Nolan Krenzen (3.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — Free Agent) Defense
Why should we keep an eye on Nolan Krenzen?
Nolan is an underrated right shot defenseman who’s play away from the puck has made us take notice. He maintains tight gaps and has a very active stick. While defending a line rush his foot work has improved considerably over the past few seasons which allows him to play more confidently. As a younger defender we made note of how often Nolan could be caught flat footed while trying to set his gap, but that is not the case now. He appears much quicker laterally and there is no mistaking his power has improved as well. We have also noticed that he does not cross his feet over while pinching off a line rush and he plays stick on puck while taking away the opposition’s time and space. After creating a turnover he makes quick decisions in transition and does not force passes that are not there. His improved speed allows him to create his own time and space by escaping out of tight areas and accelerating out of the tight areas. Nolan has always had offensive capabilities, but we feel he is a defender who has improved his play away from the puck while playing for David Wilkie in Omaha.