Alexei Medvedev (G, L, 6’2″, 180, London Knights, 09/10/2007)
Alexei Medvedev is a technically sound, quick-reacting goaltender who has emerged as one of the OHL’s most consistent netminders in his draft year. While not the largest goalie in the class, Medvedev stands at a respectable 6’2″ and pairs strong athleticism with calm mechanics. His statistical profile is among the best in the league, and his ability to make timely saves in high-danger situations positions him as a legitimate NHL Draft prospect. With continued development—specifically adding mass, consistent rebound control, and expanding his puck tracking—Medvedev could evolve into a high-end NHL backup with starter upside.
Why He Should Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Statistical Resume Ranks Among the League’s Best
Medvedev ranks top-three in the OHL in both goals against average (2.79) and save percentage (.912)—behind only two overage goalies. He also registered three shutouts, a testament to his ability to lock in and win games. His .867 save percentage on Grade “A” chances is highly competitive, reinforcing that his numbers are not inflated by team defense alone. - High-End Athleticism and Explosive Footwork
He consistently displays elite lateral movement, both on initial saves and recovery sequences. His ability to track backdoor plays, slide across on one-timers, and reset square to the puck is as good as any goaltender in this class. His compact stance and explosive inside edge push mechanics make him difficult to beat laterally. - Expected Goals Saves & Game Impact
He averages +2.0 expected goals saves per game — he has the ability to steal goals. This is the type of game-impacting performance NHL organizations look for in netminders. He gives his team a chance to win every night, even when outshot or under duress. - Puck Handling Strength
His 84% passing completion is above average for a junior goaltender. Medvedev is calm with the puck behind the net, has the ability to make shoulder check reads, and consistently initiates breakouts with firm, accurate passes. In a structured NHL system, this could be a separator in transition play.
Why He Might Not Be an NHL Draft Pick:
- Size Just Below NHL Trend Line
At 6’2″, 180 lbs, Medvedev is just under the NHL average for height (6’3″) and weight (200+ lbs) for modern goaltenders. While size is not a limiting factor in isolation (see Juuse Saros), there will be questions about whether he can cover the top corners and post-seal gaps consistently at the pro level. - Needs to Improve Rebound Control & Puck Tracking Under Pressure
While technically sharp, Medvedev still kicks too many rebounds into dangerous areas on initial saves. His glove is active but can be overextended at times, causing issues with tracking through layered screens or second-chance scrambles. He also loses his net on occasion during long possession sequences and multiple Royal Road passes. - Slight Streakiness and Inconsistent Post Integration
While Medvedev has strong overall numbers, there are moments where he exposes short side high and post-play technique break down, especially on sharp-angle attacks. He’ll occasionally default to blocking instead of reading the release, leaving openings on the short side or failing to seal wraparounds.
Projection:
NHL backup with legitimate starter upside. Medvedev projects as a system-reliable goaltender who could earn a long pro runway due to his combination of mobility, calm demeanor, and puck handling. With two to three years of seasoning at the AHL level and a focus on strength development and rebound control, he has the tools to challenge for NHL time.
Draft Recommendation:
Mid Round Target (3rd–6th Round Range)
Medvedev’s performance at the junior level, coupled with his clean mechanics and pro-level poise, makes him a strong candidate for teams looking to add a goalie with a projectable path. He may never be a franchise starter, but he has the build, mindset, and skill set to become a valuable asset in a tandem down the road.