Following the announcement of the injury updates, it was clear a search for a stand-in forward would be under way.
Around 1pm on Monday, a source informed myself of the update and that they would need to search for a new player.
The feeling from that interaction, was that it would be underwhelming, due to the track record of not just the acquisitions so far under the coach Thompson era, because it stretches back to the moment Andrew Lord left for pastures new.
I was already in the process of looking at where and who the club could bring in additions (plural) to manage the impending injury situation (later confirmed), as well as to support the only offensive-play drivers, in Josh MacDonald and Kristoff Kontos.
Granted I am not employed by the club nor an official scout, however it is an interest, a passion and as far as I know, well over 95% of the entire hockey fan base across the world, also do this.
This work had began shortly after their defeat to Giants at home, as it was the signal point.
It was the clearest evidence a team could have that not only was the system in need of a change, but the personnel needed to provide an injection of something new, to level up what they had failed to address in the summer.
The prior and scant additions had massively underwhelmed even the most giddy and optimistic of fans, especially after the doubling down in forums by the owners.
Retaining such a large core of players always comes with a risk, however there were key positions that needed to have a definitive improvement upon and yes, that is always part of recruiting. Otherwise, there is little point in doing so.
As the weeks have drawn on, the hope dissipated into disbelief, but for some of us, things were going as expected.
To patrons with a stronger hockey IQ and have been there before, to them, and I speak for one of them, we felt gaslighted. Just honest sentiments.
Any new addition, no matter the circumstances, would underwrite any notion of upselling to the fanbase, simply due to the ceiling of players added and their sales pitch to get those fans on board.
Quite frankly, it can only be seen as a flailing ‘money ball’ experiment, from the very summer the owners knew there would be a significant cash investment from season tickets alone. Then, especially after a Ted Talk-esque update from the GM himself, to pre-warn of increases and where that investment would go.
Not just operational costs, not just the increase of wages demands (even with a unwarranted comparison to trends over a decade ago), that and by his own admission, would mean ‘a better on-ice product and a better quality of player recruited’.
Although, I had stated on the EIHL Face-Off Podcast and written about previously, there was no need for such a statement to be made and was supportive, but did air caution that it would be a sticking point later down the line.
Simply put, from the film, Saving Private Ryan, the term that was colloquially known as, FUBAR – ‘F—ed up beyond all recognition’.
The speed of announcing a replacement also pointed to the proactive planning, that despite waiting for the news to arrive regarding Riley Brandt, the best case scenario was to have a new player in place, regardless.
This would have been ahead of time. There might have even been a reluctant decision to add another forward before that, which again, confounds the earlier disappointment of how their summer decisions been have panning out.
It was even added on the said club podcast, that they were far from done anyway, yet in all fairness, utterly no one can account for injuries, how many within a team they affect and for how long.
So, even if the new player, Linus Nyman, was to slot in for Brandt, he will bring a different style of play altogether, one that would be missing as Brandt is set to be sidelined until March.
Yes, Tyson Helgesen returning is a relief to everyone at the Devils and that has been long overdue, since he had an immediate shoulder surgery in the summer.
Even with an imposing presence on the ice, he [Helgesen] doesn’t forecheck like Brandt does, he won’t be carrying the puck across all three zones like Brandt does and he won’t be sniping bangers every now and then, like Brandt does.
Instead, Nyman, who is widely known as a player who avoids physicality, might bring an exciting element from his puck carrying, however that single trait was noted by a scout, which even stopped him from potentially progressing to the NHL.
It is also the very key ingredient a player must have, for Cardiff Devils Hockey.
So where does all of that, plus Brandt’s’ known physical style of play and mind games fall to – and just as importantly, to whom? Certainly not the new guy.
Here is where I will break down the newest addition, that for all intents and purposes, only seems to fill a stop gap in what has been currently missing, from a pair of forwards added to the top six of a massively and heavily over-retained group, who have for now found themselves operating on the third line, exactly as expected.
Linus Nyman
The first question that comes to mind, is what does Linus Nyman bring to the team and are those elements unique?
According to his Elite Prospects profile, he was described by scouts as having a 200 foot game, skates with speed but avoids the contact areas. He is actually quite evasive along the boards, as he prefers to not engage with the physical side of the game.
