C Alexander Khovanov - Metallurg Zhlobin, Belarus (2018, 86th, MIN released)

[enj92]

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There is one more young russian talent - Andrei Svechnikov's teammate and even linemate, who is maybe not so talented as his partner, but still very exciting hockey player with tons of skill. He was wearing a "C" on his jersey during this past Youth Olimpic Games. One of the best scorers of the tourney along with Svechnikov and Wise. He really reminds me a lot of Clayton Keller - the same strong sides like amazing hands and vision, agile skating and sharp shot. Definitly a 1st-round talent in my book.

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[Kshahdoo]

Now we'll see how good is he without Svechnikov.

 

[enj92]

Now we'll see how good is he without Svechnikov.

Always thought he's pretty good per se. You could see him without Svechnikov on the past YOG, when Andrei was suspended for rest of the tourney. His absence didn't prevent Khovanov from becoming one of the best scorers. But we will see surely, how they both will act without each other.

 

[wings5]

He's Russian and one of the most talented of his age group. Means he's probably CHL bound.

 

[kp61c]

very smart and shifty. there's a lot to like about him. should play in the mhl next season.

 

[Kshahdoo]

http://r-hockey.ru/game.asp?CurrentTournier=9906 An interesting tournament and its best players http://r-hockey.ru/stats.asp?CurrentTournier=9906

 

[Zine]

He should be with the U18s at Novogorsk right now. He's good enough. Svechnikov is there.

 

[Kshahdoo]

So he has 1+2 after 5 games in the MHL. Not bad for 16 year old. 81.6% on FO as well.

 

[enj92]

Scored another one today against Tolpar. 2+2 now. Really good start for 16-year old. Watched today's game, he was pretty noticeable throughout all 3 periods. Very good skater and smart player with smooth hands.

 

[tony d]

maybe the next great Russian centre? Let's see how he pans out.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Will be funny, if he turns out to be better, than Svechnikov.

 

[Firecracker]

How good is the MHL compared to the CHL or USHL? Never seen games from the league?

 

[enj92]

How good is the MHL compared to the CHL or USHL? Never seen games from the league?

In some ways MHL is even tougher league than CHL or USHL, primarily because its U-21 league and such young guys like Khovanov pretty much never get a lot of playing time, preference is given to more experienced and older players, talent doesn't play any significant role. Only one kid had ppg season as U-17 player in MHL. And that kid was Kucherov, even though he played for really offensively stacked team with guys like Gusev, Marchenko, Lyubimov, Torchenyuk etc. Khovanov plays for much more defensive-minded system with lesser talent around him, 0,7 ppg or even 0,6 ppg will be just super great result for him. And I believe this guy is talented enough to make this year's U-18 team.

 

[Firecracker]

In some ways MHL is even tougher league than CHL or USHL, primarily because its U-21 league and such young guys like Khovanov pretty much never get a lot of playing time, preference is given to more experienced and older players, talent doesn't play any significant role. Only one kid had ppg season as U-17 player in MHL. And that kid was Kucherov, even though he played for really offensively stacked team with guys like Gusev, Marchenko, Lyubimov, Torchenyuk etc. Khovanov plays for much more defensive-minded system with lesser talent around him, 0,7 ppg or even 0,6 ppg will be just super great result for him. And I believe this guy is talented enough to make this year's U-18 team.

Thanks for the info. Didn't know it was u21 so it sounds like he is doing well. Hope he continues to.

 

[enj92]

Thanks for the info. Didn't know it was u21 so it sounds like he is doing well. Hope he continues to.

I'm not sure about that, there are some 96-born kids playing this season though. Maybe there're more competent users who might to clarify the situation.

 

[Caser]

Limited number of 21 year olds is allowed in MHL, as far as I remember.

About the level, imo, MHL is on the same tier as USHL and SuperElit.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Fun fact: the other goal in that 2-0 victory over Tolpar was scored by Nikita Malukhin, who's even younger, than Khovanov. They are both of 2000 year, but Malukhin is significantly bigger - 6'2, 202.

 

[Kshahdoo]

1+1 in his 9th MHL game so far and 6 points overall.

 

[Kshahdoo]

He's 4+3 in 10 gp now.

 

[enj92]

1+3 today against Sarmati and total 5+6 in 14 games. All 3 assists were primary. From what I've seen so far that guy is a player. He's really smooth skater and his vision is top notch. Plus he's probably best 16 year old kid at the dot amongst those who ever played in MHL. So excited about his future.

 

[Zaddy]

Liked him a lot in the Youth Olympic Games, at times more than Svechnikov. Should have a bright future ahead of him.

 

[Kshahdoo]

It looks like he's doing better, than Svechnikov.

 

[enj92]

It looks like he's doing better, than Svechnikov.

Tough to say. We russians haven't seen him play since start of the season. Statistically he's not bad at all. We'll see them both at the upcoming u-17 tourney though and then we can draw our conclusions.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Some of his goals

 

[Caser]

Nice assist by Khovanov: