This is my end of the year prospect breakdown. These are subject to change if the hockey season resumes. I will start at the bottom at #20 and make my way to the top. There will be a separate post for every prospect. I will try to make one daily. By my criteria, Liljegren and Sandin are still prospects so they will be included in this one. I will also be revealing who I feel took the biggest step, dropped the most, and most underrated prospect and so on.
#6. W.
Yegor Korshkov
Overview
The big guy comes in at 6. You could make a case for him to be lower, but he is close to NHL ready and decent enough potential. Korshkov was drafted in the Matthews draft in 2016 at 31st overall. This pick got a lot of criticism to put it lightly as it was an off the board pick, and this was his 3rd draft after going undrafted in 2 previous drafts. People have lightened up a little since, as he has developed, but still a big question mark if he should have went there. Korshkov in his long KHL career has been a solid producer despite not a huge role. His PPG showed improvement in each season for the most part, aside from the last year. His numbers weren’t jumping off the page though, which you probably want to see as he played more seasons. He also was injury prone in the KHL which really hurts a player’s development. He went over to the Marlies during the playoff run last season, where he scored a goal but wasn’t all that noticeable. This season Korshkov has played well, and been a good player for the Marlies. He was called up the Leafs for game as well and scored his 1st NHL goal, and didn’t look out of place. He has a chance to make the big club next season, but his highest potential is likely in a 3rd line role. The problem despite all this is that he is 23, and will be 24 this July, so he is running out of time. He has shown he is a solid player, but he still isn’t deserving of the 2nd round selection.
Stats
2018/2019
KHL
GP: 19
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
Points: 5
Rating: +1
TOI: 13:57
2019/2020
AHL
GP: 44
Goals: 16
Assists: 9
Points: 25
Rating: +11
Statistical Analysis
In his last 3 years, Korshkov played around 13 minutes of TOI which is 3rd line ice time. Aside from the last season, his numbers were solid around 0.50 PPG, which is decent but a tad unspectacular. As a result, it does put a damper on his last season where he only had 5 points in 19 games. The games however were limited as he got hurt at the start of the season. His shots/GP also stayed relatively consistent at just under 2/game. Honestly I didn’t know what to make of his KHL production. This season after playing 9 playoff games for the Marlies last year in the end, he started his regular season AHL career, and he has scored 16 goals in 44 games, which is really good. This places him 3rd on the Marlies in goals, with 4 on the PP, and 2 on the PK. His shot rate pretty much matches his KHL rate, so he is pretty much the same player, except he is more of a goal scorer in the AHL.
Talent Analysis
Breakdown of grades:
1- Poor
2- Below average
3- Average
4- Good
5- Great
Player Grades: Present/Future
Skating: 3/3
Shot: 3/3
Puck Skills: 3.5/3.5
Defence: 3/3
Compete: 3.5/3.5
IQ/Smarts: 3.5/3.5
There were conflicted reports on his skating ranging from it’s an issue, to he skates fine. Watching him, I don’t have a huge issue with it, as he seems to move around alright for his size, but his skating is average. I like it more in tight spaces then in the neutral zone, but he does need to improve it to raise up a level as a player, but I don’t see it happening. At times he shows good breakaway speed, and it surprises you, but it doesn’t come up a lot. This might be because he doesn’t get to use it too much, but still work is required in his overall skating.
For such a big guy, he has decent skill. He can make some nice passes when he has the puck in the offensive zone, and it was something scouts thought he really stood out which was playmaking. Truthfully I haven’t seen it too much with the Marlies, so it makes you question how much it actually translates to North America, but he does have some moments. He is a fine puck handler too, and can hold on to in corners, and shows off some decent vision from time to time. As a result, his hands are alright too but again not amazing. His shot I would say is average, and score from the mid slot if you give him time and space, but I don’t think he is doing many snipes in the NHL, as he requires some time and space, and if doesn’t have it, he isn’t scoring too many goals. His hands in tight are good, and is a big part why he might pot a few.
Another average category, as I don’t think he will hurt you defensively, but it’s also not something he will help you a lot in. He can play some PK which does help.
I haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary for his compete, but he does play with an effort level you like to see, and I do like his willingness in front of the net, so he gets a 3.5 here.
I give him an above average grade. I find he reads the game well, and does make the right decisions on the ice. He won’t do something that he can’t do, and just plays the way he is best known for.
My future projection: There isn’t much that stands out at all. He did play well if not amazingly with the Marlies, but I still have some doubts on him. I think he makes an NHL roster, but more as a depth option. He is high on this list because he is close to NHL ready, and the guys behind him are still much further away.
NHL Player? Yes. He is right on the cusp so am saying yes.
Thoughts @Kiwi and @SeaOfBlue? People won't like this one