Seattle Kraken, Ty Nelson

Seattle Kraken Of The Future: Ty Nelson

The Seattle Kraken selected Ty Nelson in the 3rd-round of the 2022 NHL Draft with the 68th overall selection.

Who doesn’t love a sturdy, 200-pound, right-shot defenseman who’s well over a point a game in major juniors. That’s what Nelson is doing with the North Bay Battalion of the Ontario Hockey League.

His all-around play and offensive instincts are one of the main reasons the Battalion are OHL championship contenders, presently in second place in the eastern conference and the second highest scoring team in the league.

Nelson is also aggressive, using his stocky build to his advantage. Just 18-years-of-age until March 30th, he might still add a bit of height to his 5-foot-10 inch frame.

Highlights

Despite what some scouts considered a slight lack of size, Nelson was selected first overall in the OHL draft in 2020 out of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). Obviously at that point, 15 and 16-year-olds have plenty of room to grow physically.

Nelson has seen his game grow. He’s a strong skater and he has a powerful shot. Regardless of size, he doesn’t back down to anyone.

Last season he posted 51 points in 66 games played. He’s well ahead of that pace this season with 61 in 51.

He has the Battalion four points out of first place in the eastern conference as of Monday, February 13th.

Pros and Cons

Like a few of the prospects we’ve profiled for the Seattle Kraken, including 2022 first round pick Shane Wright, Nelson missed a season of development when the OHL shut-down for 2020-’21 due to Covid.

He seems to have made up for it according to Dobber Prospects:

“… he is a sturdy, physical defender who displays an attacking mindset all over the ice. He is a strong skater with good balance and quick feet, allowing him to defend rushes aggressively. Nelson deploys an active stick and pounces on opposing puck carriers at the first sign of hesitation to disrupt possessions.”

Nelson comes from humble beginnings, a tough neighborhood in Toronto, and brings a work ethic and an appreciation for his opportunity. He impresses on and off the ice.

Look for his name on the list to represent Canada at the 2024 World Junior Championship and keep an eye on North Bay next month in the OHL playoffs.

Previous Seattle Kraken Futures:

— David Goyette

— Tucker Robertson

— Kole Lind

Seattle Kraken

Rob Simpson

Rob Simpson has covered the NHL in five different decades. He’s authored 4 books on hockey and is a veteran TV and radio play-by-play man and reporter.