Official Player Inquiry Thread

[unleashed]

I am fan of Salavat, so here is my opinion about Filatov.
Regular season was not good at all, but no one can say it was bad too. The team played regular in that style.

In play-off he is much better. Though his average ice-time is just 10th he is 6th by points. After Khlystov's injury he was moved to the first line, works hard from goal to goal, has 2 GWG, in last two very hard games had 2 shots on cross-bar.

I dont know how, but he started to work most of his ice-time. That was his biggest problem

 

[Jacko95]

Tampa seems to be real high on him (rank him on #4 in their prospect ranking from Future Watch), can somebody give Tampa fans a scouting report and what his ultimate ceiling could be? Tampa seems to see him as a possible top pairing D, as they rank him above Koekkoek and Barberio, who are seen as potential second pairing D-men.

And if there are any rumors in Russia, that he might come over, it would be nice to know as well.

 

[Atas2000]

He's currently in the KHL playoffs with Traktor. I think his decision about the future will strongly depend on what happens in the Traktor organisation with Kuznetsov and Nichushkin. If these two stay he'll probably stay too. And I hope it for him. Never ever I wish to see him in the CHL. The best way for developing for them young guys right now is to stay put within the KHL/MHL system until at least the age of 21-22.

I don't know if the xepectations for him are accurate. He's still to young to decide. He will be a solid 2nd pairing D-man at least I think. What he needs now is more experience against men.

I'm looking forward to the AkBars-Traktor series now and will have a lot of opportunitity to watch Nesterov. Ask me again after the series, I might have more facts by then.

 

[Jacko95]

Well I think the chance of Tampa drafting Nishushkin this summer is high, at least if they end with a pick between 5 and 10, so this might help him and Nishuchkin to come over and I would really like him in a Bolts sweater.

 

[Beerfish]

Anton Belov....

What can you gents tell me about this guy. The Oilers just signed him and other than his stats from the KHL we know nothing about him. Any info?

 

[obskyr]

He's a two-way d-man who basically led his team for the last couple of seasons. Without him and Rämö Avangard wouldn't get as close to the Cup as it did back in 2012. I'm not sure if he's able to fix the Oilers defense, but if you want to compare it to his role in another trainwreck of a defense, namely the Team Russia at this year's WC, he was the last person to be blamed.

 

[malkinfan]

Andrey Bykov of SWI. Anyone give me insights to why his father left Russia to play there and now his son chooses there instead of KHL? Is KHL/NHL in the cards for him in the future?

 

[ozo]

Andrey Bykov of SWI. Anyone give me insights to why his father left Russia to play there and now his son chooses there instead of KHL? Is KHL/NHL in the cards for him in the future?

His father left for those sweet, sweet franks and Alps, of course. And his son probably knows nothing about Russia, and also he probably understands that his career as a Swiss player can be much more fruitful glory-wise than as a Russian player. His allegation works against his KHL stock, his height against NHL stock, but if he continues to improve, then he can become a valuable member of Switzerland NT for years to come.

 

[spintheblackcircle]

Is it safe to assume Barulin will never try the NHL?

 

[HF Article]

Nichushkin top Russian prospect eligible for 2013 NHL draft

​

As in most years, the 2013 NHL Draft will be populated with numerous talented Russian players, many of whom could possibly drop this year because of the ongoing "Russian Factor".



Because of changes made in the previous two collective bargaining agreements, NHL teams have been hesitant to select Russians in the draft, particularly early on. An increasing amount have also moved to North America to play in Canadian juniors, which has further dwindled the amount of players taken directly out of Russia.

That being said, Russia keeps on producing excellent players and the 2013 draft class is no exception.

Top prospects for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft at a glance:

1.… read more



More...

 

[Bryanbryoil]

I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on Yakimov and Slepyshev?

 

[Yakushev72]

The Dallas Morning News reports today that Nichushkin and his agent, Mark Gandler, have said that Nichushkin hopes to sign with the Dallas Stars as soon as possible, attend the Stars' Development Camp beginning on Thursday, and believes that Nichushkin can help the Stars this coming season. I don't think the Stars disagree with his assessment. Nichushkin says that Dinamo is cooperating with him, and that while he is not bound by any kind of contract with Dinamo, they will allow him to return if things go bad in NA.

 

[malkinfan]

It was interesting that teams passed on Nichushkin... Not because of his KHL relationship, but because of his arrogance. Apparently he quit during tests at the combine, said that he did no practice for the testing because resting is more important etc... I see where he's coming from, but he doesn't write the rules.. when in Rome.....

 

[Turrican*]

Slepyshev and Yakimov

Hey tovariches,

What can you guys tell me about these two future russian superstars?

As an Oiler fan, I want to know what we can expect and what potential they have, if you guys have watched them.
I remember Anton from the WJC, and he was pretty amazing.
And Yakimov and him were both the top Russian scorers from an U-18 tourney too.

Thanks!

