Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Nieto likely to play more prominent role with Sharks
Share This Post
Comments
Monday, September 22, 2014 - 1:45pm
Follow @kkurzcsn

SAN JOSE -- This time last year, Matt Nieto was still a virtual unknown in NHL circles. Sure, the 2011 second round pick was among the Sharks’ top prospects, but the Boston University product was no lock to make the opening night roster.

Fast forward 12 months later, and Nieto, 21, has spent all of training camp in the Sharks’ top six. He’s been slotted on the right wing of the Logan Couture-Patrick Marleau line, where he finished the season last year, and will be counted on to continue his progression after an inspiring rookie year of 24 points (10g, 14a) in 66 games.

“The only thing that changes is probably my comfort level around everyone,” said Nieto, who scored a gorgeous breakaway goal in Sunday's scrimamge. “I’m not as nervous this year. But, nothing changes as far as working as hard as I can and trying to leave an impression. No spot is guaranteed, and I really want to earn it.”

Todd McLellan said: “We’re just looking for him to make strides. Move forward. Improve his overall game. Accept a little more responsibility.”

Despite being named Sharks Co-Rookie of the Year with Tomas Hertl, Nieto’s first season was not without its hiccups. The Long Beach native seemed to fatigue at times, had some brief stints in the minors, was relegated to fourth line duty some nights and was a health scratch for a handful of games.

That’s not uncommon for skilled forwards trying to break into the league, especially college players, who typically don’t have more than 40 or so games a year and aren’t used to playing every other night. Nieto needs to get stronger, and it’s something he was conscious of in his offseason training.

“I tried to put weight on, and did a good job of doing that,” said Nieto, who added that he now checks in at 190 pounds. “I feel in the best shape of my life right now. It’s a grueling camp, a grueling couple of weeks, so it’s really important to be in good shape.”

The University of Wisconsin’s Joe Pavelski remembered his transition from college to the pros.

“You definitely have to manage yourself in certain ways, because there are long points during the season where you’re scraping for energy,” he said. “You try and take care of yourself.”

The Sharks coaching staff frequently mentions that Nieto, despite being smaller in stature -- he’s generously listed at five-foot-10 -- is strong on his skates and rarely gets knocked over. His biggest asset is his speed, though, so he has to walk that line of trying to get bulk up without hindering his explosive skating ability.

“I know what weight I’m comfortable playing at, and where I’m my best and my fastest. It’s just a matter of maintaining that,” he said.

Sharks management has mentioned countless times that it would like to get the younger players more involved this season, and Nieto is a huge part of that future core. Along with a potential role on one of the top two scoring lines, Nieto could see more special teams action.

McLellan said: “I think that eventually he can become a power play player. He’s got tremendous skills and a quickness that’s an asset to any line or any special teams situation. I think he can improve in that area.

“Second year players, you can’t burden them with too much. They have to continue to grow and evolve, and we’ll watch it on a daily basis.”

Nieto is on the right path.

Pavelski said: “Any time you’re smart with some speed, you can put yourself in a lot of right positions.”

 

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Morning Minute: A's, Giants fall to Los Angeles counterparts
Toe the Rubber: Jon Lester vs. Hector Santiago
Vogt: A's 'left a small village' of runners on base
Bumgarner: Friendship 'not in the cards' with Puig

Giants

Rewind: Benches clear as Dodgers move closer to celebration
Instant Replay: Bumgarner can't overcome early slip, Giants fall
NL Wild Card watch: Pirates clinch playoff spot
NL Wild Card Watch: Brewers fall 3-1 to Reds
Read More

Athletics

Rewind: Gray delivers, but A's can't capitalize
Instant Replay: Gray, A's edged out by Angels 2-0
A's to remove Coliseum tarps for playoffs if they advance
AL Wild Card Watch: Mariners fall to Blue Jays 10-2
Read More

Sharks

Prospects impress in Sharks preseason opener
Instant Replay: Goldobin, Sharks top Canucks 5-2
Sharks fall to Canucks 4-2 in preseason opener
Sharks' outdoor sweaters to be worn more than once
Read More

