Artemi Nizameyev (LW, R, 5’10”, 191, Tri City Storm, 11/20/2005, Miami (Ohio))
Artemi Nizameyev is a skilled, pace-driven right shot forward who produced nearly a point per game in the USHL during his second year of NHL Draft eligibility. He combines speed, stickhandling, and scoring touch to create offensive threats off the rush and in tight areas. While inconsistencies and decision-making lapses persist, his ability to generate shots, manipulate space, and play with competitive net-front effort give him potential value as a complementary offensive winger.
Statistical Profile (2024–25):
League GP G A P PIM +/-
USHL 53 27 28 55 31 E
Single Game Averages:
TOI: 18:51
Power Play / PK Time: 3:33 / 0:13
Playing in Attack / Defense: 9:29 / 7:08
Scoring Chances / Conversion: 2.5 / 15%
Shots on Goal: 3.0
Puck Battles (C / C%): 15 / 44%
Pass Accuracy: 83%
Takeaways / Giveaways: 4.8 / 6
Reasons to Draft:
Efficient Rush Offense: Nizameyev consistently generates shots off the rush, either as the puck carrier or trailing the play to find soft space. He’s effective in transition and shows a knack for manipulating defenders with deception and lateral footwork.
Net-Front Drive & Shooting Mechanics: Despite being 5’10”, Nizameyev plays with determination at the net front. He drives the crease with pace and shows strong one-timer ability from downhill shooting angles. His quick release and positional instincts create offense in dangerous areas.
Edgework & Puck Handling in Traffic: Nizameyev’s edge control and powerful cross-under allows him to escape pressure and handle pucks confidently in tight quarters. He routinely outmaneuvers defenders off the wall and utilizes quick fakes to open lanes or draw contact.
Power Play Presence: He’s used heavily on the man advantage, where his puck control, movement timing, and ability to create separation provide offensive spark. He attacks with speed and can enter the zone cleanly to set up structure.
Reasons for Concern:
Inconsistent Impact Without the Puck: When his offensive game is off, Nizameyev struggles to influence the game in other areas. His defensive details can be disengaged, and his effort level without the puck fluctuates, making him vulnerable as a liability at even strength.
Puck Management & Turnovers: His decision-making with the puck remains an issue. He forces plays under pressure, overhandles in high-traffic areas, and often chooses the high-risk option when a simpler play is available. We love confidence, but averaging 6 turnovers per game raises red flags for pro projection.
Stride Length & Mobility Ceiling: His skating is quick but compact. While effective in small areas, his forward stride lacks full extension, limiting his ability to separate or accelerate through layers consistently. Improvement in stride mechanics will be necessary to unlock more consistent pace.
Discipline & Composure: He invites unnecessary contact behind the play and after whistles, often reacting emotionally rather than staying composed. His penalty differential and tolerance for physical play must improve for him to stay on the ice and contribute consistently.
Projection:
Nizameyev projects as a boom-or-bust depth winger with secondary scoring upside. If his skating stride is lengthened and his puck management matures, he has the skill to contribute in a middle-six role, particularly on a second power play unit. However, if effort and discipline inconsistencies persist, he may struggle to earn trust at higher levels.
Draft Recommendation:
Priority Free Agent
Nizameyev’s skill and offensive processing warrant consideration, especially as a second-year eligible with a strong production profile. A team willing to invest in his skating and decision-making could find value in his offensive instincts and competitive flashes. Risk-reward balance will depend on his ability to mature in detail areas.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images