Kirill Buzayev (LW, R, 6’1″, 158, Irbis Kazan, 09/08/2008) Kirill Buzayev is a skilled 6’1′, 158-pound right-shot left winger playing for Irbis Kazan in the MHL, and while his height and length are cause for excitement, his current weight is cause for both concern and excitement, making physical development and time in the weight room the most important variable in his projection. Buzayev’s season presents an interesting contrast depending on the competition level. Against his own age group in U18 play he was highly productive, recording 12 points in 11 games with a +12 rating, which is particularly notable considering his September 8, 2008 birthdate places him right on the edge of the 2026 draft class. That production against players closer to his physical development makes him a player with legitimate offensive instincts and the ability to finish. At the MHL level his production drops significantly to 11 points in 44 games, which tells me he needs to become best friends with his strength coach. He is a winger who generates moderate shot volume and scoring opportunities but he is not yet driving offense and I feel that is simply because he still too weak to attack the valuable ice with confidence. He averages close to three shot attempts per game with roughly one and a half on goal and generates over one Grade-A scoring chance per game, which clearly tells me more of the same; he can get to the tough areas but he is still too physically immature to do much about it. His passing numbers are respectable with an 83% completion rate and a moderate pre-shot pass rate, but again I think getting pushed around and trying to make plays while off balance are the issue with average numbers rather than a lack of processing or skill. His 50/50 win rate sits at 48%, and he absorbs significantly more contact than he delivers, which to me shows a willingness to battle but not the body to win the battles. For me Buzayev could become an NHL player because he possesses a projectable frame, shows true offensive instinct against players sitting closer to his physical development, and demonstrates processing, skill and vision that will contribute to offensive sequences and random broken plays. His ability to produce against his peer group is a clear indicator there is real offensive talent in his game, and if he continues to develop physically he could begin translating that offense more consistently at higher levels. However, there are also significant concerns that limit his projection at this stage. His offensive production in the MHL is modest relative to his ice time. In my opinion, Buzayev is a long-term projection who could come over in and really make an impact if he adds significant strength over the next two to four years. He could develop into a middle-six scoring winger who contributes through speed, skill, and offensive awareness. If his physical development does not close the gap, he is more likely to settle into a productive role in a secondary European league.