DARNELL NURSE - D - , SAULT STE. MARIE, OHL (CANADA)
ISS OVERALL RANKING: 6th - CSS RANK (N.A. ONLY):4th
HT: 6'5" - WT: 192
DOB: 2/4/95 BIRTHPLACE: GRANDVIEW, MAN
SHOOTS: L
STATISTICS:
Things scouts and other professional/amateur observers said about him:
PRO:
"In your face, shutdown D-man; equally lethal from point. All tools to be a top player at next level." - ISS Hockey
"It is simply amazing to see that he has gone from getting ten points in 53 games last year, to having over 300% more at the same time this season, including ten goals. "
"Nurse can also play quite physically, using his 6'5" frame to his advantage, indicative by getting into a fight with Curtis Lazar at the Top Prospects Game."
"Combining an elite professional athlete pedigree with dynamic on-ice skills, already-manifested leadership capabilities, and pure freakish physicality, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ blueliner Darnell Nurse looks to be the prescription for success for one lucky NHL franchise." - Jason Manard
"Huge and highly mobile defenceman is just starting to tap into his massive
potential. He’s already a shutdown defender who can physically dominate games down low. Keeps the
crease clear and shows excellent defensive awareness and positioning. Has a long wingspan and plays
with an active stick, clogging passing lanes. Closes gaps quickly, angles men to corners, and has quick
feet to contain smaller, shifty forwards. Strong in coverage. Doesn’t activate much yet in the offensive
end, but makes rocket outlet passes and has some offensive upside." - Redline Report
Despite 11 goals to date, Carneiro explained that some still question Nurse’s offensive upside — though he added that he’s not one of them.
“The one knock that you hear about Darnell is about what the high end of his offensive game will be,” he said. “He’s going to be a great shutdown defender, but though he’s in good shape, he hasn’t filled out yet.
“That offensive game will come — I think he’s got a lot of potential, and I wouldn’t discount his offensive upside." - Victor Carneiro, Greyhound Scout
"Nurse’s offensive game has really blossomed this season. He showed off his big time point shot and one timer, scoring 12 goals in 69 games. Nurse became really effective at keeping his shot low, getting it through and on net, and generating opportunities for rebounds and tip-ins in front of the net. He also effectively utilizes a good wrist shot and release when he doesn’t have time to load up the slapshot. Nurse has also improved his puckhandling skills, and shows more poise and patience in controlling the play at the blueline. He walks the line well, and uses his lateral mobility to open up shooting and passing lanes. With good vision, and improving passing skills, he is developping his ability as a powerplay quarterback, but at this point he is more of a trigger man, than a guy who controls the play at the blueline. With Sproul leaving the Greyhounds next season, Nurse may be asked to transition into that quarterback role as he’ll be the primary threat at the back end."
"A fantastic natural athlete, Nurse’s skating is elite given his size. He has excellent edgework, pivots, and agility. This allows him to transition quickly and cover all areas fo the ice. He can change direction very quickly, allowing him to close space in an instant, and throw big hits. He has good speed moving forward and backwards, and an above average first step and acceleration."
"Nurse has terrific size and uses it effectively in his own end. He’s a big hitter who can strike fear into opposing players as they come down his end of the ice. He wins board battles and effectively leans on opposing players and clears the front of the net. His mobility makes him very difficult to beat one on one off the rush. He uses his size and an active stick to cut down passing lanes, and willingly sacrifices his body blocking shots. Nurse has been seen as a shutdown defence prospect and has continued to improve this aspect of his game. Going forward, he can stand to bulk up and add muscle to his frame, allowing him to be even more effective physically."
"Nurse’s style is reminiscent of Dion Phaneuf, and his ability to play big minutes, and provide a very physical game defensively along with a good point shot on the powerplay. Once again this is a stylistic comparison and not one of potential. Potential wise, Nurse’s development in the last year has been excellent, and if he continues at that same level, he can be a #1 defender at the NHL level, capable of playing all situations and being a team leader."