For a side note, yes, looking at sources like that is just as valid as introducing a new player and linking that very profile within a write up.
At five foot ten, weighing less than 160 pounds, I certainly do not blame him.
The reality is, that in this league alone, a very North American style of environment where players enjoy looking for that kind of moment, he would really need to use those jets for legs or keep his head on a swivel.
It is also the hallmark of a Paul Thompson team and the identity of the Cardiff Devils.
Fans who scream for more physicality, surely shouldn’t look at this addition and automatically think it was a good choice, just on that alone.
However, the acceptance has been instantaneous as the private DM’s have already been active to inform me of how ‘good’ a signing he is.
The initial reaction to that, as always, by what measure?
Of course, these are personal messages and not the entire fan base – however, even if those who read this share that sentiment, if this speaks to you, please continue to read (and listen).
Nyman has played in top leagues, for big teams, even in the CHL, scoring a hat-trick thanks to an empty net goal against the Devils. He should be able to navigate high stress situations and imposed demands.
His playing style is quite frankly the opposite of injured Riley Brandt, the speed notion is something the team also has. From Barrow and Olischefski, to Harewood and Caron.
Those needs are filled, as each player provides something of those functional requirements along with their speed.
Of course, speed alone isn’t everything, it is how a player uses and adapts their ability to skate with pace across all three zones and within all situations.
The brief from the club surrounding Nyman, was in fact, brief.
Does he have mobility where he can carry the puck and turn on a dime? How effective are his transitions? Seeing as he came from a defensive league, in fact, his career almost entirely, does he back check and do that successfully?
Does Nyman opt for the strong side for entries and opponents when carrying the puck or does he have a weak side tendency that can often stop him in his tracks? Can he strip the puck like a pick-pocket and set up a positive transitional play?
Tendencies like this are important distinctions, as it helps to build a player profile and a gauge of what to expect.
Can he create offensive opportunities? Can he finish them?
Having extra firepower upfront, that is needed.
Does Nyman have it?
Questions to be frank, should be asked and presented to provide supporters of what to expect. Otherwise, it comes across as needs must, but please ‘do not look at his EP profile, as that isn’t the be all and end of all’ of anything (but check out his stats by using the same link).
Four goals across three teams last season after playing forty-one games, without playoffs, simply doesn’t stack up. It also raised questions of what he went through during the previous season, as it is not common for a player to bounce around clubs.
The reasons as to why might not ever come to the surface, but it is worth noting.
Historically, he doesn’t score goals too often and the missing link for this team is another outlet to find that. Not a facilitator to deliver the puck, on top of players like Kontos, Martin, Olischefski and the blue liners.
By his own production, that has massively declined in terms of conversion to goals over the course of the last six seasons, with his peak during the 2019/20 campaign, putting up 33 points from 59GP, scoring a high of 15 goals as a senior pro.
Despite that decline, he has maintained a common trait, split production.
He has consistently been a distributor for offensive chances, with his assists becoming the majority point share. He has maintained across seven Liiga seasons, approximately 62.5% of points being assists.
Whether those are primary or secondary assists is where it matters. A player can load up a massive points haul over the course of a season but, if the majority are from secondary helpers, that might just be in-play noise or from a successful carry/zone entry before a line change, rather than a definitive contributing factor to offence.
Although he has demonstrated offensive capability elsewhere, such as his stint in the OHL putting up 65 goals across 135GP, whilst also maintaining a point per game pace, that certainly looks promising.
However, let’s remember that the OHL is a junior league and he is now 27 years old and has been in a significant decline over the last few years, at least by lighting the lamp.
His historical production is impressive, but his recent career and offensive production is what the club are acquiring currently.
That needs to remain a focal distinction before ever getting carried away with numbers. I guess that is just how statisticians can view a player or a game.
On the back of the production he has made, his game seems to have transitioned into one that supports goal scoring, rather than being the destination for it.
Currently, his career trajectory doesn’t support a premise that he can be a marquee goal scoring threat, particularly based on a couple of isolated periods throughout his collective career.
Adding some offensive value with positive, creative puck carrying, however, he can reasonably carry an expectation to live up to.
The only draw back against that type of acquisition is that the team already has enough of those players with a pass-first, create space mentality.
