NHL draft tracker: Nick Schmaltz, Green Bay Gamblers

Nick Schmaltz is bent on following in his brother's footsteps in at least one regard, perhaps two.

Two years ago this week, the St. Louis Blues wagered their No. 25 overall selection on the centre's older brother, defenceman Jordan Schmaltz, who now plays at the University of North Dakota. The younger Schmaltz has a fairly distinct chance on Friday to match his sibling's feat of becoming a NHL first-rounder. However that pans out, the 5-foot-11½, 172-pound playmaking pivot from the United States Hockey League's Green Bay Gamblers is banking on teaming up with his brother this fall at UND.

"It's pretty exciting, not too many guys get to play with their brother," says Nick Schmaltz, who is NHL Central Scouting's No. 19-ranked North American skater and the highest-ranked USHL player who is not from the U.S. under-18 team. "That was a big part of the decision.

"Back home, we used to have a little concrete rink downstairs and it could get pretty heated, but it was all for a good cause," says the native of Verona, Wisconsin. "Maybe there were some high sticks every now and then. Some tears were shed. I think I got the most of him but each of us just say we won, that's how it is."

Schmaltz's verve with the puck is self-evident. As a 17-year-old in Green Bay, he posted 18 goals and 63 points across 55 points, proving himself capable of stickhandling in heavy traffic, elude defenders and threading passes through a labyrinth of bodies and sticks. He led the U.S. to a gold at the World Junior A Challenge in November and contributed to a silver-winning effort during the preseason Memorial of Ivan Hlinka tournament, where he was matched up against players his own age.

Depending on how capable he proves of being up to the rigours of the NHL game, the young centre could be a home run pick whether he goes late in the first on Friday or has to wait until the second round on Saturday morning.

"I think I got better at completing my two-way game," Schmaltz, whose major junior rights belong to the Ontario Hockey League's Windsor Spitfires, says of his season in Green Bay. "I am known for my offence but I'm not going to play at the next level without defence. I really improved at that end of the ice."

1. What do you consider crucial in growing into a player who can reach the next level?

"I think, taking the mentality I have of playing hard in the offensive zone and applying it to the D zone. That's the biggest thing, no matter what."

2. What is your strongest attribute on the ice?

"I think my playmaking is my biggest strength. Being able to find guys coming late into the zone. My vision. I can put the puck in the net, too."

3. Which NHL player(s) do you pattern your game after?

"Jason Spezza from the Ottawa Senators. People have said I play similar to him. He's got that playmaking ability. I try to do some of the things he does."

4. If not for hockey, what sport could you picture yourself playing?

"I was a big football player. It was a tough decision in eighth grade when I had to pick one, football or hockey. I was a running back. Football probably would have been harder to make it in.."

5. Where is your favourite road rink in the USHL?

"Waterloo this year. It's loud and small — a lot of cowbells in there. It's a pretty cool place to play."

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.