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Nelson Nogier, Dysin Mayo growing concerns

Besides being second-year WHL defensemen eligible for the 2014 NHL Draft - Dysin Mayo and Nelson Nogier have something else in common.

Both players also underwent massive growth spurts over the past two years - since being selected in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.

Picked 57th overall and weighing a slight 130 pounds, Mayo has since filled in his compact six-foot frame substantially - adding over 50 pounds.

Nogier's growth has been even more extreme. Listed at five-foot-eleven and 135 pounds when drafted 71st overall as a bantam, the Saskatoon native has grown four inches and added 60 pounds.

Playing for his hometown Saskatoon Blades, Nogier begin the season rated a potential NHL third-rounder, while Mayo was initially ranked as a mid to late-round candidate.
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photo by Saskatoonblades.com
photo by Saskatoonblades.com

Nelson Nogier (2014), D, Saskatoon
A jack-of-all-trades type defenseman who provides stability on the back-end by playing a consistent two-way game .. reads and reacts well to his blueline partner - and always provides a viable outlet option .. demonstrates staunch positioning in all three zones .. could be described as somewhat of a 'quiet' player in terms of not possessing a blinding skill set, yet usually appears to be at the right place at the right time .. a strong, steady skater with quick pivoting ability and outstanding balance - which allows him to drop down and block passing lanes with his stick and body .. moves well backwards and laterally - and utilizes his mobility to keep plays to the outside .. can be difficult to beat in 1-on-1 situations .. will aggressively chase players outside of his box - and generally employs a high-tempo pace in terms of his defending .. also possesses a deceptive shooting release and gets puck quickly to the net - and with regularity .. not a natural point shooter or a pure puckrusher however .. does decent composure at the line and sees the ice well .. able to carry the puck for more than a few strides and deliver a solid first pass .. plays a strong competitive game and has decent skills to complement the package.

Dysin Mayo (2014), D, Edmonton
Still somewhat undersized at six-foot and 180 pounds, despite having bulked up over 50 pounds since his bantam draft year .. a steady all-around defender who plays a conservative style and can contribute in a variety of little ways .. offers little in terms of a specific 'lethal' dimension however .. rarely gets caught out of position and generally makes steady plays with the puck .. stays within his limits and is quick to administer a pass up ice .. prefers to move the puck rather than carry it himself .. skating and mobility are his prime assets .. possesses a silky-smooth stride and good acceleration .. doesn’t loose his speed or momentum when crossing over and can maintain a strong glide .. can labour in his own zone as he is small in stature and brings very little in terms of physical assertiveness .. will chase opponents down defensively and try to eliminate their time and space by forcing them to make a play .. struggles under pressure with the puck below the dots at times .. operates effectively on the power play and exploits the additional time and space, albeit is not a natural offensive threat .. does possess some good qualities, however the lack of an identity, coupled with his size, will make it an uphill battle for him this season.