An old scouting report before this breakout season.
Left shooting Centre-wing import from Russia to London in the OHL. Coach Dale Hunter starts his transition to the North American rink by starting him as a wing. Once he is more accustomed and comfortable it seems obvious he is of more value as centre. A superb stickhandler with ultra-quick hands, a terrific skater with a combination of speed, and east-west agility. He has shown he is smart in three zones, and is sturdy built and shakes off defenders easily. An excellent passer, with good anticipation and feel in the attack zone. Gives teammates more time to break to open ice. Strong defensively at stealing pucks and then making pin point passes to them while they are breaking onward into dangerous areas. Has a neat toe-drag move. He is always in the correct space position-wise. A imaginative playmaker who creates loads of chances.
