Brian Nicholas (C, L, 6’1″, 185, Brown University, 03/15/2005, Brown)
Strengths: Why Nicholas Should Be Drafted
- High-End Offensive Instincts and Playmaking Ability
Leads Brown in scoring (11 goals, 14 assists, 25 points in 26 games) despite playing for a low-scoring team (70 total goals on the season).
Elite at finding space in high-danger areas (2.5 Grade “A” scoring chances per game)—consistently puts himself in position to generate quality opportunities for himself or his linemates.
Strong passing ability (88% pass completion, 0.78 passes leading directly to a teammate’s shot per game) – he makes smart decisions with the puck and facilitates offense efficiently. - Puck Anticipation and Game Processing
2.2 loose puck recoveries after shots per game is an elite number, highlighting high-end puck anticipation, offensive zone awareness, and second-chance creation.
4.3 takeaways per game shows an ability to read plays well and disrupt opponents, a trait that translates well to higher levels. - Strong Frame and Offensive Motor
Uses his size well in the offensive zone to protect pucks and create space, warding off defenders with strength and body positioning.
Competes hard for scoring chances, consistently attacking the net and showing a willingness to battle in tight spaces.
Plays with high-energy when in possession and is difficult to knock off the puck, making him a difficult player to defend below the dots. - Statistical Comparison to High-End Talent
Second in points per game among under-20 undrafted NCAA players, trailing only James Hagens (potential #1 overall pick in 2025).
0.96 PPG on a Brown team that has scored only 70 total goals compared to Hagens’ 1.07 PPG on Boston College, which has scored 105 goals. Nicholas is generating offense at an elite level relative to his team’s overall offensive numbers.
Weaknesses: Why Nicholas Might Not Be Drafted
- Poor Shot Efficiency and Power Play Ineffectiveness
9% conversion rate on Grade “A” scoring chances is far too low – his shot release, deception, and one-timer need significant development and improvement.
1.22 shot attempts blocked per game and 1.52 missed shots per game is too high for a player getting over three minutes of power play time per game.
Needs to improve release point, changing of angles, release quickness, and accuracy to become a true offensive threat at the next level. - Lack of Defensive Engagement and Physicality
Relies too much on size rather than effort in his own end, allowing quicker players to beat him to pucks and make plays.
Only 0.35 hard hits per game is not enough for a 6’1″, 185-pound forward, especially when he receives only 0.17 hard hits per game—we would like to see him initiate contact on both sides of the puck.
Defensive battles (45% win rate in 50/50 puck battles)—this needs to be much higher for a player with NHL aspirations. - Face-Off Struggles and Strength Deficiencies
46% face-off win rate is below what is expected of a center and will need to improve if he is to be a viable NHL option down the middle.
Not drawing enough penalties (0.26 per game)—a sign that he isn’t using his frame and explosiveness to put defenders in tough situations. - Lack of Overall Physical Development
At 6’1″, 185 lbs, he is slightly under the NHL average for size, but he does not yet play with the power and explosiveness required to maximize his frame.
Would benefit from adding muscle and improving strength to win more puck battles and improve his on and off puck defensive game.
Final Verdict: Draftable or Not?
Projected Late-Round Pick (6th-7th Round) / Priority Free Agent
Why Draft Him?
Elite offensive zone instincts, playmaking, and ability to generate scoring chances.
Strong puck anticipation and hockey IQ.
Frame and skill set suggest room for development into a middle-six NHL forward.
Comparable offensive production to high-end talent despite playing on a weaker NCAA team.
Why Not Draft Him?
Inefficient shooter—must develop release, accuracy, deception and one-timer.
Defensive effort and battle level need improvement.
Doesn’t engage physically despite having the frame to do so.
Face-off struggles limit his effectiveness as a center.
Projection:
Best-Case NHL Upside: Middle-six scoring forward with playmaking ability and strong puck possession skills.
Most Likely Path: NCAA development, potential NHL free agent signing if he improves shooting efficiency and defensive engagement.
Draft Range: 6th-7th Round / Undrafted Free Agent with NHL upside.
Conclusion:
Brian Nicholas is a highly skilled forward with strong offensive instincts, elite passing efficiency, and strong puck anticipation. However, he needs to improve his shot efficiency, defensive engagement, and physicality to make an impact at the NHL level. While he is not a surefire draft pick, his high-end offensive skill and hockey IQ make him a player worth monitoring, particularly as he continues to develop in the NCAA.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images