MHL – We focused on 2024 NHL first year draft eligible players Oleg Trofimchuk and Tikhon Shakalov.
| Oleg Trofimchuk | MHK Spartak Moskva | MHL | L | RW | 6’1″ | 165 | Buguruslan, RUS | 2005 | 2023-2024: C+ |
Game Rating: B-
Comments: Standing at 6’1′ Trofimchuk is an average height left shot forward who played both left and right wing. He has a slight frame but showed the core strength and edge control to protect the puck for extended periods of time while playing below the tops of the circles in the offensive zone. He also showed an explosive first step out of a power turn or off contact that allowed him to create separation from his man. During neutral zone transition he pivoted to face the puck and the pivot did not slow him down. On line rushes he showed an understanding of how to create width and depth to the attack and he was not shy about being a hard middle drive when he was in the middle lane. We liked the competitiveness he showed as there were times when he was caught below the puck as the F2 on the forecheck but he used his straight line speed to backcheck past his linemates and was able to get his stick on passes to break-up potential scoring opportunities in his defensive high slot. He finished the game with 19:59 in total ice time including 7:31 on the power play. He did not kill penalties. On the power play he was positioned as the goal line option, preferably on the right side, from where he showed a soft first touch and the mindset to attack the crease when the opposing left defenseman was traveled too far to get sucked out passed the face-off dot. Trofimchuk was also a willing net front presence and showed nice hand eye coordination on a power play in the third period where he deflected a knee height point shot just wide of the goal. At this point we still view has a ‘C+’ but this outing was enough for us to continue watching him.
| Tikhon Shakalov | MHK Spartak Moskva | MHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 212 | Lipetsk, RUS | 2005 | 2023-2024: C+ |
Game Rating: B+
Comments: Shakalov is a thickly built 6’1″, 210lbs right shot defender who played primarily the left side, but looked very comfortable playing the right side when he needed to. Among defensemen he played a game high of 23:41, including 8:03 on the power play and 1:27 while short handed. During offensive transition he worked to be an outlet for his partner and always presented a passing target that would be easier for his teammates to pass to. We liked how he did not lazily follow his passes up the wall to his strongside winger, instead choosing to remain a return passing option below the puck. He showed a quick release on his point shots and finished with 6 attempted power play shots. Including a second period goal where he settled a bouncing pass without needing to stickhandle and then he fired a bullet past the goalie’s glove up under the crossbar. At this point we have Shakalov rated as a “C+” 2024 NHL draft prospect but at his size if he continues to play big minutes we will be forced to reevaluate.