Devils already possess the highest SFA (shots for average) in the league with 36 per game, so adding another player looking to make that pass, might dilute their xG (expected goals) and conversion rate needed to support their top scorer.
Singular.
Fundamentally, the team needs a player who can take those chances, instead of adding another who may elect to create more. The counter-point to that of course, could be the quality of delivery may also need improving.
That being said, the shot rates and conversion into goals are the primary concerns that should require focus to address, not simply adding another player to fill a void, even if they may be good.
For instance, from data according the EIHL’s own statistics, the Cardiff Devils’ average shooting percentage is about 8.3%, ranking them 8th overall. So, despite very good results, when you isolate their overall level of net primary production, it doesn’t look enticing.
They are creating the most chances compared to the rest of the league, yet their return however is considerably less than impressive. Perhaps that is why there has been a lingering sense of doubt and frustration from the stands.
Something that clearly baffles the powers that be and those who publicly represent them.
Assessing Needs
What the team lacks is support for MacDonald and a competent system that can handle defensive pressure. But, by no means, do they lack ambition.
Using a most definitive example, team have a veteran player as a first line centre that is the wrong side of 35, who would quite frankly, rather be playing on the third line to support a younger, faster and more talented top six. He has occupied that role for the majority of the last few seasons.
The newest ‘high profile’ signing that was brought in to drive the offence, has had his responsibilities reduced, doesn’t generate near enough primary offensive threats or chances and has scored just once in nearly 20 games.
Remember, he was Kelly Hughes’ choice for a new sniper.
Other skaters even took face offs for the very player that supposedly has that area locked down as ‘high end’ skill. His last game, was a mere 25% on the dots from only four draws.
The player that he was meant to replace, currently has 20 points in as many games and half of them are goals.
The differences are too large to ignore.
As for the newest player, the accolades attached to the 27 year old Fin provides insights highlighting on ice ability and character, with an emphasis on adding speed to the group as a whole.
This is needed to a degree, that with the chaotic and illogical schedule of the EIHL season, it has already been noted by coach Paul Thompson that the oldest team in the league do in fact, find it tiring to have two to three games over five to seven days.
Go figure.
It would also help that during those games, players elect skate to and with the puck, instead of gliding and waiting for an opportunity to present itself. That has been a constant flaw over the last few seasons, with multiple coaches.
They are not alone however, it could well be the overall skillset of the league and some mentalities that come with it. No matter the root of that flaw, this is purely down to the influence of coaches to ensure intensity is always high.
Players need to find space, support puck carriers, find better areas for an outlet pass or even a simple touch and go near the half boards, to pull opponents toward them, thus creating space to carry into.
Transitions are key. Skating into a crowd of defenders mixed with your own, waiting line mates, never pays off that well.
Closing gaps on opponents, proactive back checking, man marking. Decision making.
These are fundamental ingredients a player should have at their disposal, not to mention attributes a coach should be able to improve upon and even demand.
For a team that sits top of the EIHL, lost only one home game since February this year, booked themselves into the semi-final of the Challenge Cup, finding ways to win in dire, scrappy and often boring games – you might just be thinking, why look too much into this?
Each and every game this season has carried an overwhelming sense that something is impending. The writing is beginning to appear on the proverbial wall. That feeling just cannot be shaken.
The going is great indeed, but there is a catastrophic precedent that repeatedly rears its ugly head, every season in about three to four weeks’ time.
That is the litmus test for this group and for those who have a hand in making those key recruitment decisions going forward.
Simply put, if it is anywhere near another mid season collapse, surely then and immediately then, they have to look internally at what the problem truly is. If that does happen of course.
The other need that the team should look to address is their current defensive system, which has been a subject of considerable analysis each game week.
There have been notable adjustments in terms of tactical set ups, however with another bout of ‘line roulette’ recently, it is still unclear whether the coaches trust the players they have selected to fulfil their roles within their system.
The worry here is that this team has largely been retained from last season, although there has been one coaching change, Jeff Battah for video and goal tending. Whether that is symptomatic of a wider issue, is yet to be determined.
From the off-season acquisitions, they recruited an OFD (offensive defenceman) on the blue line, adding to an existing core, whilst having a DFD (defensive) player still on IR and added one more due to an injury earlier this season.