 

[Yakushev72]

It was interesting that teams passed on Nichushkin... Not because of his KHL relationship, but because of his arrogance. Apparently he quit during tests at the combine, said that he did no practice for the testing because resting is more important etc... I see where he's coming from, but he doesn't write the rules.. when in Rome.....

You're absolutely right. I didn't know about his performance at the combine. Why go to the combine if you didn't prepare for it. Still, in the end, the kid really loves the game, and I have to believe that if he truly applies himself, he could skate a regular shift and really help the Stars this year.

 

[Yakushev72]

Hey tovariches,

What can you guys tell me about these two future russian superstars?

As an Oiler fan, I want to know what we can expect and what potential they have, if you guys have watched them.
I remember Anton from the WJC, and he was pretty amazing.
And Yakimov and him were both the top Russian scorers from an U-18 tourney too.

Thanks!

As you saw, Slepyshev is very quick on his skates and a slick stickhandler. He scores a lot of goals. I think he is a good prospect for the Oilers.

Yakimov is big, strong, and has excellent balance on his skates for his size. He handles the puck well, has a strong shot from in close, and I thought he played well enough in the Subway Series to have a good shot at making last year's World Junior team. It will be really interesting to see how well he progresses this season. There is a good chance he will be on the World Junior team in Finland.

Good luck to the Oilers this season!

 

[malkinfan]

You're absolutely right. I didn't know about his performance at the combine. Why go to the combine if you didn't prepare for it. Still, in the end, the kid really loves the game, and I have to believe that if he truly applies himself, he could skate a regular shift and really help the Stars this year.

Yes he should make an impact in Dallas if his head is in right direction, Im sure Gonchar will push him in the right direction. I wish he stayed one more year in KHL to polish up a bit, he could learn a lot under Znaroks... They say Jim Nill is the smartest guy in hockey (old architect of red wings), I trust he will make the right decision on Nichushkin.

 

[malkinfan]

Yakimov is big, strong, and has excellent balance on his skates for his size. He handles the puck well, has a strong shot from in close, and I thought he played well enough in the Subway Series to have a good shot at making last year's World Junior team. It will be really interesting to see how well he progresses this season. There is a good chance he will be on the World Junior team in Finland.

I agree, he must have been the last cut because he looked good in the Subway series. I know Gandler has him working with some specialists right now to work on his speed for next season. If he can pick up a few gears, expect him to dominate the WJCs. He is expected to play in Nizhnekamsk, but if he is demoted to the VHL, he should dominate that this year. The intrigue with him is that he is physically mature beyond his years and he has soft, soft hands for a big man (6'5" at the combine).

 

[Bryanbryoil]

How poor is Yakimov's skating? Does it need a ton of work or just a little work? The kid is big, strong, and has good hands so I assume that his skating must be the biggest issue with him?

 

[Yakushev72]

Yes he should make an impact in Dallas if his head is in right direction, Im sure Gonchar will push him in the right direction. I wish he stayed one more year in KHL to polish up a bit, he could learn a lot under Znaroks... They say Jim Nill is the smartest guy in hockey (old architect of red wings), I trust he will make the right decision on Nichushkin.

The timing of the Stars' signing of Gonchar and drafting of Nichushkin was so coincidental that it makes you think they see Gonchar as performing a two-part service: bolstering the defense and helping Nichushkin in the transition.

I also would have preferred that Nichushkin stay in Russia for another year, both for development purposes and also, selfishly, to insure his presence on the 2014 WJC team. His availability for the WJC will now be totally dependent on how quickly he adjusts to the NHL and becomes productive. My fear, as a fan of Russian hockey, is that he will adjust all too quickly. There is room on the Stars roster for Nichushkin to skate a regular shift, and if that happens, he won't be at the WJC. Nichushkin has been a phenom at every level since he was a little kid, and that could be true of the NHL as well.

 

[Yakushev72]

How poor is Yakimov's skating? Does it need a ton of work or just a little work? The kid is big, strong, and has good hands so I assume that his skating must be the biggest issue with him?

As Malkinfan references, he is not the fastest skater in the World, but he has excellent balance and control on his skates, and he navigates exceptionally well in close, where he can bring his size and strength and puck skills to bear. He would love to have the outside burst of a Nichushkin, who is of similar dimensions, but he has excellent offensive skills. He will be have an excellent pro career, either in the KHL or the NHL.

 

[Atas2000]

How poor is Yakimov's skating? Does it need a ton of work or just a little work? The kid is big, strong, and has good hands so I assume that his skating must be the biggest issue with him?

He'll never be the est skater. I think his ceiling is a 3rd line center, but a very good one if he continues to develop well. His skating needs improvement, but at his age it's still all in his own hands.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

Thanks a lot guys, if there's 1 team in the NHL that needs a big center it's the Oilers.

 

[cska78]

Didn't know where to post this but Vitaliy Yachmenev has retired...the guy never fulfilled his potential, but yet a notable player, who played on Gretzky's line as a rook.

 

[cska78]

I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on Yakimov and Slepyshev?

Yakimov is a big body with nice hands, ice vision and lack of speed.
Slepyshev, in my mind will be a decent 2nd line winger and a two-way player.