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Top Five Russian Prospects |
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Since there is nothing happening in the NHL right now, and various impactful players still left on the market so I can’t do any season previews (Lockout wooo). I decided to write one of these again. I’m doing the top-five today and 6-10 tomorrow. This will include all leagues, but not draft eligible players (Next years or 2014 for obvious reasons).
1. Nail Yakupov, Right Wing (1st Overall 2012) 18 Years old, Sarnia Sting OHL, Property of the Edmonton Oilers
Starting off really simple with the most recent member of the number one selection crew. Yakupov has the dynamic offensive ability to be a franchise winger. Though height and health are a concern, there is no doubting his natural ability and personal drive to win. Yakupov blends top end speed, elite hands/shot/instincts with a ferocious play style. He has been compared to Ovechkin in that he plays with an edge that is uncharacteristic of not only Russian born players but a guy that stands at 5’11. If you haven’t seen him play much you might expect a soft sniper, yet he has surprised many players including Brett Cook who he put through the glass. This reckless style is his greatest strength and weakness. He often will try to run through players like he’s 6’3 225, but the reality is he isn’t big enough to do that to most players. This has led to various injuries throughout his OHL career. The Oilers will be pleased if Yakupov can remain healthy as he has 40 goal potential.
Potential: Franchise Winger
Comparable: Alex Ovechkin (Lazy comp but whatever)
2. Vladimir Tarasenko, Right Wing (16th Overall 2010) 20 Years Old, SKA St. Petersburg KHL, Property of the St. Louis Blues
Tarasenko fell during his draft year to the sixteenth slot mostly due to the “Russian Factor” and that he had signed a 2 year deal with Novosibirsk before the draft essentially enforcing the fact that he wouldn’t come over to North America until he was 20. After three straight solid years including beginning his KHL run as a 16 year old, Tarasenko had his coming out this season. After beginning the year with Novosibirsk and putting up just under a point per game while being given an “A,” he was traded to SKA for a bucket of money. In the playoffs he was a monster and was in my opinion the MVP. Tarasenko thinks the game a step ahead of most players and is solid at both ends of the ice. While he is more of a sniper, his playmaking skills are very strong, especially when he has talented linemates that can keep up with him. He’s a natural leader and is mature far beyond his age from playing against high level competition since he was 16. He’s officially made the move to NA this year and he’ll be a favourite to win the Calder Trophy.
Potential: First Line Winger
Comparable: Marian Hossa
3. Andrei Vasilevski, Goaltender (19th Overall 2012) 18 Years Old, Tolpar Ufa MHL, Property of the Tampa Bay Lightning
I’ll probably get some flak here from Sabres fans, but I really love Vasilevski. The first goalie to be picked in what many think is one of the best drafts for that position in years; he has every tool needed to be an elite goalie. At 6’3 he has the typical size that NHL goalies are becoming to need. Add that with his amazing flexibility and athleticism and you have a butterfly coach’s wet dream. He’s calm and poised in his net and this has helped add a consistency about him that isn’t typical of a younger goalie. His international reputation is world class and he’s represented Russia with distinction since he was 15 (His first WJC U-18). There are rumours swirling around him right now as to whether he will join the OHL next year, the Mississauga Steelheads who drafted him 69th overall in the import draft are lobbying him very hard; as are the Lightning’s management who want to see him in the NHL by the time he’s 20-22. To think that he’ll be in net at the WJC’s for another two years is insane and shows how skilled he really is. Hell, there is a good chance he finds himself on the Olympic team in Sochi.
Potential: Starting Goalie
Comparable: Carey Price
4. Mikhail Grigorenko, Center (12th Overall, 2012) 18 Years Old, Quebec Remparts QMJHL, Property of the Buffalo Sabres
Considered at the beginning of the year to be in the conversation of 1st overall statues, Grigorenko made the move to the CHL to improve his standing in the draft and show his commitment to playing in the NHL. He had an up and down year that saw him injure his ankle at the WJC’s and get mono in the playoffs. He got a lot of flak from the media, who really tore into him mostly calling him a lazy bastard who will bolt to the KHL. While he can be inconsistent and his defensive game needs massive improvements, it’s hard to hate on a guy that played the final stretch of the season injured and sick. His size and natural talent are elite and he has the ability to take over a game. He can be a puckhog at times, but is so hard to move off the puck that it can be a good thing. Some expect him to make the jump this season, but I really can’t see that. He’s just not ready and a healthy year in Quebec with his best friend Nikita Kucherov should really show what a steal he was at 12.
Potential: First Line Center
Comparable: Joe Thornton
5. Yevgeni Kuznetsov, Right Wing (26th Overall, 2010) 20 Years Old, Traktor Chelyabinsk KHL, Property of the Washington Capitals
Inconsistent is one word to describe Kuznetsov. He has elite level skill and can single handedly dominate not only just a game but a series of them...when he wants to that is. Like in the WJC where he pretty much carried the Russian attack past Canada, then looked like ass against Sweden. He has an elite shot and one of the best releases I’ve ever seen. The main issues right now are his strength level and his conditioning. Some people believe his inconsistencies are triggered by bad conditioning. Whatever the case may be, he has elite level talent in the offensive zone and when he gets to the NHL he’ll score goals. He recently signed for two years with Traktor. This isn’t him trying to send the message that he is KHL bound forever, but rather what I like to call “Sochi Insurance.” With the NHL’s threat that they might not allow their players to go to the Olympics, some players are worried that they won’t be able to play for Russia in their motherland. Kuznetsov is one of them, so he’ll likely make the jump at 22.
Potential: First Line Winger
Comparable: Alex Semin
Thanks for reading.
Follow me on Twitter @AdamFrenchReal
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