Things scouts and other professional/amateur observers said about him:
CON:
"If anything, though, he does need some filling out; he is less than 200 pounds at the moment." - - Margann Laurissa
COACH/GM COMMENTS:
“When you talk about those top-level NHL defensemen, he has the potential to do that,” he said. “But when you look at all the different tools that he brings to the table, he really is the next wave of defensemen coming into the NHL — these natural athletes, these top guys. You saw how he performed at the Top Prospects Game, how well he did… you usually don’t see those results from big guys. I think he’s got a lot of tools that are going to bring some very interesting options for the team that’s lucky enough to draft him."
“I think if you just spend a few minutes with Darnell it’s pretty noticeable that he’s mature beyond his years,” Keefe explained. “I think the big thing for him is that not only does he have the confidence and maturity to speak up when needed, he backs everything up in terms of his habits — how he works in the gym, he handles himself off the ice, how he practices — he’s always demanding more of himself to get better."
“It’s always difficult when you start comparing a 17-year-old kid to future Hall of Famer's, but with that said, there’s really not a lot that he can’t do,” Keefe explained. “He’s got the size, he has the physicality. He has no issues stepping up for his teammates or backing up his play when it comes to fighting. He’s a gamer. He’s very explosive — both in terms of his skating and his ability to step up into the rush. He can close the gap and get in there very quickly.
“A large portion of his goals come from stepping up and being part of the rush — you usually don’t see that type of skill set in a player his age and his size.”
“I know from the way that he works in the gym, he’s going to add to that frame. He’ll put on 20-25 pounds,” the coach added. “And with that explosive nature — he’s a natural athlete in every sense of the word — he’s going to become a very scary package.”
Keefe said Nurse’s growth areas are merely stops along the natural progression of any young defender. “They’re just little things: picking his spots, when to get involved offensively and make an extra play, or when to advance the puck and hang back,” he said. “It’s all part of being a young player. Learning how to make the right play all the time is just part of the growth curve for a younger player."
“He needs to get more solid and more firm. At times he gets a little bit off stride and, on that kind of frame with how aggressive of a game that he plays, it’s natural."
At this year’s CHL Top Prospects Game, Nurse thrilled on-lookers with incredible physical performances. Nurse took home the top spot thanks to incredible performances in the broad jump (9’3”), four-kilogram medium ball toss (19’11”), and the 5-10-5 pro agility segment (4.62 seconds)
Nurse's Uncle (by marriage) is Donovan McNabb
His dad, Richard, was a wide receiver with the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while mom, Cathy, starred with the McMaster Marauders basketball team in Hamilton, Ontario. His sisters, Tamika and Kia, are also basketball players.
His aunt, Raquel, had a stellar basketball career at Syracuse, where she met and eventually married NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.
“Leadership is something that I think you need to be to be successful. You’ve got to work within a group, but you have to lead by example,” Nurse said, adding that he’s embraced the added pressure of being an assistant captain.
“We used to go to a lot of Bulldogs games when I was younger, but as I grew up I really started to enjoy the New Jersey Devils,” he said. “Scott Stevens, I used to love watching him hit people.
Nurse explained that in addition to working in the gym and staying after practice each day, he wants to work on his consistency going forward.
“There are times in the game where I can get into lulls and keeping myself up for 60 minutes,” he said. “I want to always be someone that’s tough to play against and always be aware of where I am on the ice. Those are a couple of things I can work on.”
“I’ve always wanted the Leafs to do well. I hope this year they make a splash.”
“I started watching the NHL a lot more probably about four or five years ago,” Nurse said. “Chris Pronger is someone I first started to watch. He’s such an effective player, he so good at all aspects of the game and people really hate playing against him. More lately, I’ve been watching Shea Weber and his ability to be a dominant player. I’m trying to take away little bits of their game and add it to mine.
