Prospect Info: Leafs Pick #185 -Nikita Korostelev - RW - Sarnia Sting OHL (RUS) 6' 1" 195

[7even]

He moved to Toronto at the age of 14 to pursue the dream of playing in the NHL. That takes a fair amount of dedication, I hope this kid turns into a steal.

Best case scenario: told everyone he wouldn't play NA hockey anywhere but Toronto

 

[RoadWarrior]

I sure as hell don't think Pilon is a steal.

Players tend to fall for a reason. I certainly don't think I'm more intelligent than the combined scouting staffs of 30 NHL teams.

Pilon benefited playing with Provorov who really dominated when on the ice and padded his stats.

 

[I am Canadian]

We should make more of these picks, that's what Yzerman did for Tampa and came out with Kucherov.

I like it.

 

[AcerComputer]

This is why draft picks in the later rounds are valuable. even 7th rounders.

 

[Lebanese Leaf]

Gotta say, I LOVE what I'm reading in this thread. Sounds like a phenomenal pick.

 

[Svartsyn]

Gotta say, I LOVE what I'm reading in this thread. Sounds like a phenomenal pick.

This.

Almost seems too good to be true....if he fell a bit, ok, but THIS FAR? Something fishy here, or an absolute steal! Can hardly believe it.

 

[burpsalot]

"His biggest flaw is almost a complete lack of game when he doesn’t have the puck. That might be a matter of learning and maturing into a 200 game."


This will be eliminated under Keefe & Babcock.

 

[Duffman955]

Steal for us in the 7th round.

Was ranked in rounds 2-3 by many.

 

[Busher Jackson]

This draft has real potential to be big time. There could be 5-6 NHL players drafted. I am all aboard the draft for skill, trade for size philosophy of Hunter-Dubas.

 

[Atas2000]

The whole russian community congratulate you to this huge steal. Everybody in Russia was baffled how he wasn't picked much, much higher.

 

[RyanOhReally]

Who is that one guy on our boards who wanted him soooooooo bad, kept asking if he's around.

THERE YOU GO BUDDY WOOOOO

Thanks man

 

[Menzinger]

Weird that he fell so far, figured he'd honk rounds 3 or 4. Great news for the leafs either way.

 

[Pholus]

Given how far he fell, it makes me wonder how bad his skating is. Otherwise, he sounds kind of similar to Sprong. Seems like a real boom/bust pick.

 

[Eisenh0rn]

Came across very well in the post draft interview - English seemed excellent and he through in a little humour, stoked we got him.

http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console

 

[crump]

Shoulder injury had him out for a month this season. Was looking like a late first early second rounder until then. Still led his team in scoring by the end of season. Very nice pick, almost seems like scouts reduce value of players because of draft year injuries.

 

[Steven1562]

Needs to improve his defensive game if he wants to crack the roster but the offensive skills can be elite at times. Solid pick in the 7th round.

 

[Mystifo]

I love this pick. I was mentioning him a while back as someone I would love to target. The fact he fell this far is just amazing.

For people don't know he is born in Russia but grew up in the Toronto hockey program. He has spent most of his time playing in Canada so I would not consider him a flight risk.

 

[JMcLeaf]

Nikita Korostelev ‏@NKoro35 3m3 minutes ago
The most emotional day in my life! Glad its all over! Really exited to be a part of the @MapleLeafs organization! Now the real work starts!

 

[ShooterMikgaven]

Im a Sting fan and getting this guy is robbery in the 7th. Sick shot and offensive instincts, and has great hands around the net

 

[jwalk]

Im a Sting fan and getting this guy is robbery in the 7th. Sick shot and offensive instincts, and has great hands around the net

You are correct sir. Wow. Great pickup by Hunter in the 7th round.

 

[pedis]

The whole russian community congratulate you to this huge steal. Everybody in Russia was baffled how he wasn't picked much, much higher.

Thanks buddy, agreed this russian factor is just too much to handle sometime, but im happy because the leafs are the ones who benefit.

 

[sda]

"His biggest flaw is almost a complete lack of game when he doesn’t have the puck. That might be a matter of learning and maturing into a 200 game."


This will be eliminated under Keefe & Babcock.

Defense can be taught. Skill not so much, with a new emphasis on developing players hopefully he becomes a well rounded player

 

[Rielly4]

Wow this is really the icing on the cake of a really great draft full of young men with tons of talent and high hockey I.Qs.

This guy was a steal.

 

[Drew311]

Just saw his draft interview video on the Leafs website.

Scary how much he looks and talks like Grabovski.

 

[carko32]

How did he fell to 7th round is beyond me. He has good skill, hopefully he'll train hard and have all the needed support from our staff and become huge steal for us.

I believed he'll go in 3rd round, I think that his numbers suggest that his upside is 2nd line winger.

I wish he a lot of luck and hard work.