Irishjim Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Mike Halford Nov 28, 2012, 12:00 PM ESTYou might want to file away the name Darnell Nurse for future reference.The Sault Ste. Marie defenseman was featured prominently in NHL Central Scouting’s preliminary rankings for the 2013 draft — Nurse came in as the OHL’s top-ranked blueliner and the second best skater in the league, behind Ottawa sniper Sean Monahan.The 6-foot-4, 190-pound Nurse credits his parents for teaching the importance of training and staying fit, and cites his uncle as a major influence in his life.That uncle would be Donovan McNabb, the six-time Pro Bowl QB.“My uncle has always been there for me,” Nurse told NHL.com. “No matter if I had a question being away from home for the first time, or working out over the summer.“He’s been someone I’ve always been able to reach out to … he’s a big person in my life.”Speaking of big, it’s Nurse’s size that has scouts excited about his potential — and has many drawing comparisons to Philadelphia Flyers blueliner Chris Pronger.NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards made the Pronger comparison and said Nurse’s ability to skate well and play physical are big reasons why.“Anytime you get a guy his size, who skates as well as [Nurse] does and plays a physical game, it’s fun to watch,” Edwards said. “In the one game at Guelph, I saw him fight twice and he did very well in both. The fights happened while both players were going for the puck and they just got into it. He handles himself very well.“I like everything about this guy, and defensemen like him are hard to find.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackStraw Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Shows some nice skating and skill at about 0:55. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jammer2 Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I saw him last year as a rookie, he impressed me. This season, have only been to a few games, have not seen the Sault. Work is just crushing me, no time to go....so I'm really out of the loop on the OHL right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Nurse looks like he's going to be a very good NHL defenceman. I've seen him play a couple of times and you really notice him in a good way. He's an excellent skater for a big guy though I'm not so sure about 2nd best in the league. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 Nurse looks like he's going to be a very good NHL defenceman. I've seen him play a couple of times and you really notice him in a good way. He's an excellent skater for a big guy though I'm not so sure about 2nd best in the league.He is currently slotted at #23. If the season is cancelled, how does the draft work (same picking order as last year?)? Wouldn't it be a hoot if we drafted him (we had the 20th pick last year)?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyercanuck Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 @Vanflyer The Flyers? Draft a defenceman in the first round? I highly doubt it. I'd like to see them do a lottery for 1-10, 11-20, 21-30. And NOT behind closed doors. But ya, they'd likely go with last years standings, which sucks. No way should Edmonton pick first yet again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vanflyer Posted December 2, 2012 Share Posted December 2, 2012 No way should Edmonton pick first yet again.I totally agree. They have become the Penguins north of the border!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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