“My goal is becoming a player like Chris Pronger or Shea Weber — those are things that you dream of becoming. I just want to be able to be that hard to play against.”
"When a player skates down his wing, looks up and sees me, I want them to say, 'Oh God, I have to go against him again.'"
"It's nice to be [high on draft boards] but some things come with it … you have to stand up for yourself a little bit more," Nurse said. "That's a brand of hockey I really enjoy playing, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Nurse enjoys the comparisons to Pronger, but realizes he has a long way to go to reach that level.
"I think people like to compare young players to NHL players to get an idea what they could potentially be down the road, and to be mentioned in the same breath as Chris Pronger is something that a lot of people dream about," Nurse said. "At the same time, you have to understand you are your own player. You have to do what you need to do to be successful. Pronger has been a big player in the NHL, and comparisons to him put a little added pressure."
At 6'5", Darnell Nurse is among the most promising of this year's crop of strong, oversized, defensemen with two-way potential. While there's little doubt about Nurse's strong, physical game and how he can handle himself on the defensive end, his impressive increase in offensive production this season raised eyebrows and his ranking amongst scouts. Indeed, going from 10 pts in 53 games (.19 pts per game) to 41 pts in 68 games (.60 pts per game) is quite a leap for his second year in Junior hockey.
Despite his considerable size, Nurse isn't likely to be a player immediately ready for the NHL. He needs to fill out his body and continue developing his all-around game while dominating at lower levels. He's likely to take on a larger role for his Sault Ste. Marie team next season where he'll get the opportunity to do just that.
I think the Flyers can use everything a player like Nurse can offer. As he continues to develop and further exploit his natural athletic ability, he's likely to mature into a top-four player at the NHL level, with top pairing potential. Darnell Nurse is an highly desirable prospect and should probably be picked if he should fall into the reach of the Flyers.
Location: Dude has all the personality of a lump of concrete. Just a complete lizard. Joined: 06.26.2006
Feb 2 @ 8:18 PM ET
DARNELL NURSE - D - , SAULT STE. MARIE, OHL (CANADA)
ISS OVERALL RANKING: 6th - CSS RANK (N.A. ONLY):4th
HT: 6'5" - WT: 192
DOB: 2/4/95 BIRTHPLACE: GRANDVIEW, MAN
SHOOTS: L
STATISTICS:
Things scouts and other professional/amateur observers said about him:
PRO:
"In your face, shutdown D-man; equally lethal from point. All tools to be a top player at next level." - ISS Hockey
"It is simply amazing to see that he has gone from getting ten points in 53 games last year, to having over 300% more at the same time this season, including ten goals. "
"Nurse can also play quite physically, using his 6'5" frame to his advantage, indicative by getting into a fight with Curtis Lazar at the Top Prospects Game."
"Combining an elite professional athlete pedigree with dynamic on-ice skills, already-manifested leadership capabilities, and pure freakish physicality, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ blueliner Darnell Nurse looks to be the prescription for success for one lucky NHL franchise." - Jason Manard
"Huge and highly mobile defenceman is just starting to tap into his massive
potential. He’s already a shutdown defender who can physically dominate games down low. Keeps the
crease clear and shows excellent defensive awareness and positioning. Has a long wingspan and plays
with an active stick, clogging passing lanes. Closes gaps quickly, angles men to corners, and has quick
feet to contain smaller, shifty forwards. Strong in coverage. Doesn’t activate much yet in the offensive
end, but makes rocket outlet passes and has some offensive upside." - Redline Report
Despite 11 goals to date, Carneiro explained that some still question Nurse’s offensive upside — though he added that he’s not one of them.
“The one knock that you hear about Darnell is about what the high end of his offensive game will be,” he said. “He’s going to be a great shutdown defender, but though he’s in good shape, he hasn’t filled out yet.