49ers

Kelly praises ex-49ers RB James, but no spot available on Eagles
49ers staff back to being rivals against ex-Oregon coach Kelly
Reid: Cardinals' go-ahead touchdown 'was on me'
Harbaugh disciplined Boldin, Culliver for camp altercations
Read More

Raiders

QB Matt Schaub not in England with Raiders
British media skewer Raiders about Goodell, Rice, Peterson
Raiders' Reece trips, avoids injury at 'Play 60' event in U.K.
Raiders' Woodson: 'We're going to fight for our staff'
Read More

Warriors

Warriors' GM Myers reiterates desire to keep Klay
Warriors only semi-healthy entering camp
Concept designs for Warriors' Mission Bay arena complex
Theory behind Jackson's firing too logical to dismiss?
Read More

NCAA

Ray Ratto's Top 25 college football rankings: Week 5
Hail Mary sends Wildcats to 49-45 win over Cal
Fresno State locks up first win, tops S. Utah 56-16
San Jose State falls to Minnesota 24-7
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly
  • Amy G
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Benches clear as Dodgers move closer to celebration
Andrew Baggarly

More Stories

Instant Replay: Bumgarner can't overcome early slip, Giants fall
(12)
NL Wild Card watch: Pirates clinch playoff spot
See more >

More Stories

NL Wild Card Watch: Brewers fall 3-1 to Reds
Giants notes: Sandoval's swing, Strickland's playoff future
(9)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Bumgarner: Friendship 'not in the cards' with Puig
Bumgarner: Friendship 'not in the cards' with Puig
See more >

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Rewind: Benches clear as Dodgers move closer to celebration
  • Instant Replay: Bumgarner can't overcome early slip, Giants fall
  • Giants notes: Sandoval's swing, Strickland's playoff future
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Insider Joe Stiglich
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Rewind: Gray delivers, but A's can't capitalize
(1)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

Instant Replay: Gray, A's edged out by Angels 2-0
(2)
A's to remove Coliseum tarps for playoffs if they advance
(1)
See more >

More Stories

AL Wild Card Watch: Mariners fall to Blue Jays 10-2
AL Wild Card Watch: Royals roll past Indians 7-1
See more >

A's VIDEO

Toe the Rubber: Jon Lester vs. Hector Santiago
Toe the Rubber: Jon Lester vs. Hector Santiago
See more >

A's INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Insider Kevin Kurz
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets

Latest News

Prospects impress in Sharks preseason opener
(1)
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

Instant Replay: Goldobin, Sharks top Canucks 5-2
(2)
Sharks fall to Canucks 4-2 in preseason opener
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Sharks' outdoor sweaters to be worn more than once
(9)
McLellan's message to Sharks: Just play
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

YSTL: Sharks make statement by removing Thornton as captain
YSTL: Sharks make statement by removing Thornton as captain
See more >

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Tigers ride Verlander to shutout win, avoid ALDS collapse
  • Leyland 'slept great' after Game 4 loss
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Insider Monte Poole
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Warriors' GM Myers reiterates desire to keep Klay
(1)
Monte Poole

More Stories

Warriors only semi-healthy entering camp
(1)
Concept designs for Warriors' Mission Bay arena complex
(4)
See more >

more stories

Theory behind Jackson's firing too logical to dismiss?
(48)
Griffin knew Sterling was racist before tape went public
(26)
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Myers: Warriors bench needs improvement this season
Myers: Warriors bench needs improvement this season
See more >

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • Warriors' GM Myers reiterates desire to keep Klay
  • Warriors only semi-healthy entering camp
  • Theory behind Jackson's firing too logical to dismiss?
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Kings sign free agent Ramon Sessions
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Report: Kings agree to two-year deal with G Sessions
(1)
Kings sign forward Omri Casspi
(3)
See more >

More Stories

Colangelo praises Cousins' contributions to Team USA
Report: Hollins, Kings agree to one-year deal
See more >