When Helgesen returns, the lines might get the balance they need, as so far, each game day has seen four OFD and two DFD lining up, but no active shutdown unit.
Perhaps the issue is the system. Perhaps living with the inconvenience for now has been the reason, which after all the results so far, has been more than favourable.
It is vastly different compared to last season, which had defenders shutting down lanes earlier and more effectively, forwards pushing opponents toward the blue line more predominantly and more active sticks defensively.
A constant which has been a huge relief is their goal tending, which has been relatively solid throughout this season, extending from the previous campaign. Without that, those small, identifiable issues would become absolute nightmares week in, week out.
The next question then becomes whether the current form of players like MacDonald, the team’s reliance upon them, and the wider defensive structure are all sustainable and – ultimately, where does Nyman fit into this?
Firstly, let’s have a look at where he would realistically fit into the line up. Brandt was operating on the second line with Kontos and Barrow until his injury against the Giants, during their only home defeat this season.
Since then, Nolan Yaremko has lined up with them, yet their line adds less ‘bang for buck’ in terms of established offensive production.
Something which has caught the ire of fans I have spoken with, many of whom have opted to single out Yaremko in the process. However, what he does bring, is the type of physical presence on and off the puck that Brandt had done.
For me, it works.
The other option is whether the current third line with Caron, Mieho and Harewood have what it takes to create more offensive value.
Recently, the right wing responsibility has been divided between the likes of Barrow and Mosey, due to Harewood being called up for international duty.
So, could the intention behind the addition of Nyman bring that similar pace which Harewood provided, with the added quality of delivery that Caron and Mieho might have been missing?
Since the inclusion of Caron and Mieho on a line that suits them, they have increased their offensive production dramatically. Harewood as always, excites with his explosive pace and robust disruption across all three zones.
Yet, his contribution has become limited, with little improvement from individual production since being promoted, especially whilst lining up with Caron and Mieho.
Although his shot involvement had seen a good increase in his shots per game rate, moving from 1.91/game on the fourth line to 3.17/game across his time on the third.
Prior to the then expected reshuffle, Harewood paired particularly well with Jake Sacratini, so perhaps the fourth line would be retained as predominantly British, which could see a healthy scratch rotation in the near future between Davies/Duggan.
On the line with Sacratini, Harewood produced three points, two of them being his only goals. However, that link up with Caron and Mieho was an extremely small sample over the course of his own season, especially compared with Yaremko on that third line with him.
So, with the inclusion of Nyman, it will be interesting to see where he would start. He hasn’t had competitive game time since last season, so he would be jumping straight into the deep end against a tough opponent that would be desperate for a road win.
For Nyman, this is a period of adjustment in itself, on a totally new team, in a new country and operating with a very different language. However, with Panu Mieho on the roster, at least he has a familiar connection and shared language to lean on from the beginning.
His transition might become a smoother process with a player like Mieho on the team and even Caron, as all three have a shared experience of the same league prior to joining their current team.
It doesn’t automatically mean that line chemistry is a given; however, it could provide a unique bond to build that foundation. For me, it strengthens the view that this would be where Nyman would fit, providing a dynamic, highly skilled unit between the hard-hitting second unit and the fired-up energy from the fourth line.
This adds a nuance of flexibility within the line-up, even despite some key losses due to injury.
Mieho’s own playing style was shaped by the way he was previously utilised, as a defensively minded centre. The defensive support from the forwards over the course of the season has gradually put the team into a position of ‘bending until it breaks’, with the limitations of that approach becoming increasingly apparent.
Typical defensive-zone tendencies have seen forwards pinch on plays along the boards, isolating the centre point to become freely available and blocking their own defenceman to make the same play from the point.
An issue that has permeated Devils teams across recent seasons. Not limited to, but also including, defensive-zone turn overs and giveaways whilst in possession of the puck, especially under little pressure.
Whilst it is a coaching issue, recruitment again comes into focus for retaining players with the same habits and then adding more who provide little defensive upside in the process, not to mention, very little offensive upside as well.
Take the home clash vs Steelers into consideration, a one-goal game, that was won by the net-minder. Being out-shot 58:42, whilst managing 26 shots on goal, outlines the limited shot volume, which is never a good thing for any team on home ice.
