| Alexander Shen | Khanty Mansiysk | MHL | R | LW | 6’0″ | 191 | Nizhnevartovsk, RUS | 2006 | 2023-2024: B- |
Game Grade: C
Comments: Shen has been one of my favorite draft eligibles this season but had a bad game by his standards. He lacked the usual energy that he plays with and looked very sluggish. He was still able to disrupt play a bit by hopping into every battle that he could. But the energy level was too low to win a lot of the battles he would typically dominate in. He was also pretty invisible on the offensive side of the game. He has been able to drive offense in earlier viewings but barely touched the puck tonight and couldn’t control it very well when he did. He was able to pick up the game winner in the shootout to salvage a poor outing. I am still a big fan of his game. Hopefully he can come back strong in my next viewing.
| Alexander Plesovskikh | Khanty Mansiysk | MHL | R | RW | 6’2″ | 174 | Tyumen, RUS | 2006 | 2023-2024: B- |
Game Grade: B
Comments: Plesovskikh buzzed around all game and made it very difficult to be on the ice against him. He worked hard on both ends and was able to create lots of turnovers due to the heavy pressure that he applied to opponents. He had a very active stick tonight and was able to collect multiple steals that he quickly turned up ice. His speed was noticeable and helped him on both sides of the puck. There were a couple of backchecks where he pushed hard and caught up with the man and attempted to shut down the rush. He was also able to show off his speed on the offensive rush. He pushed pace on attempted zone entries and was able to successfully generate chances a number of times. His pass decisions are not perfect. He often rushed his passes under pressure and turned over the puck himself many times. He wanted the puck on his stick and worked hard every shift. If he continues to play like this and is able to add a bit more offensive skill to his arsenal, he has the potential to be a good professional player.
| Andrei Krutov | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod | MHL | L | RW | 5’10” | 174 | Togliatti. RUS | 2006 | 2023-2024: B- |
Game Grade: C+
Comments: Krutov looked great to start the game but faded away as the night went on. I loved his speed in transition. He carried the puck up ice with confidence, purpose, and some skilled hands. Early in the game he snapped the puck around well with crisp, precise plays that kept the offense moving. But, as the game went on his passing ability disappeared. He rushed nearly every attempt and threw the puck away to opponents due to his targeting of covered teammates. When a forechecker came at him, he was unable to stay calm and rushed passes as well as shots leading to wasted opportunities. He played with a bit of an edge, finishing checks and even picking up a rough late in regulation. He is a bit too weak to really disrupt with his checks but he has the right idea. Not the best showing for Krutov but if he can play like he did in the first more consistently, he will be a great piece in the Torpedo system.
| Roman Kuznetsov | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod | MHL | L | C | 5’10” | 154 | Zhlobin, BLR | 2005 | 2023-2024: C |
Game Grade: Limited Viewing
Comments: Kuzentsov was notable tonight but needs a lot of work. I liked his confidence with the puck. He was able to protect it well with his hands and body. He made nice cuts into space with the puck and was able to generate a few chances. His passing was very poor. He picked up many turnovers due to attempted passes that were nowhere near his teammates. He also needs to work on his skating form. He was able to generate decent speed but his stride was very short and not very powerful. He is worth keeping an eye on for the next few seasons.
Logo Courtesy of Chaika Nizhny Novgorod