Nino Niederreiter: What Should We Expect from the New York Islanders Rookie?

It appears that the Islanders 2010 first pick will make the team out of training camp. Everyone knows what kind of numbers he can put up. He's played well at every level he's played in. Now, it's time for him to show he can take that game to the NHL.

Niederreiter will be watched very closely by the Isles when training camp opens on Saturday. He knows this, and that's why he scored two goals in a game against the Boston Bruins rookies on Monday night and added another goal and three assist on Tuesday night. It just shows he wants to make the team. He is clearly very talented and there are no limits to what he can do.

"I was in the same situation last year, but everything felt way different," Niederreiter said in an interview with Newsday. "I didn't know what to expect one day to the next. This year is just a little different, I feel more comfortable. It's great preparation for the main camp. I'll have two games and that will definitely help."

It's great to hear that Niederreiter is a lot more comfortable this season. He seems to know his role on the team and knows what he needs to do. All he needs to do is play his game and not have any pressure.

So, what should we see from him this year? Well, Niederreiter will most likely play on the second or third line where he'll have a good mix of veterans and talent around him. We know he has skill and can put the puck in the back of the net. He scored 41 goals in 55 games last season in the WHL with Portland. He finished with 70 points on the year. All of this shows that he can put up big numbers.

With that said, I wouldn't be surprised to see Niederreiter score around 25 goals and 40 assist. Also, I wouldn't be surprised to hear his name in the mix for the Calder Trophy which is awarded to the top rookie in the NHL.

Big things are expected from Niederreiter this year. Fans are very excited about this season and Niederreiter is one of the main reasons. We'll see what he can do as the season is quickly approaching.