RW Kirill Nizhnikov - Knoxville Ice Bears, SPHL (2018 undrafted)

[Eugene85]

When was the last time a 16-year-old played in the VHL? Has it ever happened?

Probably not. Namestnikov played there when he was 17(well, actually something like 16 years 10 months by the start of the season)

 

[malkinfan]

I dont understand his agent - come play gthl but then go back to Russia when option to play in the CHL? Why ever leave Russia in the first place?

 

[Jamesbay]

I dont understand his agent - come play gthl but then go back to Russia when option to play in the CHL? Why ever leave Russia in the first place?

He's in Canada right now so I think that's just a bluff. I think he wants to play for London. He has the same agent as Marner, who during his draft made it seem like he was going to the NCAA, allowing him to drop to London's pick.

 

[Firecracker]

 

[93LEAFS]

Not surprised, felt like a classic case of using leverage to force his way to a team he preferred. A bit surprised that team was Barrie though.

 

[wings5]

Mississauga should be better than Barrie, better city too, can't really understand why he'd go there instead.

 

[93LEAFS]

Mississauga should be better than Barrie, better city too, can't really understand why he'd go there instead.

Mississauga has its problems. They look better on paper (but remember they are likely losing Alex Nylander) and should be poised for a run, but Barrie under Hawerchuk is a much more stable organization.

 

[wings5]

Mississauga has its problems. They look better on paper (but remember they are likely losing Alex Nylander) and should be poised for a run, but Barrie under Hawerchuk is a much more stable organization.

Mississauga has been alot more stable over the years than before and they have alot of young talent. They can ease Nizhnikov into the lineup, Barrie doesn't have alot of natural skill in the lineup. They will be more of a hard working team this year.

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Mississauga has been alot more stable over the years than before and they have alot of young talent. They can ease Nizhnikov into the lineup, Barrie doesn't have alot of natural skill in the lineup. They will be more of a hard working team this year.

Maybe relatively. But it doesn't seem like the happiest organization to be with.

And does Nizhnikov want to be "eased" into the line up? Tippett got less time than he deserved last season. Maybe Nizhnikov would like to avoid the same fate.

 

[wings5]

Maybe relatively. But it doesn't seem like the happiest organization to be with.

And does Nizhnikov want to be "eased" into the line up? Tippett got less time than he deserved last season. Maybe Nizhnikov would like to avoid the same fate.

I don't know who's been unhappy since they've been winning, before yes but situations are alot better. Plus they have a chance to make a run,he can get his feet wet then potentially later in the season work his way into a top 6 role. I would have expected him to shortlist London, Kitchener, Windsor as destinations.

 

[93LEAFS]

I don't know who's been unhappy since they've been winning, before yes but situations are alot better. Plus they have a chance to make a run,he can get his feet wet then potentially later in the season work his way into a top 6 role. I would have expected him to shortlist London, Kitchener, Windsor as destinations.

Not that he's been a model citizen, but Day has been extremely unhappy there.

 

[enj92]

Scored his first OHL goal today. Wow, guy has a rocket of a shot. And also registred assist. 1st star of the game.

 

[Vide]

Hyped about this kid. Glad he stayed in the O. He's going to be a good one. Should be a 1st rounder in 2018 if he stays the course.

 

[wings5]

O.P should update where he's playing.

 

[Hammer Slammer]

Had a pretty darn good assist a couple nights ago



Also a pretty good tip shot.

 

[kp61c]

why is he not on the russian roster which plays at the whc17 now? i mean everyone beside denisenko, svechnikov and khovanov is plain bad. even rotenberg has made the team. the guy is either overhyped or our coaches are morons.

 

[Caser]

 

[dropdeadjoey]

I got a chance to see Nizhnikov at a Colts game this year being from Barrie, but it was the 8-2 blowout of the Sudbury Wolves and probably not the best indication of where he is really at this year. I found in that game he looked good, created some good chances for Barrie, skated well, but I haven't been back for another game yet. Is inconsistency his main issue? Or is it just that Barrie is a bad team this year?

 

[wings5]

I got a chance to see Nizhnikov at a Colts game this year being from Barrie, but it was the 8-2 blowout of the Sudbury Wolves and probably not the best indication of where he is really at this year. I found in that game he looked good, created some good chances for Barrie, skated well, but I haven't been back for another game yet. Is inconsistency his main issue? Or is it just that Barrie is a bad team this year?

Barrie is horrible this year and he's 16 so all things considering he is doing as well as can be expected.

 

[Maplebeasts]

I got a chance to see Nizhnikov at a Colts game this year being from Barrie, but it was the 8-2 blowout of the Sudbury Wolves and probably not the best indication of where he is really at this year. I found in that game he looked good, created some good chances for Barrie, skated well, but I haven't been back for another game yet. Is inconsistency his main issue? Or is it just that Barrie is a bad team this year?

I'd say it's more of a team issue than an individual talent issue. Barrie is extremely weak this year both offensively and defensively. Nizhnikov has some nice qualities to his game including an efficient stride, nice hands, and a great shot in terms of both velocity and release. I expect him to do much better next year when the team gets a hopeful upgrade in scoring talent on the roster.

 

[Firecracker]

Could anyone thats seen him play this year comment on his play?

 

[JetsColts13]

Could anyone thats seen him play this year comment on his play?

He's had a bit of a rough season with injuries and now a suspension that he returns from tonight. It seems every time he gets some momentum this year, there's a setback. Can see that he's going to be very good when he plays. Creates offense whenever he's on the ice. Only knocks on him this year would be when he drop passes to nowhere and could get a little stronger. Hopefully he can finish the season strong coming back from the suspension.

 

[wings5]

He's had a bit of a rough season with injuries and now a suspension that he returns from tonight. It seems every time he gets some momentum this year, there's a setback. Can see that he's going to be very good when he plays. Creates offense whenever he's on the ice. Only knocks on him this year would be when he drop passes to nowhere and could get a little stronger. Hopefully he can finish the season strong coming back from the suspension.

I've always seen the drop pass as more of a common Russian/ European tactic used when trying to break up the ice. Maybe he is still trying to force these kind of European plays and his teammates aren't on the same page.

 

[FrodoBeggins]

0+4 in the first first game season

 

[NHL RankKing]

Great game for Nizhnikov last night. It doesn't hurt playing alongside Svechnikov, and this could be one of the most terrifying lines in the OHL. Lipanov rounds out the all-Russian line