Scott Malkinson
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- Sep 29, 2017
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RW/C Ruslan Iskhakov (2018, 63rd, NYI)
- Thread starter Caser
- Start date
From what I saw, and I watched him specifically every time he was on the ice - was showing good traits for a small skilled guy. Bigger guys were taking runs at him but he didnt shy away, he was very aggressive going into traffic and the hard areas of the ice. The DRW scouting staff was complaining and in wonderment as to why he wasnt getting PP time, thats all I heard from them.
He was much better than another small guy -Zhabreyev, who was not very noticeable - maybe shied away due to the rougher game. I think Iskhakovs game translates to the NHL
Caser
@RUSProspects
WeThreeKings
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- Jun 24, 2012
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Do we have a source that establishes whether he projects as a center or if he plays significantly more center than RW?
Why is it we see some Russians' positions designated simply as "forward" when you look up the player, they don't even break it down as you have? Even the link you provided just says he plays "F".
Caser
@RUSProspects
I don't have any source,as that is not a common interview question, but since he started season at C and then rather quickly switched to RW and played there the vast majority of games, it's not too hard to guess at which position he currently projects himself.
About the positions, KHL/VHL/MHL websites usually just distinguishes FW/D/GK positions, as forwards tend to switch positions over time and/or play multiple positions. Eliteprospects frequently just take data from there. It's actually not a bad approach comparing to CHLs frequently being more specific, but listing players at incorrect positions.
Caser
@RUSProspects
I think the kid is the real deal. I first noticed him at the Ivan Hlinka tournament. I had never heard of him but every time he was on the ice he made something happen. What impressed me was his elusiveness and he wasn't scared to go into the tough areas. He is tiny obviously (he looks almost hilariously small on the ice), but the things he struggles with could be remedied with more strength, while the things he excels at (insane hands and hockey iq) you can't teach. Could be a real steal in the mid to late rounds.
Teemu
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Caser
@RUSProspects
I kind of doubt that rumor at least because I doubt Iskhakov is eligible for NCAA (as he is under contract with KHL team and is getting paid for playing hockey, it's hard to consider him as an amateur). Not to mention that 3 months ago he told in an interview that he is not going anywhere for now, as he is contracted until 2020.
Btw, Bob McKenzie has Iskhakov at #87 in his scout poll.
Blue Liner
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Caser
@RUSProspects
From twitter discussions I understood that NCAA is indeed not that strict towards European guys and it will allow Iskhakov to be eligible even though he was getting paid this season. Still he will need to get out of the current contract first.
Deam78
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- Aug 16, 2017
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Kipper933
Remember the Kipper
Islanders4Cups
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GrandmaSlices51631
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The fact that he is coming to North America to play at UConn is encouraging. It'll be interesting to see how he plays as a freshman. While he may not grow much in terms of height, he can still put on a lot of lower body strength, combine that with high IQ and great skill and he could make it.
VictorLustig
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Kevin Musto
Hard for Bedard
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Saw this kid at the under 18 and was really impressed. I didn't think he would go as high as he did but apparently he was rising up draft boards. This kid has awesome skill.
Mavericknyc1980
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clevelandcane
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Gardiner Expressway
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Another view of it. So glad he’s a husky. I am a STH of UConn hockey and will keep this thread updated of any news/tweets/articles/videos.
Caser
@RUSProspects
Edited your post to put a better quality gif tweet there, hope you don't mind.
Edit.: Ooops, just as I was doing it, another poster above also posted it, I'll just remove it from your post.
Edited your post to put a better quality gif tweet there, hope you don't mind.
Edit.: Ooops, just as I was doing it, another poster above also posted it, I'll just remove it from your post.
No problem, thanks to both for the better vid, the flash when he scored was a bit annoying
Anybody who saw the game do you know if he was playing RW or Center?
Thrasymachus
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- Jul 1, 2018
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it is usually a good sign when a player transitions from European hockey to NCAA hockey and does well right away
