NCAA star Casey Nelson fielding offers from NHL teams

Elliotte Friedman and Damien Cox discuss the latest news around the hockey world, including the date for the NHL draft, World Championships’ rumours and the search for the model goalie.

It’s possible coveted NCAA star Casey Nelson ends up in the NHL next season.

The Minnesota State Mankato defenceman is fielding offers from NHL teams, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/711621715227492352

The 23-year-old was recently named the Western Collegiate Hockey Association’s defensive player of the year and a first team all-star.

Friedman reported last week that Nelson was leaning towards to returning to school but that the situation may have changed. Nelson, a third-year student, is eligible to play at Minnesota State for another season.

It’s unclear which NHL teams have expressed interest in the six-foot-two, 182-pound right-handed shot. In 80 games over the past two seasons, Nelson has 55 points, 38 penalty minutes and a plus-33 rating.

Notable Minnesota State alumni that have gone on to play in the NHL include David Backes, Ryan Carter and Tim Jackman.

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