Breakthrough players in KHL 2017-18

[MaxV]

This thread is becoming an annual tradition. Reading last year's thread, you guys did a great job of identifying under the radar players that had a good season.

Any new names for this upcoming season?

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[Caser]

My hopes are that Polunin-Kraskovkiy-Korshkov line will be given a bigger role in Lokomotiv and, obviously, I hope that they will succeed.

 

[crobro]

If Borna Rendulic signs with a team in the KHL HE WILL IMPRESS.

 

[MaxV]

Can Prokhorkin get a bigger role next season?

He should.

 

[Milos Krasic]

Dominik Kubalik at Salavat

 

[Atas2000]

Can Prokhorkin get a bigger role next season?

He should.

With Shipachyov gone he will

 

[SoundAndFury]

I'd really like to put Artyom Zagidulin here but since he is back to being Magnitka's 3rd goalie he will have 0 chance.

 

[MaxV]

Okulov would be a strong candidate, but it's kinda hard to breakout when you don't play.

 

[malkinfan]

1) Kuzmenko
2) Poryadin
3) Zernov
4) Penkovsky
5) Rudenkov

I think either CSKA uses Kuzmenko or they loan him out, no way he sits in the pressbox. Has elite talent, one of the most creative and skilled players you will find. Him and Poryadin are potential home-run players.

 

[SoundAndFury]

The fact that Kuzmenko, who would really be a top 6 forward on any mid-table team, is at risk of starting the season in the VHL and that we have to list him in this thread for tie 3rd year with the same uncertainty is ridiculous honestly.

 

[MaxV]

I'm also hoping Rykov, Zub and other talented Ds take their games into the next level.

 

[MaxV]

Artyom Blazhievsky showed promise last season. I'm not sure if his role will expand this season, but if he gets a chance, he could be a breakout candidate.

 

[MaxV]

Stanislav Galiev and Alexander Khokhlachev maybe, if their confidence arent completely shot.

 

[aonb]

Svyatoslav Grebenschikov and Pavel Padakin from Sochi. I hope.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Padakin is on very quiet 2 game point streak but overall Tolvanen and Zernov are on top of the list at this point, I'd say. Igor Saprykin is somewhat a surprise and a breakout player in a very real sense (at least for me), Daniil Tarasov is 1 point away from his career high (although this was somewhat expected). Quite a few other under radar guys getting good minutes but so far without noticeable results. Zhafyarov leads Admiral Fs in TOI, Byvaltsev Amur's, Babenko plays 17 minutes per game for Lada, some Shiksatdarov guy 16 minutes for Neftekhimik. So the opportunities are definitely there.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Kosov has been elevated to the 1st line today with Kovar and Mozyakin and has 2 points already (on the ice for all 3 goals). Mind boggling really his current career high is 9 points. He will easily score 30 if they continue playing him with those 2.

Also Byvaltsev has a 3 point game after what I said yesterday

Also as his assist just reminded me, Shvets-Rogovoy has 5 points in 7 games for Vityaz and in general seems like a smart, fast player whom we will consider a top-6 forward before the end of the season.

 

[alko]

Julius Hudacek (Severstal Cherepovets), G.

After 6 games it seems, that he could be a very reliable goalie in KHL.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Byvaltsev with 7 points in 9 games already.

 

[MaxV]

What do you guys think about the good start for Ivan Vereschagin, Ilya Khokhlov and Albert Yarullin?

 

[SoundAndFury]

I think with Yarullin it was obvious, he broke out when Ak Bars loaned him to Atlant and it was only a matter of time when he climbs up the ladder in Kazan's system. He is great. He will play for NT and might try his luck in NHL if he wants to. His size is a bit of limitation for that but as the NHL gets faster it shouldn't stop him.

Vereshchagin puts up points because he has a hard shot and plays on PP a lot but otherwise isn't much to write home about and suffers from severe case of pylon-ism. Closest comparison would be Mamashev. He is still young though, maybe he will improve.

Khokhlov is the biggest surprise, he has really nice offensive skills and is a fast skater but from what I've seen a pretty lose player defensively. Reminds of those guys who always wanted to be forwards but play D for some reason.

 

[MaxV]

It has only been 4 games, but Valery Vasiliev is off to a nice start. I was very high on this player during his draft year, I hope he breaks out.

 

[malkinfan]

Yarulin is long past due. I've always liked skill-set, very smooth and quick with the puck and good all round guy, but I think there is a lot more offensive upside with him. Like S&F says, he most likely becomes a main guy on the NT, takes a shot at the NHL Antipin like.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Khokhlachev is on a PPG pace since the trade to Spartak.

 

[Stubu]

Tolvanen with a fantastic start, 9 G + 7 A for 16 P in 13 GP. Includes two hattys and 3 GWG.

Now #9 in P, #6 in PPG with 1.23 (and #5 in G, #3 in GPG which helps him stand out I guess).

 

[Atas2000]

Yarulin is long past due. I've always liked skill-set, very smooth and quick with the puck and good all round guy, but I think there is a lot more offensive upside with him. Like S&F says, he most likely becomes a main guy on the NT, takes a shot at the NHL Antipin like.

Won't happen regrettably.