A puck moving blueliner who has some solid upside. Niku demonstrated impressive offensive skill and awareness. He is a mobile puck-mover, with a smooth-stride and quick feet, which he’ll utilize to get out of trouble in his own end. Good mobility laterally with good acceleration too. He is nifty with the puck, and has quick hands and a quick read for the offensive game. He sees the ice well and makes a very strong first pass out of his own end. He handles the point well and is poised under pressure. Good active stick on corners. Plays fearlessly against bigger guys. Head always on a swivel. Calm. Good first pass. Gets dangerous and redirectable shots on goal very well. Skinny guy, doesn’t look close to what he’s listed as. Does a decent job of using his good mobility to steer puck carriers to the outside. He needs to work on his defensive play, as he tends to make poor decisions in his own zone and he seems lost at times. He is also fairly weak on the walls and needs to improve on his physical game. (May 2015)