| Ruslan Gazizov | London Knights | OHL | L | F | 5’11” | 187 | London Knights | 2021 | Novy Urengoy, RUS | 2004 | 2022-2023: C 2021-2022: Free Agent |
OHL: London vs Guelph, January 3, 2023: Gazizov totaled 12:31 in ice time including 0:47 while on the power play. He did not play while shorthanded. He scored a fluky goal that bounced off the end boards, but we liked his footwork and ability to open up for a one-timer while on a line rush. Gazizov looks to be a shooter whenever possible. He has an expanded one-timer shooting area and he can rip snapshots through defender’s legs while his own feet are moving. We would like to see him compete area from the puck harder as we feel if he did his offensive game would explode. He finished +2 with 1 goal, 5 shots, 3 grade “A”, 0 hits and he received 1 hard body checks.
Neutral Zone NHL Comments July 2022: Why a potential pro: As a puck carrier he can play with pace and he is very confident attacking the royal road when the puck is on his stick. He was an assistant captain who recorded three goals and seven assists in five games for Russia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He could have easily stayed home in Russia during his draft year, but he showed that he wants to play in the NHL by coming over to play in the OHL. Why not a pro: He started 2021/22 with thirteen points in his first twelve OHL games. He finished with 28 points in 54 games, including two points in his final ten games. He won 45% of his puck battles. He had 220 attempted shots in 2021/22 with 48 coming while on the man advantage. Of those 48 power play attempts, 19 were blocked or missed the net entirely.
OHL: London Knights at Sarnia Sting, November 23, 2021: Gazizov is a new addition to the Knights and was playing in his 5th game in Sarnia tonight. He has adjusted to the OHL well and was close to 2 points per game in his first 4 games. He moves the puck very well and shows strong offensive instincts. He played on London’s top line tonight and generated consistent offense in this game. He had a number of quality scoring chances both 5 on 5 and on the powerplay. He is an excellent passer but needs to shoot the puck. He is passing in good shooting areas. Much of this is due to confidence and playing with new linemates. Gazizov is a player to watch as he adjusts to the pace and physical play in the OHL. He has good upside offensively already and has only played a handful of games at this level with his new teammates. Grade: B
World Selects Invite, June 4, 2018: A tall, athletic forward who had a lot of possession time here carrying the puck end to end and making plays off the rush. He has good speed and uses it to his advantage when going wide on zone entries to beat defenders with his feet. He had an even 2-2-4 line in 5 games and showed to be one of the top forwards on his team.