| Vladislav Bondar | MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva | MHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 176 | Moscow, RUS | 2006 | 2024-2025: B |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Bondar is a highly competitive and physical defenseman that played a solid two-way game in tonight’s match. He moves well and was able to keep a good gap in defensive transition. He angled opponents towards the boards and had a very active stick which he used to swipe the puck away on multiple occasions. He joined board battles very aggressively and fought hard to win possession for his team with multiple body checks and harassing stick checks. He moves pretty well up ice and makes quick, smart decisions with the puck to keep play moving towards the opponent’s end. He had a bit of trouble handling the puck under pressure and fumbled it trying to make moves but was an effective breakout pass maker. I have not seen much of Bondar this season but will put Sovetov on my list to check up on him again soon.
| Amirkhan Gusniyev | MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva | MHL | L | C | 6’0″ | 203 | Moscow, RUS | 2006 | 2023-2024: C+ |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Gusniyev was my player of the game from tonight’s match. He is a 6’0 190 lb, draft eligible forward and is the captain of Krylya Sovetov. The most notable part of his game was the effort and attention that he brought on both the forecheck and backcheck. He kept his motor going at a high rate all game and forced many turnovers by applying tight pressure to his opponents. He angled them toward the boards with his body and stripped them of the puck with an active stick. Gusniyev is also incredibly confident with the puck on his stick. He is patient and deliberate in his decision making and waits/moves for the right play rather than force a low percentage pass or shot. He plays at a fast pace and was able to transition the puck multiple times through his lane selection and well timed dekes to slip past defenders on his way to the net. He made confident, sharp cuts to the front of the cage and generated multiple chances through his determination to get the slot. He got time on both the power play and penalty kill and was able to effectively contribute to both. Gusniyev is a hardworking, fast paced, high IQ, and skilled two way forward worth a look as a late round pick up in the 2024 draft.
| Oleg Trofimchuk | MHK Spartak Moskva | MHL | L | RW | 6’1″ | 165 | Buguruslan, RUS | 2005 | 2023-2024: C+ |
Game Grade: B-
Comments: Solid night from Trofimchuk who battled hard without the puck and was also able to pick up an assist. He consistently keeps his feet moving in all three zones and battles hard to force mistakes while on the forecheck. His passing ability was on display tonight. He made quick decisions with the puck and hid his target with look offs before sliding the puck to an open teammate to generate chances. His assist was secondary but came due to his quick pass to help set up a teammate on the goal line who then made another quick pass for a tap-in. Oleg used skilled edgework and quick feet to escape pressure and he keeps his head up to find options whenever the puck is on his stick. He has shown a solid energy level in every game I have seen but I am not sure his puck skills are good enough to compete at higher levels.