Niklas Nykyri (D, L, 6’2″, 185, HIFK, 01/26/2006)
Niklas Nykyri is a 2006-born, two-way defenseman who quietly held his own in a full-time role in Finland’s top pro league—the youngest defenseman on HIFK to do so. His mobility, elite puck efficiency (92% passing), and advanced puck recovery habits make him an intriguing long-term projection. While not flashy, Nykyri consistently made the smart, safe play, and handled a top-tier defensive pace without panic. His usage and stats reflect a player being developed the right way: sheltered minutes, structured responsibilities, and flashes of skill with high-end game processing. If his offensive ceiling continues to expand and he adds muscle to his frame, Nykyri could emerge as an NHL defender who plays with pace, poise, and reliability.
Why Niklas Nykyri Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Youngest Full-Time Defenseman in the Liiga
Nykyri played 31 games for HIFK this season in one of the top professional leagues in the world at primarily age 18—a notable achievement. Despite limited usage (11:05 TOI/game), he maintained a positive +4 rating and earned consistent ice time down the stretch.
2) Elite Puck Management and Decision-Making
He boasts a 92% pass completion rate, and averages 0.91 loose puck recoveries (PRS) per game despite his limited TOI. His 4.7 giveaways/game are low, and he has shown a mature, detailed game that doesn’t chase offense or play outside of the team’s structure. He also has 0.59 blocked shots/game, a sign of his willingness to defend and take away time and space.
3) Smart, Composed Play Under Pressure
Nykyri thrives in tight quarters, routinely absorbing pressure and moving the puck calmly under duress. He doesn’t overhandle, and makes intelligent high percentage bump, rim, and outlet passes. His 0.52 pre-shot passes/game is modest but efficient, reflecting a playmaker who connects on secondary contributions.
4) Winning Puck Battles Against Men
His 50% win rate in puck battles while playing against pro men in the Liiga is excellent for his age and strength development stage. He engages in eight 50/50 battles/game, competes hard, and does not shy away from contact, even though his hit count is low.
5) Offensive Flashes
He scored just 1 goal, but had 0.3 Grade A scoring chances/game and a 29% conversion rate on those high-danger Grade A looks. He’s dangerous when given opportunity, and his 2.1 shots/game shows a willingness to shoot. With more power and deception, this part of his game could grow significantly.
Why Niklas Nykyri Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Limited Role and Low Ceiling Offensively (So Far)
Nykyri averaged just 11:05 TOI/game, and was used sparingly on both the PP (0:16/game) and PK (0:37/game). His total of 8 points in 31 games is modest. Even though he has put up points at the junior level and during age appropriate International competition, he hasn’t shown standout puck-moving or dynamic offensive traits that would project top-four NHL upside.
2) Still Needs to Fill Out Physically
At 6’2”, 185 lbs, Nykyri has a good frame, but he’s still early in his physical development. His 0.16 hits/game is below what you’d expect from a player his size and may be tied to his current strength level. NHL projection depends on how well he develops explosiveness, power and strength over the next 2–3 years.
3) Shot Efficiency Must Improve
Nykyri’s 0.94 shots on goal per game, 0.67 blocked, and 0.49 missed indicate a need to improve his shooting mechanics, accuracy and deception. He does find scoring areas, but his release and ability to get pucks through traffic remain raw.
Projection & Fit
Player Type: Defensive-leaning, puck-moving defenseman with pro experience and high-end hockey sense
NHL Projection: Bottom-pairing defenseman with penalty-kill utility and puck retrieval/value-passing upside
Development Focus:
Add muscle and explosiveness to match pace physically
Increase shot deception and power from the blue line
Continue to develop and expand offensive zone puck play (especially PP usage)
Draft Recommendation: 4th–5th Round
Niklas Nykyri’s profile may not pop on a highlight reel, but the combination of poise, efficiency, intelligence, and youth make him a very draftable player. He isn’t flashy, but he’s very effective, and already proving he can contribute in one of Europe’s top pro leagues. With continued development and physical growth, Nykyri could become a reliable, low-maintenance NHL defender—one who can kill penalties, move the puck cleanly, and play 14–16 minutes a night in structured systems. Strong value pick in the mid-round range.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images