The Dallas Stars have used their fourth round pick, 101st overall, to select Nick Paul. He is a Left Wing for the Brampton Battalion of the OHL.
Nick Paul is a physical minded forward who has been playing in his first season in the OHL this season. He’s a big forward at 6″2 and 201lbs. He is on the young end of the spectrum with his 1995 birthday and therefore is probably behind on the development curve compared to some of those who have been drafted this year.
His main skill appears to be using his physicality to grind along the boards and to deliver punishing hits. On the face of it, it appears that his ceiling is likely a bottom six grinder if he is to ever reach the NHL. The few scouting reports on him note his inconsistency in his game and also his poor skating style.
If he wants to reach the next level he has to step up his game significantly next season.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- | Penalty Minutes |
| Regular Season | |||||||
| 2012-13 | Brampton Battalion | 66 | 12 | 16 | 28 | 6 | 21 |
| Post Season | |||||||
| 2012-13 | Brampton Battalion | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -4 | 0 |
Hockey Prospect:
Nicholas went into the Battalion training camp and earned a spot on the roster. In early and especially mid-season viewings, you could always find Paul playing physical, and showing a nice pair of hands in front of the net. He was not a good skater but was always able to remain involved in the play. However, towards the end of the season, he seemed to hit a wall likely due to playing his first full season at this level of play. He be- came a little more perimeter oriented and he essentially got away from his strengths. He is a strong player, who has a good chance to hear his name called at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. When he sticks to his strengths he’s an extremely effective player who plays a power game. However he needs to use the next season as an opportunity to elevate his play and show his true potential.