Three things Winnipeg Jets fans can expect from Nino Niederreiter

The Winnipeg Jets made a trade to acquire Nino Niederreiter from the Nashville Predators on Saturday afternoon, and there are several aspects of his game that Jets fans can look forward to.

Niederreiter is a versatile winger who can contribute in various ways. His presence on the Winnipeg Jets' roster could help them push for a better playoff spot in the highly competitive Central Division.

Here are three aspects of Nino Niederreiter's game that Winnipeg Jets fans can look forward to after acquiring the winger.

1- Scoring touch

One of the most notable aspects of Niederreiter's game is his scoring touch. He has consistently been a solid goal scorer throughout his career and can finish from various positions on the ice. Niederreiter has a quick release and can get off shots in tight spaces, which makes him a dangerous scoring threat even when the defense is tight.

In his first season with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2018-19, Niederreiter scored 14 goals in 36 games at a pace of 31-goal over an entire 82-game season. He followed that up with 11 goals in 67 games in 2019-20 and 20 in 56 games in 2020-21. While he got off to a slow start with the Predators this season, his scoring touch is still a valuable asset that could help the Winnipeg Jets in tight games down the stretch.

2- Two-way play

In addition to his offensive contributions, Niederreiter is a solid two-way player who can be relied on in all situations. He is responsible defensively and can be used on penalty kills, where he uses his size and physicality to disrupt the opposition's attack.

Niederreiter's two-way play was on display during his time with the Hurricanes, where he often played in a shutdown role against the opposition's top lines. This season, he has a 35.9% expected goals percentage (xG%) at five-on-five.

3- Physicality

Niederreiter's physicality is another aspect of his game that could make him a fan favorite in Winnipeg. He is a big, strong winger unafraid to throw his weight around and battle for pucks along the boards. His size and strength make it tough to knock him off the puck, allowing him to generate scoring chances even in traffic.

This season, Niederreiter has 115 hits in 56 games. He also had 22 takeaways, one of the highest among Predators forwards. His physicality and work ethic could help the Winnipeg Jets establish a strong forecheck and create turnovers in the offensive zone, leading to more scoring chances and goals.

Overall, Niederreiter brings a unique set of skills to the Jets' roster that could help them push for a better playoff spot in the competitive Central Division. His scoring touch, two-way play, and physicality make him a versatile winger who can contribute in various ways.

While he may not be a top-line forward, his ability to play up and down the lineup and fill different roles could make him a valuable asset for the Winnipeg Jets as they push for the top of the Western Conference.