Cristoval “Boo” Nieves took major strides during the 2017-18 season, scoring his first NHL goal and amassing nine points in 28 games.
With multiple injuries and a slow start plaguing the Rangers, Nieves was called up from Hartford in late October. He made an immediate impact, registering three assists against the Arizona Coyotes while playing on a line with Pavel Buchnevich and Michael Grabner.
While Nieves’ scoring slowed down from there, his size, speed, and tenacity were obvious all over the rink.
But with the Rangers’ prospect system newly stocked, especially at center, Nieves will have his work cut out attempting to crack the opening night roster.