By Warren Kozireski–
In the later rounds of the National Hockey League entry draft, teams sometimes take fliers on players their scouts see potential in or they hope late-bloomers. If the New York Islanders are looking for a grinder who thrives on creating havoc around the net, then their 2016 seventh round selection Nick Pastujov may emerge as their man.
The 6’0”, 202 lb. University of Michigan sophomore isn’t going to be a great point producer, but he does help create scoring opportunities as displayed when his line scored the tying goal against Notre Dame with 5:22 remaining in the third period of the Frozen Four semi-finals in St. Paul.
The Bradenton, Florida native got the second assist on his brother Michael’s goal, but it was his work along the boards and physical play that set the table.
“I think it was just one of those situations where you just kind of stick to the game plan and keep doing what you’re doing,” the 20-year old said. “We knew if we kept pressuring the ‘D’ they’d end up turning it over; kind of like on that last goal. We just kept shooting. We knew that one would eventually go in. It was good that we got the game tied to give us a chance at the end.”
Pastujov left the south in 2011 and spent three seasons in the Honeybaked program outside of Detroit followed by two years in the U.S. National Development Program, where scored he scored 13 goals each year.
This year he set career-best marks with four goals and 11 assists in 36 games and was a defensively responsible +5 plus/minus.
And he has had another chance this season to play with his brother, Michael—a freshman on his line.
“I think our line has a nice dynamic. I play a chippier game than my brother. He’s more of a skill guy and I’m more of a get-my-nose-dirty guy. I think we’re good at jumping the ‘D’ and make them turn it over. And once it’s down in their zone we make it hard for them to get out I think.
“It’s been awesome. We’ve been playing with each other growing up; up until the Program (USDP). So being on the same team is nice to kind of get that chemistry back and I’m excited to see what we’ll be able to do next year.”
Both score four goals this season, so who gets to brag?
“I played more games than he did, so I guess he does.”
But two more years of development with Big Ten conference competition and maybe the Islanders have a late-round find on their hands.
