Prospect Info: Aleksander Kisakov, F (53rd overall, 2021) - SIGNED to 3 year ELC

[LastWordArmy]

Playing in the Dynamo Moscow system, Alexander Kisakov has not yet made his KHL debut, but has dominated at the MHL level this past season. In 61 games he scored 36 goals and 37 assists for 73 points. He also added five goals and five assists for 10 points in 14 playoff games, helping lead Dynamo Moscow to the MHL title. It was a big improvement on his 2019-20 season when Kisakov played 34 games at the MHL level, scoring two goals and 16 assists for 18 points. He also played in four games for the Russian Under-18 that year, scoring two goals and three assists for five points. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 Pandemic cancelled the 2020 IIHF Under-18s and he was unable to show off his skills in the signature tournament.

2021 NHL Draft #45: Alexander Kisakov Scouting Report

Click to read more...

 

[EichHart]

All the skill

Left Wing/Right Wing — shoots Left
Born November 1st, 2002 — Solimansk, Russia
Height 5’10” — Weight 141 lbs [177 cm / 64 kg]
Skating

An undersized forward, coming in at just 141 pounds, Kisakov makes up for his lack of size with his skating ability. His first step and acceleration are both very good. He wins a lot of short races to loose pucks. He can also change speeds when attacking the zone, fooling defenders and opening up space. However, he is not a speedster. His stride is a bit short and he could be faster if he extends his legs further. Kisakov also has very good agility and edgework. His ability to change directions on a dime allows him to avoid opposing defenders both with and without the puck. He is quick to dart into open areas of the ice. Kisakov will need to get stronger and add weight to his frame though. He will need this to be stronger on the puck and to fight through checks when playing against men.
Offensive Game

Kisakov is a pure goal scorer. He has an excellent wrist shot and a very quick release. His ability to toe-drag and change the angle on his shot before letting it go can cause issues for opposing goaltenders. Kisakov is a smart player who finds open space away from defenders and sets himself up to take a pass and fire it on the net. He also has a very good one-timer. Kisakov can shoot off his wrong foot as well. This can also create issues for goaltenders. He is willing to try and get into the tough areas of the ice but needs to be bigger and stronger to fight through tough checking in these areas.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Mod, can you edit to 53rd overall.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Love this theme of forwards we are drafting

 

[Reddawg]

Major overhaul in approach, and I LOVE that.

 

[joshjull]

 

[Chainshot]

Love this theme of forwards we are drafting

It's been so long since they took skill in the draft. Like... Bowman era long ago.

 

[m0pe]

First pick of ours I don't like.

I know he lit up the MHL but I don't think it is projectable. Had him as a 3rd rounder on the off chance he hits so not too upset but feel that he is a longshot.

Especially with my favourite Peart going one pick later.

 

[joshjull]

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

I see the trend of not taking CHL players continues.

 

[joshjull]

 

[elchud]

61 games. 73 points. 90 penalty minutes. +42. 142 pounds. He is a unicorn that I wanted with one of the 3rds.

 

[couture23]

Back to back Russians? What version of the Buffalo Sabres is this?

 

[Dirty Dog]

I see the trend of not taking CHL players continues.

Didn’t 2 of our 5 picks last year come from Canadian junior leagues? Including our top 10 pick in Quinn?

if anything, this draft has been far away from recent trends

 

[Fjordy]

Yeah

 

[Zman5778]

Love that we're moving away from "safe" and actually taking guys with a high level of skill.

 

[couture23]

 

[Gabrielor]

Like this pick a lot.

 

[Chainshot]

Love that we're moving away from "safe" and actually taking guys with a high level of skill.

It's a refreshing change of pace, that's for damn sure. Was it the Roy-Pominville 2nd round the last time they took higher picks with offensive upside? And even that was anomalous to how Regier/Luce drafted at the time.

 

[joshjull]

 

[couture23]

I love this kid

 

[joshjull]

 

[zuikan]

Really weird seeing Russians drafted. I love the type of players we're getting.

 

[billsandsabres]

the ironic smile on his face atop that beamer has glotov-esque undertones.

 

[Buffaloed]

The great thing about drafting Russians is there's no transfer agreement so their rights don't expire. We can let these guys marinate.