored on when Nielsen is out there.”
Mirtle was then asked for his perspective specifically on Frans:
“Statistically speaking, Nielsen leads Islanders forwards in a ton of defensive categories. He faces the other team’s top lines most nights and has been on the ice for only fifteen 5-on-5 goals against all season. He’s also got great numbers on the penalty kill and should probably be used more often in that role.
“No one else on the Isles is close to make the top 30 in my ranking, which is unique around the league as players normally benefit from playing with one another. To me that says Nielsen’s been solid defensively with a whole bunch of different linemates.”
Again, keep in mind this exchange with Mirtle was prior to the Islanders’ struggles before and since the Olympic break. Like the rest of the Islanders, Nielsen’s numbers have suffered in every category as the team has lost 11 of its last 14 games. (Using the traditional plus/minus NHL math, Nielsen is minus-3 in those 14 games).
Nevertheless, he is a plus-11 on a team that runs the troubling gamut from understandably struggling teenage first-line center (John Tavares, -19) to veteran checking forward (Richard Park, -18).
Still, for Nielsen to be in such heady company with Alfredsson – and be so far ahead of the rest of his team – says a lot about the well-rounded player he has become.
He credits the Swedish Elite League for his education on defense.
“They play a lot of trap hockey in the Swedish League, but either way I think it’s the best defensive league in the world,” said Nielsen, who first played in the SEL as a 17-year-old. “When I first got there, I didn’t know much about defense. In Denmark, I had the puck a lot. But Malmo put me on the fourth line and told me, ‘Just focus on not letting the other team score.’
“The Swedes completely taught me how to be a responsible two-way forward. That’s where I also learned how to win faceoffs. By the last season in Sweden, I was top-five in the league. When I first got there, I couldn’t beat anybody on a draw.
“Now Scott (Gordon) has started to use me to match up against the other team’s top line. It’s a compliment and a challenge and a lot of fun. For me, shutting down the top scorers in the league is just as nice as scoring a goal.”
Comments on Frans Nielsen and this post. Comment Guidelines.
67 Responses to FRANS NIELSEN: FUTURE SELKE CANDIDATE
Dane developing into top two-way NHL player
-
Brian G says:
Frans Neilsen future Selke canidate is taking it a little too far, he is good but c’mon.
-
Spartiarti-RVC says:
Why not. He is +11 on a team full of minuses. that says alot. Bailey is the other.
Just think when isles get going in few years. Nielson will be plus 30.
-
mike1211 says:
well atleast SOMEONE in the organization is doing something right
-
Eastonhockey says:
Interesting read… That trap hockey he learned in Sweden must of been so boring…thank god go go Gordon doesn’t emphasize defense…
-
Mark P says:
Chris…..It looks like you are advocating Neilson to remain as a third line Center…..and of course JT as #1 or #2.
Do you think Shremp can be a top two center or is this wear the Islanders should look in FA if Seguin is not the pick? -
John says:
This team has their share of distributors up the middle – JT, Bailey, Schremp and Franzie. If they can get themselves some wingers to put some biscuits in the basket, things will get better. I was always looking at 2010-11 as the season this team must make the postseason. We have to pick up a top 6 forward and a top 4 Dman to go along with a top 4, preferably Fowler or Gudbrandson. Franzie is the least of this team’s worries.
-
NYICHAMP39 says:
Frans Neilson- future second line center on the Islanders and fourth line center on any other competitive team. He will never be considered for a Selke. While I like Neilson alot, lets be honest here. This story is a bit too optimistic.
-
Howard says:
CB, thanks for being the “glass half full” in another season of “glass half empty” fans and writers.
The “Great Dane” has been a bright spot this season and I hope mgmt is smart enough to keep him around as they continue the rebuild.
-
(Sim)ple says:
Now if we can just him some better linemates…
-
Nyles says:
According to Trottier, he is the best on the team. Well, at least Trots’ favorite (according to a dinner a friend of mine had with him)
-
IslesNation says:
Frans is a guy that gets a lot of grief from us fans because there are nights where he seems to blend in and not stand out. But the thing that I try to remind myself of when I start to get down on Fransy is how much this team loses when he goes down with an injury. The last few seasons, especially last year against the Devils when the Isles were on a little hot streak, his injuries have been a major deterrent for solid defense. Glad Nielsen is park of this rebuild and future.
