I wanted to put up a KHL update since so much has happened and with the lockout basically looking like it will be year ‘round I’ll have slit duck all to talk about. In that light I’ll probably just post something every two weeks, either prospect/draft/Europe related…hell maybe all three!
1. Nail Yakupov – There was a lot of talk about how Nail would fail (lol) and run to the KHL immediately…mostly coming from those who are married to Don Cherry’s 1940’s way of life, but his foray into the KHL has been amazing. From the 8 games I’ve seen of him (one live) he is on the fast track to stardom. Nobody hunts the puck harder, nobody gets there quicker and nobody has the pure will to score goals like him. If you remember the old Ovechkin and his seeming need to score, you’ll see that in Nail. In my opinion he’s the best 19 year old in KHL history (Not including the Russian League 1 before KHL inception) and is already better than Kuznetsov. In 13 games he has 10 goals and 14 points good for 4th overall in scoring. His defensive game and his puckhoging at times needs improvement, but for a rookie playing in pro league not only for the first time but on the international surface after 2 years in Canada is impressive. One thing that is a bit worrying is that his style, which includes some cherry picking wouldn’t work in the NHL and the larger ice surface has helped his reckless play go more or less unpunished.
2. Alex Radulov – The King of the K has continued his reign and he’ll probably go down as one of the most disappointing players of all time if he never returns to the NHL. Not to say he would be a superstar award winner but he would be a top line forward and showed that in Nashville. He’s on pace for the most PIM’s in KHL history and has 62 already after only 22 games which is showing his petulance that just keeps increasing, he might be the master of petty revenge penalties. He’s first in points and 3rd in goals and in general has been fantastic. It’s a shame he loves his money and booze too much to be an NHLer…oh who am I kidding they all love those things.
3. Vladimir Tarasenko – Hard to find a more complete young player in the KHL. Tarasenko has simply been amazing. I’ve come to expect it, so maybe that is why I’m less impressed with him than Yakupov. Overall I’d say he is ready for the NHL, his offensive game is so well rounded and flashing dynamism, while his defensive game is simple and effective with attention to detail. He has 9 goals and 16 points in 12 games so far and for the most part has found himself on the second line getting leftover minutes from Kovalchuk. Really wish they would give him PP or PK time like they did before, very annoying to watch him dominate each shift then spend 4 minutes on the bench…might be punishment for “abandoning” them to go to NA.
Thanks for reading.
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