why would you pick artamonov over chernyshov???
I'd like to give your post an answer. If looking at production alone a person would prefer Artamonov, as his points-per-game in the KHL is significantly higher. I'd like to dig a bit deeper, though.
Chernyshov:
- Big kid, 6'2" 190lbs.
- Good skating. He looks like he was trained by someone who knows how to skate properly, maybe a figure skater. Good acceleration, NHL-average to above average top speed, lots of crossovers.
- Shot is ok, good release but won't beat NHL goalies.
- His playmaking is strong. His passes aren't special, but they are quick, accurate, and to the open man's tape.
- Does not possess flashy skill, he's a north-south player.
- Intensity appears a bit low. Engages in the play and crashes the net when he has the puck, not so much the rest of the time. He reminds me of Charlie Coyle in that he's big, strong, skates well, and CAN do some special things, but he always leaves me wanting more.
- Stands around in the defensive zone, not picking up his man and not getting in lanes. I'm not sure if it's a lack of desire or a lack of knowledge of his defensive responsibilities. Does he just not know where to be, or does he not care?
- Big and fast is a great combination of tools, but he also appears smart in the offensive zone and dumb in the defensive zone. I fear that I see a long-term KHLer, not an NHLer.
Artamonov:
- Pretty medium sized, can get pushed around a bit, needs to get stronger.
- Skating is good, not great. He's got decent speed and uses it, but lacks the balance and the polish of Chernyshov's skating.
- His shot looks quick. I don't know that he'll be a major goal scorer, but it looks better than Chernyshov's right now.
- Passing... I didn't get a great read on it, but it looked pretty good. At times his passes are very direct and to the tape, other times his passes seem uncertain, and therefore slow, and don't make it to their intended target.
- I wouldn't quite say he attacks the net, but he does get in front of it, and causes traffic and deflections. He's not afraid of physical play, even if he's not strong enough yet. With the puck he takes the space that's there before making his shot or pass. Shows confidence with the puck.
- Intensity is good, this kid's willing to compete with and without the puck, and in all zones. Gets in lanes, with an active stick and keeps his feet moving. I'd go so far as to say this (his "motor") is his greatest strength, at least from what I saw.
- Can make some bad passes during defensive zone breakouts, but is engaged there and helps break up plays. Active stick, active feet, in lanes, pins guys on the wall.
- Due to his responsible nature and good-enough tools, I think he'll be an NHLer. I think I see him as a 3rd liner there, but maybe he has more skill than I noticed in the single game I saw.
My biggest takeaway after wataching both players is that Chernyshov has better physical tools but uses them inconsistently, while Artamonov is able to do more with less due to his engagement in the play, correct positioning, and constant movement.
If I had to choose one just off of what I've seen today, I'd pick Artamonov. But this was just off watching their shifts in a single game, so take it with a grain of salt. Overall, I think they're in the same tier, if I were making a draft list.