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Nick Magyar spent a season in the USHL before joining the Kitchener Rangers this season. The Rangers were a rebuilding club, but the injection of Magyar, and fellow rookie and 2014 draft prospect Ryan MacInnis gives them some hope for the future after a tough season. Magyar had 20 goals and 46 points for the Rangers this year in 66 games. Those 46 points made Magyar the leading scorer for the Rangers this past season. For a rookie like Magyar, there are some advantages to being on a rebuilding club though as he saw plenty of ice time in all situations, including being on the first unit of the power play and seeing time on the penalty kill.
Nick Magyar
Right Wing/Centre — shoots Right
Born May 29 1996 — Mentor, OH
Height 6.02 — Weight 191 [188 cm/87 kg]
Nick Magyar plays a very smart game. He is extremley intelligent with the puck on his stick, and has great vision. He seems to always make the smart play, whether it is letting go a shot, taking the puck to the net, making a pass to continue the cycle game, or going for a setup to a linemate. He reads the play extremely well and finds holes in the defence to set up for a pass when he doesn’t have the puck. Magyar has an excellent wrist shot and release, and a good one timer. He can get in front of the net and has soft and quick hands for putting in a rebound or tipping in a shot. Magyar plays physical. He is a good forechecker, and battles hard along the boards for loose pucks. Magyar has good stickhandling which can help him get around defenders, and to protect the puck in the cycle game. He is as willing to go through a defender as he is to go around one though when he decides to take the puck to the net.
Magyar has made strides in his skating, but still needs to get better. He needs a better first step, and his acceleration needs work. Once up to speed, he’s not bad, but that lack of quickness can be a problem. The agility can also use some work. He does have very good strength on his skates, and excellent balance though, which really helps in the cycle game.
Magyar works hard in all three zones, and backchecks hard and effectively. He is always moving his feet and lends support. Magyar is not afraid to block shots, and breaks up plays with good anticipation and hockey smarts. He’s killed penalties for the Rangers and does so effectively.
Nick Magyar’s game is reminiscent of Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers. This is a stylistic comparison though and not a talent one. He could become a second line forward if he develops his skating. I project him more as a winger than a centre, as I think a centre needs to be a better skater than a winger, and his ability to work the boards and the cycle, as well as his great shot should translate well on the wing.
Here are some highlights of Nick Magyar in action.
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