One of our favourites on the farm has signed a well-deserved NHL entry-level contract for the first time in his young career.

Tristen Nielsen was an AHL free agent signing prior to the Abbotsford Canucks’ inaugural season. He battled a variety of injuries and only played in 41 AHL games during his first season of pro hockey after a strong WHL career with the Vancouver Giants. Last season, Nielsen was used up and down the Abbotsford Canucks’ lineup. He finished the season with 14 goals and 27 assists in 64 games and was looked at as one of Abbotsford’s best penalty killers.

Nielsen plays with grit, skates with tremendous speed, can play centre and is just overall an annoying player to play against. He is often drawing crowds after the whistle and is one of the best at throwing chirps on the ice.

We liked the addition to the AHL team back when he was signed out of the WHL and have watched him grow his game to the point of earning an NHL contract.

Nielsen can play all three forward positions and is often uses as the entry-man on the Abbotsford power play. He’s loved in the room and works extremely hard every game.

His ELC is two years long due to his age being 23. Prior to this season, the Canucks would have been unable to call up Nielsen but with the signing of this new contract, he is now eligible to play for the Vancouver Canucks next season. It’s a great internal signing for the Canucks and though Nielsen will probably spend most of the season in the AHL once again, it’s nice to have the option to call him up.

If Vancouver needs a fourth line forward call-up, Nielsen is a solid option for a few games here and there. We hope to see him continue to grow his game and build on his strengths.