Nino Niederreiter is a Swiss professional ice hockey winger for the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected fifth overall by the New York Islanders in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest-drafted Swiss hockey player in NHL history at the time. Niederreiter made his NHL debut with the Islanders early in the 2010–11 season before being returned to his junior club, the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Prior to coming to North America, Niederreiter had played in the junior system of the Swiss team HC Davos and appeared in three playoff games for the senior club in 2010.
Nino Niederreiter
Nino Niederreiter
Niederreiter with the Winterhawks in November 2010
Niederreiter with the Islanders in September 2010
The 2010 NHL Entry Draft was the 48th NHL Entry Draft, held on June 25–26, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, home arena of the Los Angeles Kings. This was the first time Los Angeles hosted the NHL Entry Draft. An unofficial record of eleven American-trained players were selected in the first round, starting with Jack Campbell and ending with Brock Nelson. The record was set in the 2006 and 2007 drafts, where ten U.S.-trained players were selected in the first round.
Taylor Hall, selected first-overall, sits down with TSN's panel at the Draft
Calvin Pickard of the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) was the top-rated North American goalie.
Taylor Hall was selected first overall by the Edmonton Oilers.
Mikael Granlund was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild.
