Tugg Hockey League - Sammy Nelson

Cameron Knox - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-09-14

Top 20 NHL Draft Rankings

14 – Sammy Nelson Nelson is a player that I wouldn’t say has one standout attribute, but you can’t find many areas concerning about his game either. He plays a fast game, is always moving and tough to contain, he has it all, he can shoot, very good at finding open lanes for cross ice passes, both receiving and dishing, and is all around just a very hard-working player.

Parker McLean - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-08-31

2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

11 – Sammy Nelson (6’2″ | 192lbs | F | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | USA) One of the oldest players in this 2027 draft class, Nelson has a certain refinement to his game that most players lack. Much of his game revolves around north-south hockey, where he generates offence off the rush, showcasing his speed, playmaking, and finishing abilities. He’s also dependable in his own end, serving in a penalty-killing role on the USNTDP and for Team USA at the World Junior Summer Showcase this past July. An intriguing mix of speed, size, and heart, Nelson will look to make noise at Notre Dame ahead of next year’s draft.

Parker McLean - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-08-01

USA Offense Explodes in 7-2 Victory Over Canada

The first goal came shortly after the first intermission when Sammy Nelson stole the puck and took off to the races, beating Lukas Beckman low glove side for the shorthanded tally.

Parker McLean - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-07-29

Finland Gets Revenge Against USA in World Junior Tune-Up

The third period was much more competitive, with different exchanges of both teams dominating the pace of play and their looks. With Finland on the power play, the puck got rimmed around the boards, and Sammy Nelson outskated the Finnish backchecker to get to the puck first, shooting it past Patrik Kerkola to bring the game within a goal.

Although the US pushed Finland to the brink, they could not beat Kerkola in the end, and Finland took home the victory 3-2.

Team USA will play Sweden tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT, while Finland will take on Canada at 7 p.m. EDT/ 2 a.m. EEST

F Ethan Wyttenbach (USA | Calgary Flames)

Team USA’s entire top line with Wyttenbach, Cullen and Berchild was incredible, but the standout performance again today was Wyttenbach, who continued as the offensive catalyst for Team USA. Scoring a goal and generating numerous high-quality chances throughout the game, it felt like a different team whenever Wyttenbach and his line jumped over the boards.

F Carter Sanderson (USA | Pittsburgh Penguins)

After scoring a hat trick in his opening game and adding another goal in his second, Sanderson was one of the most deserving players to make this US merged team, and today he rewarded the decision with another strong game. Creating opportunities with his speed and size, he had a number of high-quality looks while taking care of his responsibilities in his own end.

F Sammy Nelson (USA | 2027 Draft Eligible)

Turning out to be Team USA’s MVP of the game, Nelson put together another strong performance for the US squad, picking up a shorthanded goal in the process. The expected top 5 pick at the 2027 NHL draft will look to continue his strong showcase ahead of the World Junior tournament that could propel him into the top 3.

Parker McLean - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-07-27

USA White Outslugs Sweden 6-4 at World Junior Showcase

The second period continued much like the first, both teams trading chances, forcing their goaltenders to make some big saves. Filip Ekberg took a cross-checking penalty halfway through the second, and the US power play was buzzing, eventually scoring with a nice passing play that Sammy Nelson back-doored into the net.

Parker McLean - Draft Prospects Hockey2026-07-25

2026 World Juniors Summer Showcase: Ultimate Preview

Sammy Nelson (F): A top-5 projected prospect for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft, Nelson is one of the most intriguing under-age players at the showcase this year. A strong showing here could lock down his spot on the December roster ahead of his draft year.