| Maxim Ilyichyov | Russkie Vityazi Chekhov | MHL | L | C | 6’0″ | 154 | Ufa, RUS | 2006 | 2023-2024: B |
Game Grade: B+
Comments: Draft eligible Ilyichov is a skilled puck handler with the potential to become a great playmaker as well. He makes quick, deliberate moves with his hands and is able to escape tight pressure with a series of well executed stick handles playing keep away with defenders. He was able to pull off some very impressive moves with very little space to work and move the puck up ice to a teammate. Maxim has the skill to pull these moves off but would benefit from the ability to recognize times when it is a better option to simplify his game. There were a number of times where he skated head on, into defenders expecting to drag the puck through them and was shut down easily. Ilyichov is also a very skilled puck mover. He moves the position of his stick from out in front of him to his hip pocket to change the angle of the puck and take advantage of opening lanes. He was able to execute some beautiful passes both around and through defenders to keep possession for his team. He does need to be a bit more intentional with his passing. There were a large number of times where he made spinning, no look, behind the back passes and missed targets by a large distance. Again, simplifying this aspect of his game would create more chances. If he used his skill to hit teammates rather than attempt a highlight reel pass to no one, he would create a lot more for his team. I also think he needs to pick up his pace a bit more. He is able to pull off these complex moves and passes at a low speed. If he upped his motor a bit more, I think he would be able to dominate opponents and really affect the game at a deeper level. I liked his performance today and will have to check back up on him soon to getter a better sense of his rating. He needs to pick up the pace and stop playing hero puck and instead use his skill to execute simple but effective plays to set up his team with chances.
Logo Courtesy of Russkie Vityazi
Player Evaluation: Henry Lawrence