Also, managing just 26 shots on net for the whole game demonstrated that lack of finishing quality, as well as chance creation. One out of 26, averaging just 3.85% conversion rate.
A home win with a shutout against one of your main rivals should be cause for jubilation, let alone celebration. Yet, the crowd went home feeling deflated.
The resulting mid-week game vs Giants compounded that with their first defeat at home in 17 EIHL games, being out-shot 35:22 on home ice.
Ever since, games have been difficult affairs, which the previous two league fixtures needed extra hockey to settle. Thankfully, the aforementioned duo of MacDonald and Kontos sealed the extra points.
A discerning fan would ask, is this sustainable over the whole season, if not, who steps up?
The comparison from the bottom six between the championship hopefuls to the current holders is staggering. Let alone the vast differences in points spread across their equivalent top units. One factor could be strength of opposition = improved points shares.
However, against the same, lower ranked teams, the hopefuls have largely struggled and the holders have had a much more comfortable slate of outcomes.
For instance, as far as recent results have been accounted, Giants’ bottom six has up to 43 points and 19 goals, making their goal to points share of 44.2% – not too dissimilar to Devils’ 40%, however, from a considerably lower output, to 18 points fewer.
In terms of goals scored from the bottom six, Giants leads Devils by almost double in returns.
That is principally why many are not totally over the moon with even the current state of the team as far as standings and cup progress are concerned, as many of those who attending games fit well within both the ‘5%’ and the ‘95%’, no matter who is active on social media or not.
Adding another player that would typically distribute the puck doesn’t fill the needs the team should be searching for. However, the quality of point distribution is a need that the club could benefit from and a seven-year sample of Nyman’s Liiga seasons could indicate that he might add some higher-quality chances instead.
He certainly isn’t a top line asset within my view and assessment, he also doesn’t bring the physicality that opponents would expect from a Cardiff Devil, but he might become that clutch playmaker who could elevate another players game that might change momentum in an instant.
To conclude, it is all well and good having a leading player in MacDonald right now, but as we all know, form doesn’t always last and we wish it would.
The imminent feeling that it’s not all sunshine stems from having been here before, at this stage of the season, in multiple recent campaigns.
Either the defensive end will collapse completely or the scoring will dry up. Devils are getting by currently, yet sit 6th overall for GFA at 3 per game. Take MacDonald’s goal share out of it, that would reduce significantly. It would place them as 8th overall, much like their shooting percentage, would be amongst teams that struggle to win games.
Which this team currently does.
Does Nyman fill a need the team currently doesn’t have? Short answer, no. Yet he does provide an improvement in quality to proficiently link up with line mates. It might not immediately fulfil a recruitment need, but he may just well improve the teams’ functionality overall.
With his inclusion, has the club addressed fundamental needs, such as improved goal scoring or robust players defensively? Again, short answer, no.
Nyman could well put up some points, how that translates over the course of the season is yet to be determined, we shall find out. As for players to add robust defense, we know he isn’t physical and opts to avoid it altogether, yet, with Helgesen returning, would there be more freedom of movement for smaller forwards like him?
Absolutely.
Ultimately, there are still needs to be met. The club is in a far better position to understand and work with those requirements than any individual outside the organisation, but that doesn’t mean an independent perspective has no value.
That perspective has long documented the ebb and flow of games, as well as developments throughout each season. In previous pieces, I have attempted to provide an independent analysis to establish a proficiency with scouting players.
The following examples demonstrate previous player assessments, identifying potential recruitment opportunities based on the needs of Cardiff Devils. Each looks beyond reputation and headline statistics to consider playing style, production, positional requirements and potential fit within the roster.
Here are some key examples, with the third including a detailed scout report for Alex Young:
About the author
Stephen Pye is an independent ice hockey writer and the author behind HockeySteve. He covers the Elite Ice Hockey League, with a particular focus on Cardiff Devils, player recruitment, scouting and performance analysis. His work combines statistical evaluation with on-ice observations to examine players, team performance and the wider direction of the club.
He also hosts, edits and produces the EIHL Face-Off Podcast on a weekly basis, with listenership reaching over one thousand per week. His published articles reach a comparable number of visitors and readers, growing exponentially each week, reflecting an established readership and following within the EIHL community.
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