Dmitri Buchelnikov

Ian Moran’s Thoughts: Buchelnikov is a quick processing right shot forward who plays on the wing. Although slightly undersized and slight, he is very strong on his feet and strong through contact. As a puck carrier he has an expanded zone of puck skills because he slides his lower hand all over the shaft of his stick. He also has the foresight to use just a single hand on his stick to poke the puck in either direction to a teammate and then he jumps by the opponent into the open ice. Buchelnikov is not a burner, but he has excellent puck anticipation which allows him to being heading towards the bounce before just about anyone else on the ice. He also has a deceptively quick release as was seen by his 41 goals in 56 games. Buchelnikov does not need to stickhandle to settle a bouncing puck before he shoots. He has a “bumping” pass receiving style that makes the bouncing puck sit dead once it touches his stick so he is ready to make the next play. He is also very good in tight quarters at poking the into areas where he can only retrieve it. Its a very subtle skill that gives him time and body positioning on opposing defenders.