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NHL draft tracker: Nelson Nogier, Saskatoon Blades

Nelson Nogier's draft year didn't exactly play out the way he pictured it in the offseason. The Saskatoon Blades rearguard suffered a season-ending shoulder injury on Dec. 15 in a fight with Edmonton Oil Kings wing Brett Pollock.

“It was tough to swallow when it happened,” says Nogier, who scored one goal and six points in 37 games this year. “I wanted to have a good season in my draft year and didn’t want to miss a bunch of games. This is the season that everyone looks forward to. But injuries are a part of game and you have to live with them.”

The major injury seemed to affect Nogier's draft status as he fell from No. 55 to 93 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting Service's final ranking.

"That's out of my control; I try not to worry about that stuff," says Nogier, who will take part in the NHL draft combine this weekend in Toronto.

While healthy, the 6-foot-2, 193-pound Nogier took significant steps forward in his development to blossoming into a quality shutdown defenceman. He played a steady defensive-sound game, keeping opponents to the outside and clearing the front of the net.

“I take pride in the defensive zone,” says Nogier, who won the Darryl K. Seaman Memorial Trophy (Scholastic Player of the Year) this year with a 96 per cent academic average. “I try to be tough to play against and not make too many mistakes.”

The Saskatoon native gives partial credit for his smooth transition in the WHL to getting the opportunity to play alongside elite NHL draft prospects last year in his rookie season. He suited up with Colorado Avalanche first-rounder Duncan Siemens and Montreal Canadiens prospects Dalton Thrower and Darren Dietz in 2012-13.

“It definitely helped me a lot to play with those guys (Siemens, Thrower and Dietz),” he says. “They’ve been through it all like the NHL draft, so I learned a lot from their experiences and they gave me a lot of good tips.”

In addition to his strong play on the ice, Nogier has developed a good reputation in the room. The 18-year-old took on a leadership role in just his second season in the league as one of the Blades' assistant captains. He was awarded the letter largely because his maturity is well beyond his years.

“It’s (being a leader) something I don’t really have to think about; it just comes naturally,” says Nogier on being a leader. “I like helping guys out and working with them. I want to be someone that younger guys can come to with questions.

1. As a Saskatoon native, what was it like to get drafted by and get to play for your hometown team?

“I have loved every second of it in Saskatoon. I'm really happy to get the chance to play for my hometown team. I get to live at home and I know my parents are happy I didn't have to move. I think they are more happy than me (that he remains living at home)."

2. Who do you think is the toughest forward to play against in the Dub?

“I'd say (Edmonton Oil Kings centre) Curtis Lazar. He's just a great two-way player that works hard all over."

3. It goes without saying that you’re a bright kid. Why did you choose the WHL over going to college in the States?

"I know it was an option, but I just thought the WHL was my best option. I heard a lot of good things about the league and it just made sense to play in this league."

4. What’s your favourite movie or TV show?

“I'd say Suits in my favourite TV show. It’s just a great show that I enjoy watching.”

5. What type of music do you like to listen to before a game?

“I like any type of music before a game. I’m not picky at all. Country or even techno – it doesn't matter to me and it doesn't take much for me to get into the game.”

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen