Winnipeg Jets sign Nelson Nogier to ELC

The Winnipeg Jets have signed Nelson Nogier to a three-year Entry Level Contract.

Nogier, a right-shot, defense-first defender, was selected 101st overall in the fourth round by the Jets in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Had the Jets not signed Nogier to an ELC, Nogier would have re-entered the draft for 2016.

The 20-year-old blue-liner scored four goals and seventeen assists in 69 games played for the Memorial Cup hosting Red Deer Rebels, slightly passing his three goals and sixteen assists in 70 games total from the previous year.

Nogier is a defensive defensemen, but more along the lines of the newer breed in the NHL: Nogier has size with a 6’3 frame, is a solid skater, and can move the puck out of the defensive zone okay for a CHL player. His point production has left a lot to be desired, scoring much less than the offensively-gifted Josh Morrissey or Brendan Kitchon accomplished junior, but even less than the Jets’ other defensive defender, Jan Kostalek. Nogier though took very little power play time, and actually went without scoring a single power play point.

It has been reported that the Saskatoon Blades tracked shot differentials for their players back when Nogier played for them, and Nogier took the toughest minutes while posting a team best relative Corsi percentage. To be fair though, the Blades were a bit of a tire-fire during Nogier’s time there and therefore it would be easier to be the best on the team.

Nogier is eligible to return to the CHL next year as an overage skater, but will likely suit up for the Manitoba Moose and/or the Tulsa Oilers. The Moose sorely lacked mobile defenders who could move the puck, so hopefully Nogier can transition well next season and add some depth to the team’s blue line.