“That offensive game will come — I think he’s got a lot of potential, and I wouldn’t discount his offensive upside." - Victor Carneiro, Greyhound Scout
"Nurse’s offensive game has really blossomed this season. He showed off his big time point shot and one timer, scoring 12 goals in 69 games. Nurse became really effective at keeping his shot low, getting it through and on net, and generating opportunities for rebounds and tip-ins in front of the net. He also effectively utilizes a good wrist shot and release when he doesn’t have time to load up the slapshot. Nurse has also improved his puckhandling skills, and shows more poise and patience in controlling the play at the blueline. He walks the line well, and uses his lateral mobility to open up shooting and passing lanes. With good vision, and improving passing skills, he is developping his ability as a powerplay quarterback, but at this point he is more of a trigger man, than a guy who controls the play at the blueline. With Sproul leaving the Greyhounds next season, Nurse may be asked to transition into that quarterback role as he’ll be the primary threat at the back end."
"A fantastic natural athlete, Nurse’s skating is elite given his size. He has excellent edgework, pivots, and agility. This allows him to transition quickly and cover all areas fo the ice. He can change direction very quickly, allowing him to close space in an instant, and throw big hits. He has good speed moving forward and backwards, and an above average first step and acceleration."
"Nurse has terrific size and uses it effectively in his own end. He’s a big hitter who can strike fear into opposing players as they come down his end of the ice. He wins board battles and effectively leans on opposing players and clears the front of the net. His mobility makes him very difficult to beat one on one off the rush. He uses his size and an active stick to cut down passing lanes, and willingly sacrifices his body blocking shots. Nurse has been seen as a shutdown defence prospect and has continued to improve this aspect of his game. Going forward, he can stand to bulk up and add muscle to his frame, allowing him to be even more effective physically."
"Nurse’s style is reminiscent of Dion Phaneuf, and his ability to play big minutes, and provide a very physical game defensively along with a good point shot on the powerplay. Once again this is a stylistic comparison and not one of potential. Potential wise, Nurse’s development in the last year has been excellent, and if he continues at that same level, he can be a #1 defender at the NHL level, capable of playing all situations and being a team leader."
Things scouts and other professional/amateur observers said about him:
CON:
"If anything, though, he does need some filling out; he is less than 200 pounds at the moment." - - Margann Laurissa
COACH/GM COMMENTS:
“When you talk about those top-level NHL defensemen, he has the potential to do that,” he said. “But when you look at all the different tools that he brings to the table, he really is the next wave of defensemen coming into the NHL — these natural athletes, these top guys. You saw how he performed at the Top Prospects Game, how well he did… you usually don’t see those results from big guys. I think he’s got a lot of tools that are going to bring some very interesting options for the team that’s lucky enough to draft him."
“I think if you just spend a few minutes with Darnell it’s pretty noticeable that he’s mature beyond his years,” Keefe explained. “I think the big thing for him is that not only does he have the confidence and maturity to speak up when needed, he backs everything up in terms of his habits — how he works in the gym, he handles himself off the ice, how he practices — he’s always demanding more of himself to get better."
“It’s always difficult when you start comparing a 17-year-old kid to future Hall of Famer's, but with that said, there’s really not a lot that he can’t do,” Keefe explained. “He’s got the size, he has the physicality. He has no issues stepping up for his teammates or backing up his play when it comes to fighting. He’s a gamer. He’s very explosive — both in terms of his skating and his ability to step up into the rush. He can close the gap and get in there very quickly.
“A large portion of his goals come from stepping up and being part of the rush — you usually don’t see that type of skill set in a player his age and his size.”
“I know from the way that he works in the gym, he’s going to add to that frame. He’ll put on 20-25 pounds,” the coach added. “And with that explosive nature — he’s a natural athlete in every sense of the word — he’s going to become a very scary package.”