Kings Video

Spears: Cousins' status for Team USA in doubt after injury
Spears: Cousins' status for Team USA in doubt after injury
See more >

Fantasy Hoops

  • Fantasy news, analysis, draft guide, cheatsheets, projections & more
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Matt Maiocco
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Buy 49ers Tickets

Latest News

Kelly praises ex-49ers RB James, but no spot available on Eagles
Matt Maiocco

More Stories

49ers staff back to being rivals against ex-Oregon coach Kelly
(1)
Reid: Cardinals' go-ahead touchdown 'was on me'
(39)
See more >

More stories

Harbaugh disciplined Boldin, Culliver for camp altercations
(53)
49ers re-sign QB Johnson, waive TE Cleveland
(36)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

YSTL: What are the 49ers lacking this season?
YSTL: What are the 49ers lacking this season?
See more >

49ers INSIDER

  • Kelly praises ex-49ers RB James, but no spot available on Eagles
  • 49ers staff back to being rivals against ex-Oregon coach Kelly
  • Harbaugh disciplined Boldin, Culliver for camp altercations
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Insider Scott Bair
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Buy Raiders Tickets

Latest News

QB Matt Schaub not in England with Raiders
(1)
Scott Bair

More Stories

British media skewer Raiders about Goodell, Rice, Peterson
Raiders' Reece trips, avoids injury at 'Play 60' event in U.K.
(1)
See more >

More Stories

Raiders' Woodson: 'We're going to fight for our staff'
(55)
Watson: Homecoming, reunion with daughter 'will be special'
(5)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

McFadden dodges questions about Goodell, Rice, McDonald, Peterson
McFadden dodges questions about Goodell, Rice, McDonald, Peterson
See more >

RAIDERS INSIDER

  • QB Matt Schaub not in England with Raiders
  • British media skewer Raiders about Goodell, Rice, Peterson
  • Raiders' Reece trips, avoids injury at 'Play 60' event in U.K.
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

'Quakes blanked by Impact 2-0
Associated Press

More Stories

Quakes earn draw on Wondolowski's goal in 66th minute
Earthquakes shut out by Whitecaps in Vancouver
See more >

Quakes Video

Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
Wondolowski reflects on his World Cup experience
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Rewind: Benches clear as Dodgers move closer to celebration
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Warriors' GM Myers reiterates desire to keep Klay
(1)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Kelly praises ex-49ers RB James, but no spot available on Eagles
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

QB Matt Schaub not in England with Raiders
(1)
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Prospects impress in Sharks preseason opener
(1)
See more >

JOE STIGLICH

Rewind: Gray delivers, but A's can't capitalize
(1)
See more >

RAY RATTO

Expect 49ers to move to San Antonio if they lose to Eagles

TOP STORIES

  • Prospects impress in Sharks preseason opener
  • Instant Replay: Goldobin, Sharks top Canucks 5-2
  • Sharks' outdoor sweaters to be worn more than once

FIND OUT HOW TO WIN 49ERS TICKETS!

49ers

Click here to find out how to win 49ers tickets!

ENTER TO WIN SHARKS TICKETS!

Sharks Tix
Click here for the chance to win Sharks tickets!

AFF - A'S

Authentic Fan Friday - A's

Come to Authentic Fan Friday at the A's! 

Sit in the Value Deck and score free giveaways - get more info here!

 

NCAA

San Jose State falls to Minnesota 24-7
FSU changes mind, suspends QB Winston for entire game

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • GolfChannel.com
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto

 

TICKETS

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants Tickets
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers Tickets
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors Tickets
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Morning Minute: A's, Giants fall to Los Angeles counterparts
Morning Minute: A's, Giants fall to Los Angeles counterparts
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Carpool Confessions
  • Amy G’s Exclusives
  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Humm BB
  • Bullshootin'

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks
  • Monte Poole - Warriors
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants
  • Joe Stiglich - A's
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers
  • Scott Bair - Raiders
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California