How does Kessel compare to Zherdev?

Steve Latin*

Guest
I haven't seen Kessel play (except for highlight reels) but I have seen quite a bit of Zherdev ... enough to know that if Kessel projects as a Zherdev-type player, I'd rather the Pens draft Toews over him.

So, how do the players compare in the following areas?

Size / Strength
Shot
Skating
Passing
Puckhandling
Defense
Attitude / Effort

Thanks in advance.
 

zoomba

Registered User
May 11, 2006
303
0
Unionville, ON
Size/Strength- They are similar size (Kessel 6-0 190ish and Zherdev 6-1 185). Kessel I guess has added some weight because I remember him being listed in the 170's not long ago. Neither of them play a power type game but Zherdev seems to be a bit sturdier on his skates to me. Kessel will probably gain strength (particularly in the lower body) as he seems to have a stockier frame than Zherdev.

Shot- I would give the shooting edge to Kessel. He has a very quick release and seems to shoot well off the rush. He has a great shot.

Skating- This is pretty even I think. Both guys are real fast but I think Zherdev might be a bit faster with the puck. I say this because he has a tremendous ability to make moves with the puck while at top speed.

Passing- Kessel. From what I've seen he is fairly good at setting up teammates in the offensive zone. Particularly on powerplay.

Puckhandling- Zherdev. I consider him to be one of the best puckhandlers in the NHL. Kessel has good skills but I think he tries to do too much sometimes (that through the legs move). Then again, Zherdev has been criticized for the same thing.

Defense- Neither guy really excels here.

Attitude/Effort- Tough to gauge. However Zherdev really came on strong down the stretch in Columbus and perhaps that is a sign that he has realized the role he has on the tteam and is holding himself to a higher standard. As Kessel gets older I think we will have a better read on these qualities with him.
 

scoutman1

Twitter - scoutman33
Feb 19, 2005
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Size/Strength- Zherdev by a hair

Shot-Kessel in this department, though Zherdev has a good shot, Kessel is a little better.

Skating- Zherdev, he is more fluid out there with a little more speed

Passing- Zherdev is very underrated in this deparment and I think he is a little better passer than Kessel

Puckhandling- Zherdev by a long shot, he is possibly the most creative stick handler in the NHL, this guy has jaw dropping moves.

Defense- Both the same

Attitude/Effort- both are about the same here
 

Porn*

Registered User
Mar 6, 2002
36,386
5
In your nightmares
zherdev on everything... he's playing in the nhl.

kessel has yet to prove anything in the nhl, hasn't eve nbeen drafted.


ask this in afew years when both are in their prime and not developing anymore
 

Synergy27

F-A-C-G-C-E
Apr 27, 2004
13,210
11,531
Washington, D.C.
Porn* said:
zherdev on everything... he's playing in the nhl.

kessel has yet to prove anything in the nhl, hasn't eve nbeen drafted.


ask this in afew years when both are in their prime and not developing anymore

Using this logic, one could also assert that Aki Berg is better than Kessel in every department.
 

Leaf27

Registered User
May 13, 2006
13
0
Jeff Jimmerson said:
I haven't seen Kessel play (except for highlight reels) but I have seen quite a bit of Zherdev ... enough to know that if Kessel projects as a Zherdev-type player, I'd rather the Pens draft Toews over him.

So, how do the players compare in the following areas?

Size / Strength
Shot
Skating
Passing
Puckhandling
Defense
Attitude / Effort

Thanks in advance.
What little Iv'e of seen of Kessel he reminds alot like a young Denis Savard because of his explosive speed and great one on one moves and superior stickhandling skill. I see him being a bigger goal scorer than Savard. Sidney Crosby uses his teamates better than Kessel. Although I see Kessel being a bigger one on one threat, Kessel like Savard will bring fans out of their seats with his great moves. I am a life long Leaf fan who hopes that the Leafs trade up to get a shot at Kessel. :teach: :yo: :madfire:
 
Last edited:

Renion

Registered User
Feb 14, 2004
7,044
0
zoomba said:
Size/Strength- They are similar size (Kessel 6-0 190ish and Zherdev 6-1 185). Kessel I guess has added some weight because I remember him being listed in the 170's not long ago. Neither of them play a power type game but Zherdev seems to be a bit sturdier on his skates to me. Kessel will probably gain strength (particularly in the lower body) as he seems to have a stockier frame than Zherdev.

Shot- I would give the shooting edge to Kessel. He has a very quick release and seems to shoot well off the rush. He has a great shot.

Skating- This is pretty even I think. Both guys are real fast but I think Zherdev might be a bit faster with the puck. I say this because he has a tremendous ability to make moves with the puck while at top speed.

Passing- Kessel. From what I've seen he is fairly good at setting up teammates in the offensive zone. Particularly on powerplay.

Puckhandling- Zherdev. I consider him to be one of the best puckhandlers in the NHL. Kessel has good skills but I think he tries to do too much sometimes (that through the legs move). Then again, Zherdev has been criticized for the same thing.

Defense- Neither guy really excels here.

Attitude/Effort- Tough to gauge. However Zherdev really came on strong down the stretch in Columbus and perhaps that is a sign that he has realized the role he has on the tteam and is holding himself to a higher standard. As Kessel gets older I think we will have a better read on these qualities with him.

Excellent analysis of Zzzzzeeee. But I'm a total homer when it comes to Nikki.

I'd add to your Shot description by saying it's hard to know what kind of shot Nikki has, because he rarely if ever uses a hard one. Quick wristers, half shots, and chipping the puck in the net from 10 feet or less are his forte.
 

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