Our best prospect since Grigs. Only Barbashev can be better
hmm.. I think Buchnevich is looking better than both of them right now. He might even get some good KHL time in the upcoming year.
To me, Nichushkin at the moment, for his jr game:
Physical:10/10
Skill set: 8/10
Team play: 6/10
Hockey IQ: 5/10
He's a highly individual player at the moment, and that could change playing in CHL. He's one of the few rare exceptions, I would say, who would benefit more from NA coaching. He already has pretty good hands and movement, but his overall game suffers even at MHL and U18 levels.
But from what I've seen of Nichushkin at NT level, his physical tools are off the charts (speed, size, strength, stickhandling, etc), but his hockey sense isn't elite.
Its likely why he's really dominated his age group, but has had problems producing against slightly older competition (MHL, NT-1994).
But from what I've seen of Nichushkin at NT level, his physical tools are off the charts (speed, size, strength, stickhandling, etc), but his hockey sense isn't elite.
Its likely why he's really dominated his age group, but has had problems producing against slightly older competition (MHL, NT-1994).
Size is the only thing holding from Tolchinsky from being better than Buchnevich IMO. But that could change if he could grow as big as Yakupov, for example.
I've learned nothing is set in stone for the CHL Import Draft, (look at Filatov). I won't believe it until he wears a CHL jersey, but certainly hope he does.
He'll probably be playing for the Moncton Wildcats.
Hopefully the second time's a charm for the Wildcats. Even though Kabanov has turn out a pretty good player for Shawinigan, let's hope that Nichushkin will have a better and more positive impact for this team. Eager to see him in that Wildcats jersey!
Size is the only thing holding from Tolchinsky from being better than Buchnevich IMO. But that could change if he could grow as big as Yakupov, for example.
Sergei is 17 years old now and he is only 5.7 and 150 lbs , Yakupov at his age a year and half ago was 5.10 and 180(currently 5.11 and 195). Its huge difference. Dont think he can crow more than 1-1,5 inches.
hes staying in russia after all. he signed a three-year contract with tractor. well, all his blabbering about ohl was nothing more than a clever move to pressure tractor to give him more money
Traktor has him playing for their VHL affiliate (basically the Russian equivalent of the AHL) Chelmet and for their MHL (junior league) affiliate.
He has two goals in five games so far in the VHL and eight points in seven games (4+4) in the MHL.
As for how he compares to those players, it's hard to say.
I remember hearing about him a few years ago when he broke the Ural region record for points, but he hasn't really been as productive as Kuznetsov and Tarasenko were.
He hasn't made his KHL debut yet either like they did early on, but there's still time for that.
I still have yet to see him play in Russia but have seen him internationally and his performances varied.
I doubt that he'll be a top five or top ten selection at this point though, given his KHL contract.
Traktor has him playing for their VHL affiliate (basically the Russian equivalent of the AHL) Chelmet and for their MHL (junior league) affiliate.
He has two goals in five games so far in the VHL and eight points in seven games (4+4) in the MHL.
As for how he compares to those players, it's hard to say.
I remember hearing about him a few years ago when he broke the Ural region record for points, but he hasn't really been as productive as Kuznetsov and Tarasenko were.
He hasn't made his KHL debut yet either like they did early on, but there's still time for that.
I still have yet to see him play in Russia but have seen him internationally and his performances varied.
I doubt that he'll be a top five or top ten selection at this point though, given his KHL contract.
He's off to a below-expected start, for himself based on his previous hype. He should be asserting himself as an undisputed leader in MHL, an average producer in VHL, or a rookie in KHL. He's none of those right now.
I remember reading that he came off a tough injury, that may be why. I hope he turns it around and we see him at WJC, but it's unlikely.
Looked good at the U17s, but otherwise doesn't have the track record of a top-10 draft-eligible prospect.
I don't understand why he's being rated as the top Russian, ahead of Buchnevich (who is playing against men), Zadorov and Tolchinsky. Barbashev might also be better in the long run.
He's off to a below-expected start, for himself based on his previous hype. He should be asserting himself as an undisputed leader in MHL, an average producer in VHL, or a rookie in KHL. He's none of those right now.
I remember reading that he came off a tough injury, that may be why. I hope he turns it around and we see him at WJC, but it's unlikely.
I think his start to the season is decent production wise, but would agree that it's below what people once thought he may be capable of.
His season last year was way below average for any legitimate prospect.
It seems like Shalunov still hanging around the junior level may be an issue, though (when it comes to ice time, role, etc.).
Speaking of Shalunov, Nichushkin reminds me a lot of him, and not in a good way unfortunately.
I don't want to label him as that just yet, but..
