Future Considerations’ Russian-based scout Roman Solovyov gives his thoughts on who from the 2014 NHL Draft class left him impressed, who disappointed and who his sleeper is on draft day.
To go even deeper into the draft class, pick up Future Considerations’ 2014 NHL Draft Guide, containing our ranking of the top-210 prospects, full profiles on 210 draft eligibles, a two-round mock draft, a glimpse at the 2015 NHL Draft and much, much more! Click HERE to find out more!
Who Impressed?
Igor Shestyorkin played one more solid, very solid year.
He’s real top Russian goalie in this age group. He had one good thing in his character: he worries about the game, but he could easily calm down after mistakes and games at all. He’s very mentally strong even than Andrei Vasilevsky but he has one more common with him he could explode in the game starting arguing with refs and this kind of stuff.
In nine KHL games with Spartak Moskva, Shestyorkin recorded a 2.80 goals against average and .903 save percentage. He was especially good with MHK Spartak (MHL), recording a 1.42 goals against average and .947 save percentage in 23 games.
Who Disappointed?
There is one player which could become an elite prospect before the draft. His name is Arkhip Nekolenko.
Nekolenko missed the first half of the season due to serious health problems. When he did return to the ice, the 18-year-old showed some skills with his hands, especially. However, he didn’t show too much speed and effort, also avoid physical part. It’s entirely possible Nekolenko never returned to full health.
Who Surprised?
The biggest surprise is Nikita Scherbak.
To be honest, few knew him heading into the season and even fewer would’ve believed that this kid who had earned only 14 points last season in small MHL club ‘Kapitan’ from Stupino (Moscow Area) could reach the projected top-40 of the draft. Scherbak put together an impressive season with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades, scoring 28 goals and 78 points in 65 games and opening eyes at every turn.
In Russia still unclear his real skills because nobody still hasn’t see too much of his plays than other kids from projected first round.
To go even deeper into the draft class, pick up Future Considerations’ 2014 NHL Draft Guide, containing our ranking of the top-210 prospects, full profiles on 210 draft eligibles, a two-round mock draft, a glimpse at the 2015 NHL Draft and much, much more! Click HERE to find out more!