How does he compare to Safin? Also, what does he have that will allow him to succeed that Slepyshev didn't have? Not hating on him at all, very excited about this prospect actually. Like Slepyshev he seems to have the tools (skating, shot, physicality, size) I just hope he can put it all together. Although I'd say Maksimov probably has a better shot, better positioning.
Well for starters he was on a much better team than Safin so that is certainly a reason for some of the discrepancy between their production. I think Safin has the better raw tools (better skater, better size, wicked wrister, hands are debatable they both have a good set of hands), but I think Maksimov plays a more mature game with better IQ and playmaking, and I think he's more physically developed than Safin who still needs to grow into his massive lanky frame. I also think that Safin at times can be disengaged from a game, and thats not an area I see in Maksimov.
As for comparison to Slepy, I think Maksimov is a more agile skater with better hands, better hockey IQ, and better playmaking. I think Slepy is probably a better straight line skater, and while he does have a good shot I don't think its as accurate as Maksimov, and I don't think he reads the game as well to find open ice to utilize his one-timer the way that Maksimov is capable of.
I'm a fan of Slepy and still see him as a potential 3rd line scoring winger, but I think Maksimov has the potential to crack an NHL top 6 someday if he continues to develop. I also think Maksimov is a safer pick at this point to be an NHLer compared to Safin, who has serious boom/bust potential because there's still a lot of maturity needed both physically and within his game. If Safin does put it together though, I think he has a much higher ceiling than Maksimov because he has a rare combination of elite size, hands, skating, and shot (at the junior level). If Safin gets dealt to a better team with some actual skill this upcoming season I won't be surprised if he produces 90-100 points in the Q.