Nico Sturm (born 3.5.1995) is a German ice hockey winger. He has been playing in the NHL since 2019 and he has played for Minnesota Wild.

Early Career

Nico Sturm played his junior years with ESV Kaufbeuren in the German Development League (DNL). He played in DNL three years (2011-14), but because of low level and in order to continue his development, Sturm decided move to North America. He played first in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with Corpus Christi IceRays and the Austin Bruins.

In the 2015 USHL Entry Draft, Sturm was selected 72nd overall by Tri-City Storm. On 30.6.2015, Sturm signed with the Storm. In the 2015-16 season, Sturm played 62 games with the Storm and made 45 (17+28) points. Tri-City Storm and Sturm won the Clark Cup in that season.

Next season (2016-17), Sturm started to play with Clarkson University of the ECAC. In his first season, Sturm made 21 (8+13) points in 38 games and was selected to ECAC All-Rookie Team. Next season (2017-18), Sturm made 37 (14+23) points in 40 games and he was named the ECAC Best Defensive Forward. In his last season with Clarkson (2018-19), Sturm led the team in scoring with 45 (14+31) points in 39 games. He was again named ECAC Best Defensive Forward and was also finalist for the ECAC Hockey Player of the Year Award. Sturm was also named to the 2019 ECAC Hockey All-Tournament Team and an ECAC First-Team All-League selection.

Minnesota Wild

Niko Sturm was undrafted free agent and after fine years in Clarkson University, he attracted wide NHL interest. On 1.4.2019, Sturm signed one-year contract with the Minnesota Wild. On 4.4.2019, Strum made his NHL debut against Boston Bruins. On 2019-20 season, Sturm played mainly in the AHL with Iowa Wild. He played eight games in NHL and made 3 (1+2) points. On 5.10.2020, the Wild re-signed Sturm to a two-year contract.

International Play

Nico Sturm played in 2015 IIHF World Junior Ice Hockey Championships with Team Germany.