Danai Shaiikov (G, L, 6’2″, 192, Gatineau Olympiques, 04/13/2007) Danai Shaiikov is a 6’2′, 192-pound left-catching goaltender who might slightly undersized by NHL standards, but whose athleticism and ability to handle a high workload make him a prospect worth spending time to develop rather than a priority NHL draft target that could be in the league in a 2-4 year window. In 50 QMJHL games (2.78 GAA, .903 SV%, .856 SV% on Grade ‘A’ chances), he has shown durability and the ability to handle volume (28 shots against per game), which is a positive indicator for pro projection, and his baseline tracking and discipline appear sound enough to maintain consistency over a long season. His .903 save percentage show a goaltender who can make expected saves and keep his team competitive, and his puck play on dump-ins is developing. However, my concerns are limiting: his .856 save percentage on Grade ‘A’ chances is below NHL projection standards and clearly tells me that if junior players can beat him from the slot NHL players will devour him, p and in my opinion he gives up too many rebounds into the slot. His goals against relative to expected metrics show he is allowing more goals than he should, and while he is structurally sound, he lacks elite explosiveness and recovery ability, which shows up when plays break down. Additionally, despite high usage, he has not demonstrated the ability to elevate his performance in high-leverage moments (only one shutout in 50 games), which raises questions about his upside. Overall, Shaiikov has the ability to handle a starter’s workload at the junior level, but without improvement in ice awareness, lateral explosiveness, and rebound control, I do not project him to become an NHL goaltender within a 2-4 year window. For me he is longer-term, development option rather than a goaltender to prioritize in the draft, but I would feel comfortable drafting him in the late rounds.