Keefe said Nurse’s growth areas are merely stops along the natural progression of any young defender. “They’re just little things: picking his spots, when to get involved offensively and make an extra play, or when to advance the puck and hang back,” he said. “It’s all part of being a young player. Learning how to make the right play all the time is just part of the growth curve for a younger player."
“He needs to get more solid and more firm. At times he gets a little bit off stride and, on that kind of frame with how aggressive of a game that he plays, it’s natural."
At this year’s CHL Top Prospects Game, Nurse thrilled on-lookers with incredible physical performances. Nurse took home the top spot thanks to incredible performances in the broad jump (9’3”), four-kilogram medium ball toss (19’11”), and the 5-10-5 pro agility segment (4.62 seconds)
Nurse's Uncle (by marriage) is Donovan McNabb
His dad, Richard, was a wide receiver with the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while mom, Cathy, starred with the McMaster Marauders basketball team in Hamilton, Ontario. His sisters, Tamika and Kia, are also basketball players.
His aunt, Raquel, had a stellar basketball career at Syracuse, where she met and eventually married NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb.
“Leadership is something that I think you need to be to be successful. You’ve got to work within a group, but you have to lead by example,” Nurse said, adding that he’s embraced the added pressure of being an assistant captain.
“We used to go to a lot of Bulldogs games when I was younger, but as I grew up I really started to enjoy the New Jersey Devils,” he said. “Scott Stevens, I used to love watching him hit people.
Nurse explained that in addition to working in the gym and staying after practice each day, he wants to work on his consistency going forward.
“There are times in the game where I can get into lulls and keeping myself up for 60 minutes,” he said. “I want to always be someone that’s tough to play against and always be aware of where I am on the ice. Those are a couple of things I can work on.”
“I’ve always wanted the Leafs to do well. I hope this year they make a splash.”
“I started watching the NHL a lot more probably about four or five years ago,” Nurse said. “Chris Pronger is someone I first started to watch. He’s such an effective player, he so good at all aspects of the game and people really hate playing against him. More lately, I’ve been watching Shea Weber and his ability to be a dominant player. I’m trying to take away little bits of their game and add it to mine.
“My goal is becoming a player like Chris Pronger or Shea Weber — those are things that you dream of becoming. I just want to be able to be that hard to play against.”
"When a player skates down his wing, looks up and sees me, I want them to say, 'Oh God, I have to go against him again.'"
"It's nice to be - exlund[high on draft boards] but some things come with it … you have to stand up for yourself a little bit more," Nurse said. "That's a brand of hockey I really enjoy playing, and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Nurse enjoys the comparisons to Pronger, but realizes he has a long way to go to reach that level.
"I think people like to compare young players to NHL players to get an idea what they could potentially be down the road, and to be mentioned in the same breath as Chris Pronger is something that a lot of people dream about," Nurse said. "At the same time, you have to understand you are your own player. You have to do what you need to do to be successful. Pronger has been a big player in the NHL, and comparisons to him put a little added pressure."
At 6'5", Darnell Nurse is among the most promising of this year's crop of strong, oversized, defensemen with two-way potential. While there's little doubt about Nurse's strong, physical game and how he can handle himself on the defensive end, his impressive increase in offensive production this season raised eyebrows and his ranking amongst scouts. Indeed, going from 10 pts in 53 games (.19 pts per game) to 41 pts in 68 games (.60 pts per game) is quite a leap for his second year in Junior hockey.
Despite his considerable size, Nurse isn't likely to be a player immediately ready for the NHL. He needs to fill out his body and continue developing his all-around game while dominating at lower levels. He's likely to take on a larger role for his Sault Ste. Marie team next season where he'll get the opportunity to do just that.
I think the Flyers can use everything a player like Nurse can offer. As he continues to develop and further exploit his natural athletic ability, he's likely to mature into a top-four player at the NHL level, with top pairing potential. Darnell Nurse is an highly desirable prospect and should probably be picked if he should fall into the reach of the Flyers.
