Prospect Info: Round 3, Pick 80: Kirill Ustimenko, G, St. Petersburg (MHL) aka the Zac Rinaldo Pick

[GapToothedWonder]

I would not say girlfriend. Maybe friend who is a girl. And how do you know it is not possible for a hockey watching, stat encyclopedia robot to form friendships and relationships?

suuuuuuure

 

[Appleyard]

 

[Stizzle]

Does Vityaz still share it's VHL team with another KHL franchise and do they have a new VHL affiliate? I recall this being an issue when Rubtsov was there. Vityaz had a horrible relationship with whatever VHL affiliate they were using and no players were being sent there. It was a disaster.

 

[Appleyard]

Does Vityaz still share it's VHL team with another KHL franchise and do they have a new VHL affiliate? I recall this being an issue when Rubtsov was there. Vityaz had a horrible relationship with whatever VHL affiliate they were using and no players were being sent there. It was a disaster.

They changed affiliate after the whole debacle. It was THK Tver... who folded in 2017.

And Dinamo are the only affiliate in the VHL for Vityaz, and no sharing. Dinamo are one of the biggest VHL clubs in a way, so they are professional and dont need two KHL affiliates.

 

[wings5]

He should move clubs.

 

[Appleyard]

 

[backburner]

look out hart

 

[David St Hubbins]

time to move him up a level

 

[Appleyard]

 

[Appleyard]

Another shut-out today... 27 saves.

 

[Ghosts Beer]

Another shut-out today... 27 saves.

That’s a big increase in save % over what it was a month ago, thankfully.

 

[Appleyard]

That’s a big increase in save % over what it was a month ago, thankfully.

I have seen maybe ~10 games of him this year in full, and it is just weird.

Like last year he was very consistent, this year he has games where he looks twice the goalie he did last year, and then worse than I have ever seen him.

Just speculating, but I mean, it would not shock me from a human perspective if not getting a VHL spot when he deserved it (and won it in camp) and then likely knowing had to be insane in MHL to get WJC starter spot - when it looked like Russia were setting him up for it for like ~18 months - messed with him a bit. It would most people I think...

and now not picked for WJC can just (and has to) move on.

My amateur psychology done for the day. (though now I realise technically I have modular criminal psychology quals...)

 

[Ghosts Beer]

I have seen maybe ~10 games of him this year in full, and it is just weird.

Like last year he was very consistent, this year he has games where he looks twice the goalie he did last year, and then worse than I have ever seen him.

Just speculating, but I mean, it would not shock me from a human perspective if not getting a VHL spot when he deserved it (and won it in camp) and then likely knowing had to be insane in MHL to get WJC starter spot - when it looked like Russia were setting him up for it for like ~18 months - messed with him a bit. It would most people I think...

and now not picked for WJC can just (and has to) move on.

My amateur psychology done for the day. (though now I realise technically I have modular criminal psychology quals...)

Who knows with goaltending. It’s a volatile position. Goalies remind me a bit of placekickers in American football. They can be consistently good for a long time & then suddenly something minor goes wrong, maybe technically, maybe mentally, maybe a bit of both, & struggle mightily for a stretch.

 

[Appleyard]

3rd shut-out in a row today...

 

[deadhead]

Appleyard, have you seen Fedotov this season, .923 S% in the VHL, now 3 KHL games, .933 S%.
Looks like he's turned the proverbial corner.

 

[renberg]

It might be in the best interests of Ustimenko to come over to NA to continue his profession development. There seems to be a lot of politicking going on with players and their development in Russia. IIRC, Bobrovsky had similar problems while he was there.

 

[flyersjim73]

It might be in the best interests of Ustimenko to come over to NA to continue his profession development. There seems to be a lot of politicking going on with players and their development in Russia. IIRC, Bobrovsky had similar problems while he was there.

In general I don’t disagree, but where would he play?

 

[dats81]

In general, there is always some fear about Russian prospects deciding to stay put instead of coming to NA if they have not made a decision a couple of years after their draft, not so much with Swedish, Finnish or middle Europeans draftees who may mature playing in their respective top leagues and mostly seamlessly transitioning in their mid twenties.

They whould really go and offer Ustimenko a contract soon. At least get into talks and find out what he wants to do.

 

[baudib1]

If I'm a goalie in the Flyers' organization, I'm trying to get out so I don't get stuck behind Carter Hart for 15 years.

 

[dats81]

In general I don’t disagree, but where would he play?

Lehigh Valley as soon as next season? Or is it guaranteed that Sandström will come over?

There should be room to have 3 goalies in the AHL. One Veteran and two rookies.

 

[renberg]

In general I don’t disagree, but where would he play?

Next season he could be in LV along with Sandstrom. Both Lyon and Stolarz will probably leave the Flyers system in the off season.

 

[deadhead]

If I'm a goalie in the Flyers' organization, I'm trying to get out so I don't get stuck behind Carter Hart for 15 years.

First, get on the AHL team, then star there, then show well as Hart's backup for 25 games a year.
At that point, you're prime trade bait and that works to your advantage b/c a team that gives up a lot to get you will give you a fair shot at winning the starter's job.

 

[renberg]

Or is it guaranteed that Sandström will come over?

Apple yard can check me on this but I do believe that Sandstrom has a contract with the Flyers organization for next season.

 

[Appleyard]

 

[Hiesenberg]

Fletcher mentioned trying to snag this go over to NA for next year.

a Sandstrom/Ustimenko duo in LV would be super fun.