-
LOL- too optimistic? Yes, heaven forbid CB discusses something a writer said that genuinely complimented one of the Isles players in comparison to all the other players in the league. I dont know- is it THAT hard for some of you to imagine an Islander winning the Selke? Peca did it in 01-02.
-
hockeytime says:
Frans is a very good player and glad to see him get some respect. I’ve rooted for him for a while now and he just keeps getting better. He is a bright spot on this team and just imagine if this team had an actual defense too.
-
JT says:
Frans has a low profile b/c you often don’t notice strong defensive play. It doesn’t make it to the scoresheet. His +/- on the third-worst team in the NHL is amazing. Let’s hope that he sticks around. Imagine his +/- on a good team. Hopefully, he eventually chips in 15-20 goals too.
-
He is the perfect 3rd-line center. I think asking him to be a 2nd-line guy is too much though. He’s not a consistent enough scorer for that role yet.
-
Doug says:
Love Fransy, and glad he’s getting the recognition he deserves. We still not a top OFFENSIVE forward though.. so frustrating.
-
Uncle Jr says:
Gotta agree with Jersey Steve … 2nd line center is asking too much for right now, but i love Franzy and hopefully this is the start of a great career for him with us.
-
Iron Islander77 says:
Great Article on an Islanderless day CB. I like Frans alot and hope he continues to improve. 15-20 goals a year out of Frans in a 3rd line roll would be great. I believe he can pull that off with the right line mates. In the current version of the Islanders, its hard to see anyone shine.
-
Jon in Chicago says:
So I’m gonna dream a little right now. In 2011-12, Nielsen wins the Selke, De Haan the Calder, Gordon the Jack Adams and Tavares and Okposo are All-Stars.
-
Kascycki's Krew says:
Who do I aspire to see Franzie become like ? In a perfect world, Bob Gainey? John Madden ?( former Devils/current Hawk not the football coach) Doug Jarvis ?
Every team needs a guy like this. He has a ways to go – and I see him as a third line center on an elite team….but the SHUTDOWN guy. # 51 is not a problem for the Isles.
-
Big supporter of Frans. I think he flies under the radar cuz he looks so effortless in his ummm efforts.
Excellent player but I do think offensive skills can be improved. I think its just added aggressiveness on offense and well…better linemates of course. -
Bill says:
seems a bit optimistic to me….Selke Trophy requires him to be a good two way forward. I don’t see him as a shut down guy and I don’t think he scores enough. If he is that good, I should see him on the ice more against teams like Pitt matching up against Crosby and other teams top lines. Instead, he gets fewer minutes and bad linemates.
Hopefully one day though….
-
ignore my post…im an idiot…it doesnt require him to be a good two way forward, that’s just what i look for
-
Chris TMC- Frans Neilson will never be close to as good as Peca was in his time in Buffalo or that first season on the Island. Its apples and oranges my friend. Frans is a good player but he will not be great. He wont be considered not because he is a BAD player but because there are so many other people in the NHL that are better and who will deserve it more on a yearly basis.
-
Matt says:
CB,
The article should have started as…. “When the Islanders return to the playoffs Nielsen will be 40 years old and retired, however……..”
-
But great article, i didnt want to take away from that, sorry
-
Eric says:
#7 Neilsen is not a 4th line player period. I think a lot of people including myself overlook defenisve qualities of a forward. They are more evident with Okposo because he is a wild skater, but Neilsen a more composed skater gets overlooked. He’s not a great goal scorer/point producer but the guy is a solid 3rd line center. Sure, I hope cb is right that neilsen can be a 2nd liner and possible selke candidate but I have him penciled in on the 3rd line with Shremp and Comeau.
-
50 in 50 says:
I love the opening line CB but I have to agree with a few above. Nielsen will be a likely candidate on a different team. By the time we rebuild to be a playoff contender Frans will be a grandfather, and Potvin will be carrying out the CUP for the 75th anniversary celebration
-
Hock says:
…has a nice shootout move too, but would like to see him mix it up with a “fake to the backhand and roof it with the forehand.” He scores!!!
-
todd says:
Now there’s a guy you can build a team around. Someone who “gets it” in the defensive zone. Not sure why so many people forget that defense wins you championships. If a team is minus the world, it means that either the players or the coach’s system need corrections. Guys that are -19 just aren’t focusing in the defensive zone. It’s about effort and focus, not “talent.”
