Nikolai Makarov

Neutral Zone’s Ed Besinger, June 2021: Nikolai is a strong left-shot defender that is listed at 6’1’’ and 190 pounds. He played this past season for Krasnaya in the MHL where he recorded five points (all assists) in 40 games. He also played seven games at the U18s for Russia where he recorded an assist. He plays a safe, shut down style. He is always back and in position in his own zone. Gives his defense partner outlets and support. When he receives the puck he quickly headman’s it to his winger or hits the swinging center. Solid base and is balanced skating backwards. Doesn’t get beaten off the rush and squares-up forwards entering his zone. Good gaps and closes well on forward off-the-rush. He uses a long reach and an active stick to cut down passing lanes. Doesn’t sag on the line-rush and makes forwards make decisions. He is not overly physical but doesn’t shy away from battles in front of the net. Will need to be tougher to play against and harder on opponents in his own zone. Does not provide much offensive upside but projects as a solid shut-down styled defender who puts teammates in good positions with the puck.

U18 World Championships: Team Germany vs Team Russia, May 2021: Makarov is a very talented defenseman for the Russian team that is effective on both sides of the puck. Offensively, he has good feet and reads the play well in front of him. He is smooth on the offensive blueline, using his skill and showing patience to create plays from high in the zone. He has a hard shot and displayed it in this game, stepping into a heavy one-timer after joining the rush as part of the second wave of attack. Makarov is also effective on the breakout, using his feet to escape pressure and move the puck up ice. Defensively, he has an active stick and takes good angles on opponents, especially in the neutral zone. His feet allow him to keep his gaps tight and recover quickly if he drifts out of position. Overall, he is a skilled defenseman that uses his feet and patience to his advantage on both sides of the puck. Grade: A