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2014 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #48: Nicholas Magyar

Nick Magyar

Position: Forward (C/RW)
Current Team: Kitchener Rangers, OHL
Date of Birth: May 29, 1996
Place of Birth: Mentor, Ohio
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 192 lbs
Shoots: Right

It’s always a nice surprise to see a player in these profiles who calls Ohio home. Even better, he’s got a toolset that makes him an attractive prospect for the Blue Jackets, particularly if he’s available in the late second round. A big bodied forward with some interesting playmaking ability, Magyar had a rough transition from the Midwest Elite league into the USHL, but seems to have found his game after he arrived in Kitchener, where he produced at a point per game pace. (Interestingly, he was being actively recruited by former Ohio State coach Mark Oseicki. Had he remained in the job, it’s very possible that Magyar might be in Columbus for his Freshman orientation as we speak.)

The Rangers missed the OHL playoffs, but Magyar was named to the OHL all rookie team, and seems primed for more success next season.

Having just turned 17, he’s at the younger end of the spectrum for this year’s draft, and some organizations may want to wait to see what another year of development might bring, but he seems like an excellent prospect for a team willing to play the long game.

Scouting Reports:

The right shooting Magyar can play both center and on the wing. He’s a big powerful forward who’s not afraid to use his size. He has strong hockey sense and very good vision. Magyar is very good at protecting the puck creating time and space for his teammates and combined with his vision he sets them up for scoring opportunities. He possesses a strong, heavy, accurate shot with a quick release. –In the O Radio

Why He’d Be A Good Fit In Columbus:

His strength on the puck and shooting ability is really clear when you watch video of his skating. Magyar looks like a guy who can create with or without the puck, and is comfortable playing with his size – no complaints or questions about his ability to ‘get big’ against an opponent. I’m genuinely a little confused why he’s so (relatively) low on the draft board – NHL Central Scouting has him as the 52nd ranked North American skater, but he seems to have a really well rounded game that has been growing as he gets more comfortable playing against older opponents.

We mentioned that Columbus could use some skill and speed on the wings down the depth chart, and Magyar brings that to the table – and I suspect this won’t be the only year we hear about him leading the Rangers in scoring before he takes the next step in his career.

Magyar In Action: