It sounds like Caps russian unit will increase with another young forward.
Quote:
Crappy web-translation:
- In the end of summer I shall treat America to take part in training camp of beginners, - has told JUnkov " Soviet sports ". - At me the contract with "Spartakom" has ended, and I have decided to try the forces in NHL. Perfectly I understand, that there will get difficultly. Most likely, I shall leave for all season even if in AHL firstly will send.
Weird. Weren't there rumors of him coming over last season, and it turned out to be fake? I don't remember the source for it then, though, and in the interviews I'd heard after it (where he debunked them) he sounded like he hadn't written off the NHL, he just wasn't in any rush to come over. Would be cool to see him in camp, if nothing else.
That's from last fall. That interview specifically mentions the lack of an offer from Washington to that point so it's possible they've signaled their interest recently in what seems to be an effort to pad the org's center depth.
That's from last fall. That interview specifically mentions the lack of an offer from Washington to that point so it's possible they've signaled their interest recently in what seems to be an effort to pad the org's center depth.
Yep. And that seems to be what brs03 is talking about.
Second round, #62 overall – Mikhail Yunkov – C – Krylja (RUS-2)
Yunkov is a smart, two-way center with strong playmaking skills. The 6-foot, 180-pounder is good on face-offs and can also play on the wing. At a tournament earlier this year, Yunkov centered a line with wingers Alexander Radulov (selected 15th overall by Nashville in 2004 Entry Draft) and Roman Voloshenko (42nd, Minnesota). The trio combined for 19 points in just four games. Yunkov also posted four assists in six games at the World U18 tournament. Scouts who have seen him play marvel at his hockey sense and say he is a very solid complementary player.
Quotable:
Yunkov: “I do consider myself a playmaking center but I also consider myself a defensive center. I don’t get to watch the NHL that much but during an interview in Toronto the Phoenix Coyotes said that I resembled Ron Francis in my style.”
Mahoney: “[Yunkov] is a real solid two-way guy. He was the kind of player that you might be watching his wingers because they had been given a little more of a buildup before the season started. But as you kept watching he kept catching your eye because he was very good on faceoffs, he played really well defensively and he made some real nice plays with the puck. He turned out to be a good fit with those high-scoring wingers. He does a lot of the work that makes people successful in the NHL. It’s nice to have a player like that where you don’t have to spend as much time teaching him that side of the game.”
Yeah, that's what I was talking about. I guess I could see the team offering him something right now as a cheap potential roster option, but if he can't make the Caps is he going to spend a year in the AHL?
Obviously something changed with the Caps organization, they are seeing some holes at the center position now that they obviously talked to Yunkov. Last year it was a much different situation and Yunkov probably knew that he was not urgently needed in Washington. Who cares about one year old interview now, things are different now.
Mikhail Yunkov on his way to Washington
National Hockey League (NHL) - It looks like Mikhail Yunkov (Washington Capitals) might travel to North America for the 09-10 season, after he stated to Soviet Sports magazine that "the contract with Spartak Moscow is expired now and I decided to test myself in the NHL. I'm going to attend the development camp. I know well that it will be hard for me. Most likely I'll spend there the whole season, even if they will demote me to the AHL." The 23 years old center had a strong 08-09 campaign with Spartak, almost doubling his points production, passing from 10 to 18 points.
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Mikhail Yunkov on his way to Washington
National Hockey League (NHL) - It looks like Mikhail Yunkov (Washington Capitals) might travel to North America for the 09-10 season, after he stated to Soviet Sports magazine that "the contract with Spartak Moscow is expired now and I decided to test myself in the NHL. I'm going to attend the development camp. I know well that it will be hard for me. Most likely I'll spend there the whole season, even if they will demote me to the AHL." The 23 years old center had a strong 08-09 campaign with Spartak, almost doubling his points production, passing from 10 to 18 points.
That's really encouraging. Will be cool to see him come over, sounds like he's ready to go all in and I'm guessing the team still has interest if they've invited him to the camps.
Really like the guy based on what I've seen of him. No idea as to how much he'll pan out. Could become our 2nd line center next year or could not even crack the team.
So he now gets the regular 3 year entry deal and is not subject to waivers etc.. (assuming the Caps want him of course)??
He's 23 so I think he'll get a 2 year deal. I think he's going to be this summer's Cutta. Come's in on try-out bases and then maybe sign a AHL contract if can't make the Caps.
I really liked the pick back when we drafted him, but then he never did anything to stand out and we got Backstrom (who is the exact same player only better, from what I can tell).
Still, we may have a hole at scoring line center right now and those Backstrom-type guys are really useful. Why not bring him in? Chances are that if he cannot make the NHL he will return to Europe.
