Seattle Kraken prospect and Coachella Valley Firebirds defenseman Jani Nyman has been named the AHL's rookie of the month for February. 

The 20-year-old forward scored nine goals and 13 points in 10 games, improving his season totals to 25 goals and 40 points in 53 games. 

The Kraken selected Nyman in the second round (49th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and he's taken every step in his development that they needed him to take. Last year playing against men in Finland's top professional league, Liiga, Nyman scored 26 goals and 43 points in 48 games, leading the team in goals. 

Now playing in his first professional campaign in North America, the 6'4, 220 lbs winger ranks first in goals and is tied with points among Firebirds players. He also ranks in the top five in goals among all AHLers and first among rookies. 

Heading into the season, it was expected that Nyman would need a bit of an adjustment period to get acclimated to the change in rink size and the style of play but he adjusted very quickly and has now become a dominant force. 

Although the Firebirds roster features other top prospects like Jagger Firkus, David Goyette, Eduard Sale, Ryan Winterton and Logan Morrisson, it's Nyman who stands out the most and is likely the closest to receiving a call-up to the NHL. His blend of size and skill should make him an effective NHL player for a long time. 

If the Kraken clean house at the deadline, it's not far-fetched to think that Nyman likely could see a few games of NHL action before the end of the season.