-
Nielsen winning the Selke award is a bit of a stretch….But he is very good on the shootout….Just like Taveras he needs to be on a line with other good players….Hopefully that can happen in the future?
-
CJCB says:
As soon as i read stat analyst i clicked off the article. Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah I yearn for the day we dont have to hear about stats and stat leagues and how great these players with stats are. When all is said in done heart wins the championships and stats fall by the wayside.
-
Hoguefanclub says:
Kane and Stamkos had 23 and 21 goals respectively their rookie year and
(no disrespect) they weren’t playing with Okposo and Moulson. They had the likes of St. Louis and Lecalvier. So take it easy. Bailey would have been well on his way to 20 and he has 14 and is playing with great vision, very good two way player already. A lot of good signs including Neilson amd Okposo, Hillen and this years #1 should be able to contribute immediately. Go for Seguin. -
Jamie H says:
Wonder what will come first, Nielsen getting a nomination for the Selke or the Islanders making the playoffs. Tough call…
-
Chris16 says:
Great article CB. Thank god we do not have to rely on Newsday for information on this team. They are more concerned about live-blogging of a Yankees-Phillies preseason game than providing any Isles news.
-
Jim Clark says: Franz Nielsen is a big reason why the Islanders enjoy the 28th best record in the league.
-
RAMen says:
I think Frans would need to improve on face offs if he were to truly be a top notch checking center. I can’t speak to the hockey “cyber metrics” analysis.
-
tool123 says:
Good defensively but has AHL type offense….He is not a prospect anymore, 26 years old so what you see is what you get….He is a 3-4th line center at best, so Selke award, I dont think so!
-
Hockey1919 says:
Have to agree that Frans can be the perfect third line center, for those old enough, think Wayne Marrick. Nothing wrong with that from a third round pick.
-
Sean S says:
I believe that Nielsen is and has been one of the Islander’s MVPs these last three seasons and doesn’t get much credit when talking about the rebuild. He is just as important to the youth core as KO and JT are.
-
Alex says:
Good to see something positive, considering the past week or so.
-
UIF says:
Frans gets tossed around very easily on offense. He’s got the smarts in all three zones, for sure, but he desperately needs to add some pounds, imo.
-
doug says:
I can see many are getting a little testy but rightfully so…
-
GE of GN says:
Considering the number of minutes Nielson gets, you HAVE to be impressed by this:
“The Islanders are almost never getting scored on when Nielsen is out there.”
Fransy is a keeper for sure. Why would you NOT want to have a player like this on your team?
-
WM says:
Great – just 19 more players away from being a Cup contender.
-
Strummer's Army says:
Very nice to hear. He still has a lot of room to grow as a player because he has way more offense then he has been able to consistently show.
Botta, why do you think his offensive numbers aren’t where they should be yet? Is it simply the major lack of talent around him?
-
Madchef says:
just leave him out the whole game and we will have a shot at the playoffs,Lol. Dont know if I am looking forward to the Philly game.We are gonna get pushed around like a rag doll
-
#44 you comment made me reflect on the roster. I agree Frans need to add muscle but I couldn’t think of one Isle currently on the roster who didn’t need to……sadly.
-
Diane says:
It’s nice to see Fransy on that list. He’s been around for a few years but he’s never been a player that us fans notice for taking bad penalties or generally getting “in the way” so to speak. He’s not the biggest guy (lol) so he does get pushed around but it never stops him from trying to create some space or make a play. And obviously he’s got the shootout move we’ve benefitted from.
I think its great to see one of our young guys get some recognition for being responsible defensively. Keep it up Frans!!! -
rb says:
No reason Nielsen can’t become a John Madden-type player. Madden didn’t become an NHL regular until he was 26 years old. In 10 seasons, Madden’s only scored 20 goals twice (23 and 20).
Nielsen’s defensive play is even more impressive in person than on TV where you can’t see the whole ice.
You would think somebody like Tambellini or Bergenheim might take a hint and become a Jay Pandolfo type winger to compliment Nielsen. Because its the only way those guys will have any NHL success.
-
NYICHAMP39 (25): All CB said was that he would be a candidate, not even that he would win- and there are dozens of people throwing out every reason they can imagine why this is preposterous. It is not the preposterous notion some of you imagine it to be. As far as what kind of player Fransie will be I dont have the crystal ball some people do so I cant do what many of you are doing and speak with all this certainty about what he will not ever do in the future. All I know is what Mirtle brought up is factual, he complimented the kid on a job well done, and if he keeps himself at that level, there is no reason to presume that he will not ever be recognized for it.
