Ilya Nazarov

Neutral Zone’s Ed Besinger, June 2021: Nazarov is a Russian left-shot winger listed at 6’2’’ and 181 pounds. He played this past season for Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL where he scored 24 points (13 goals) in 50 games. He also scored eight points (three goals) in 15 playoff games. He plays the off-wing and has a big shot with a quick release. Athletic player with good physical attributes and long reach. Most of his goals are scored the net-mouth or from the low slot. He gets to high-traffic areas and likes to battle for space in the blue paint. He has quick hands and touch around the net in tight. Calm under pressure and doesn’t panic with the puck on his stick. He has a fluid stride and attacks defenders directly through the neutral zone. He has the speed and agility to beat defenders in space. Slick set of hands to pull pucks by-and-around defenders at speed. Good feel for spacing and will get to the right areas just before the puck. Quick catch and release and one-timer. Fights through pressure and isn’t knocked off the puck easily. Looks like his best hockey is still in front of him.