Danil Gushchin (4.75 Star Amateur Rating, NHL Grade — B) Forward
World Junior A Challenge Update: The smaller Gushchin made a big impact for the Gold Medal winning Russians. After scoring in the team’s opening game against Canada East, he was held off the score sheet until the Semi-finals, where he scored two important goals–including the game opener early on–against the Czech Republic to help send Team Russia on to the Gold Medal match. Gushchin is a skilled, speedy player–his quickness and stick handling stuck out in each game. He was particularly impressive on the penalty kill, where being down a man did not discourage him from trying to score and make plays offensively. His skating with the puck is top-notch, gaining entry into the offensive zone with speed. His 3 goals put him tied for 6th overall in the tournament, winning a Gold Medal for his efforts. Grade: A-
(1) Brain – Danil is very creative offensively. He sees plays developing early and has the ability to get to the open areas on time. He does not rush the play, yet still plays with pace. He understands how to manipulate defenders gaps and naturally changes speeds on a line rush. In the offensive zone he creates his own picks and uses the net to his advantage.
(2) Vision & Poise – A gifted offensive winger. We feel that he can create plays on his own, but will be best suited playing with a play making center. By this we do not mean that Danil can not beat defenders 1 on 1 because he can. We do mean that his strengths are creating something out of nothing in quick give and go situations.
(3) Feet – Excellent agility and is very strong on the puck. His low center of gravity allows him to accelerate out of turns and escape quickly from tight areas. Can get to top speed in two quick steps.
(4) Compete & Effort – There is zero doubt that when Danil wants it he is the best player on the ice. He wins hand battles for pucks, can use his body to protect the puck for extended periods of time and he loves to be the center of attention. This is a compliment.
(5) Contact or Physicality – Danil plays through contact and does not get intimidated. He will battle for his ice against much larger opponents and will not back down.
(6) Release – NHL release
(7) One Timer Ability – We believe Danil has the potential to be a consistent scorer in the NHL and his ability to one time pucks while fighting through contact is a major reason why.
(8) Body Language – Only Note Extremes
(9) Special Teams Potential – Danil is a power play guy in professional hockey. At the World Junior A Challenge he was particularly impressive on the penalty kill, where being down a man did not discourage him from trying to score and make plays offensively. We are not sure if this will translate into his professional game, but it shows the confidence he has in himself when trying to make plays.
(10) Intangibles – He has always put up points playing Internationally against the best players in his age group. We expect this to continue in the professional hockey and he has the natural instincts to be a top line player in the NHL. Danil is going to get paid to play hockey. His consistency will determine how much.