-
Les Beaver says:
Nielson Rules.
-
Frans Dish says:
Nice to see a lil frans love out there
-
SneakyPete77 says:
If he was on a good team he would be well known and the Selke would belong to him. Frans is the type of player you find on Detroit. I wish we had a few more like him. Kudos to whoever found him and suggested we draft him. Whoever Milbury’s European scout was? Kallur?
-
Flal says:
Good article. I have also been impressed with Nielson’s work this year. People forget if you had 100 points, but were a minus 20, how much did you really help your team, except on the pp.
Nielson would probably be a perfect Devil. He is not flashy, but is pretty sound and definately FAR from one of the team’s problems. He earns his ice time, and his numbers are not bad (on this team) considering he does not gobble as much PP time as others.
Hopefully he continues to improve
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Nielsen: The last ray of light in a season quickly fading to black.
-
Ethan K says:
He probably won’t win a Selke trophy, because Pavel Datsyuk can win it until he retires. But if Nielsen can play half as good as Datsyuk, then he’ll be a great player. He doesn’t get a lot of ice time, and he’s more of a defense first guy, but you gotta like him on breakaways, he’s +11 on a weak team for a reason, and he can be a 45 point player. I’ll take that any day of the week.
-
Chris A says:
I liked this guy from the start I think he’ll be up there at the top in a few years. Hopefully we’ll see multiple Isles winning awards in the coming future
-
YabbaDabbaDooDoo says:
28 pts. on the offensive side does not a “Top two-way player” make.
Ahh… only in Wangworld.
Free yourself as quickly as you can, Franzy!
-
Gutty34 says:
Frans is a great player. teams that win have balanced scoring and equally effective PK’ers and shut down guys. He is the ultimate 3rd line center and we will appreciate this more in teh next 3 – 5 years. This is a rebuild and not our cup run year. Need to keep things in perspective. Team made great strides this year. Bailey and Frans show that we are starting to get the pieces. We need scoring and some D help but we have future stars in Tavares and Okposo, balance with Bailey and Frans, budding scorers in Schremp and hopefully Comaeu. Add Martin and Joensu to the future and we are well on our way. Patience folks. I know we were bummed we didnt move one goalie and question why we traded Sutton but there is a plan and Garth is sticking to it. Dont judge him until 5 years have passed. Milbury set us back 10 – 15 years but Snow has done an admirable job to turn the ship. If we had a new arena and legit revenue streams we would be able to do a bit more. I repeat…Snow has done a great job with what he was handed and with what he can spend year to year. We have a direction for once so behappy about that!
-
battfist says:
Frans is one of the few bright spots this season. Gordon deserves some credit.
Go Isles.
How about one of the young guns getting in a fight tonite….KO? Frans?
-
@CJCB – I know, heart wins championships, and not stats… but you know, I’d rather have a guy whose team outscores their opposition with him on the rink than a guy who doesn’t. I mean, does Park have more heart than Frans? Because he’s 29 goals worse at even-strength. Heart wins championships IF heart produces and prevents goals… and golly, but there’s a stat for that. And if you asked around the league, I’m sure there are ten times as many takers for Frans than Park.
I get that playing with heart and fire is preferable to just coasting on talent, but it is not a substitute for that talent. The Isles are a plucky set of kids, they have heart, they play hard, they’ve been competitive most of the year… and they have 60 points in the Lake Woebegone Hockey League, where everyone’s above-average. They need to get some more talent, the talent they have needs more experience, and then suddenly they will appear to have a whole lot more “heart,” primarily because they will no longer be the worst 5-on-5 and penalty-killing team in the league.
-
The kid has an awesome patented shot. No matter how much opposing goalies know what is coming, Franzie still scores!
-
Arbour Day says:
He has 28 pts, he is not a great 2 way player. He would be solid on a team like Chicago or Pitt, a team ready to win.
Thanks for the great read CB! Always love getting the insight into other great hockey writers, such as Mirtle. People tend to overlook the defensive play of forwards, myself included. I had noticed that he was solid in the defensive zone, but never would have imagined in the same class as Alfredsson. Keep up the great work CB and Frans