Maxim A. Gusev (D, L, 6’1″, 194, SKA-Yunior Krasnogorsk, 10/19/2006)
Maxim A. Gusev has emerged as a potential first-round selection for the 2025 NHL Draft due to his impressive combination of size, mobility, and hockey intelligence. At 6’01” and 195 pounds, Gusev is a well-rounded, two-way defenseman with strong positional play and high-level processing abilities that make him effective in both the offensive and defensive situations.
Strengths:
- Hockey IQ and Positioning:
Gusev’s greatest asset is his hockey IQ. He displays a mature understanding of the game, reading plays before they develop and making calculated decisions both with and without the puck. In the defensive zone, he effectively uses his body positioning and footwork to maintain net-side coverage, avoiding unnecessary risks. His ability to anticipate plays allows him to block shots (averaging 3 blocks per game), a testament to his strong situational awareness. - Calm Under Pressure:
Gusev remains poised in high-pressure situations, especially on breakouts and during both offensive and defensive transition. He has a smooth, powerful stride and maintains control under forechecking pressure, facilitating clean exits from his own zone. His patience and ability to find open outlets make him a valuable asset in the transition game, which NHL coaching staffs crave. - Puck Distribution and Offensive Zone Play:
Maxim’s puck-moving ability, especially on the power play, has been a highlight of his game this season. Averaging 6:40 of power play ice time per game, he consistently makes crisp, accurate passes from the point and has the vision to identify passing lanes through tight lanes to teammates in the low slot. His offensive zone awareness is solid, though he is more of a playmaker than a shooter, as seen in his 20 assists in 51 MHL games during the 2023/24 season. His ability to quarterback the power play and manage possession has added value to his game. - Physical Tools and Defensive Impact:
While Gusev averages only 0.5 hits per game, this does not indicate a lack of physicality but rather his preference for using his body positioning and gap control to neutralize opponents. He’s disciplined in his approach to physical play, not overcommitting to hits, which allows him to maintain structure in his defensive zone coverage. His size and reach make him effective in 1-on-1 battles, and he’s able to limit space for attacking forwards with good stick work and angles.
Areas for Improvement:
- Shooting and Offensive Creativity:
Despite logging substantial power play time, Gusev averages only 0.5 shots on net per game, with another 0.5 attempts being blocked. His shot generation needs improvement, particularly in his ability to become more elusive along the offensive blue line. NHL scouts will want to see him develop more confidence in his shooting, as well as better lateral mobility to create clearer shooting lanes. His offensive contributions will become more valuable as he develops these elements. - Mobility in Tight Spaces:
While Gusev excels in larger, open-ice situations, his lateral mobility in tight areas is an area of focus. Improving his agility, especially along the boards and in net-front battles, will be key to becoming a more complete twp-way defenseman at the NHL level. Enhancing his backward acceleration and ability to pivot quickly will help him maintain tighter gaps against faster forwards. - Physical Engagement:
While Gusev’s positional play is strong, NHL scouts will want to see a more consistent level of physical engagement. Showing more assertiveness when clearing the crease could further elevate his defensive presence, especially against larger, more aggressive opponents that he will face at the National League level. His current style shows maturity, but adding a bit more physical edge would increase his overall impact.
Projection and NHL Ceiling:
Gusev projects as a solid two-way defenseman who can contribute in all situations. With his size, strong hockey sense, and ability to quarterback a second power play unit, he has the potential to develop into a top-four NHL defenseman. His ability to control the pace of the game and make smart, efficient decisions makes him a safe and valuable pick for a team looking to bolster its blue line. With continued development of his offensive tools and physical game, Gusev could be a steady, reliable presence on an NHL roster for years to come.
In the 2024/25 season, scouts will closely monitor his ability to generate more offense from the point, his lateral mobility in tight situations, and whether he can bring a more consistent physical element to his play. Gusev has the foundation to become a key piece for an NHL team, and with the right development, his upside is that of a top-four defenseman capable of contributing in all three zones.