By Tim Healey/DFP Staff
Junior Matt Nieto will begin his professional career and sign an entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks Monday, according to his mother, Mary. The forward reported to Worcester to sign and join the Sharks’ AHL affiliate.
Nieto’s decision to forgo his senior year comes just nine days after the conclusion of a season in which he led the team in goals (18) and finished second in total points (37) behind linemate and fellow Sharks prospect Danny O’Regan. Nieto struggled for much of the season but turned it on down the stretch, netting 28 of his 37 points after the new year.
The decision caps a three-year career in scarlet and white, highlighted by a 42-point (16 goals, 26 assists) as a sophomore. He netted 10 goals and 13 assists as a rookie in 2010-11.
The Long Beach, Calif., native was drafted by the Sharks in the second round (47th overall) in the 2011 NHL Draft.
Nieto could’ve used one more year at BU to work on becoming a consistently dominant player under Coach Quinn — and garner All-Hockey East, All-American, and other team and individual accolades.
He’s a streaky scorer and playmaker, but I had a feeling he’d leave after the hot streak he went on down the stretch.
I hope he has a successful pro career and makes the NHL in the next couple of years. Best of luck to him!
Not a surprise at all. With BU picking the wrong person as coach, there was no reason for Nieto to say. Good luck and make us proud!
So who do think was the right choice ?? This team needs a no nonsense attitude they got the perfect guy… unreal
This has to be the same guy who complained that BU did not pick John Hynes and trashed David Quinn. He just can’t get it through his head that although Hynes would have been a very good pick, David Quinn is a terrific pick.
Nietto did not leave because Quinn is now the coach. He left to try to further his professional career. Good luck to him.
If you’re gonna post stupidity, take a minute to proof-read. So far, just one numbnutz thinks BU hired the wrong coach.
As for Nieto, it’s increasingly rare for a high draft pick (he was #47) to return for a senior year after a strong college career. It’s the nature of the beast…and the CBA.
right coach, fool fans
selfish, selfish, and more selfish.
have fun in the minors.
good riddance!
You too are an idiot.
No surprise that Noonan is coming back. After a lousy year like he had, why would any NHL team want him to come out early?
Noonan has a good shot to break the NCAA record for most diving/embellishment penalties. He’s almost there. Why not come back and try for it?