Vasili Atanasov

Ian Moran’s Thoughts: Atanasov’s overall offensive game took quite a leap this year. He always showed elusiveness as a puck carrier, but this year he seemed to win more 50/50 pucks and then be looking to make a play into the slot or attack the crease whereas last we there were times when he looked comfortable keeping the puck along he walls to continue the cycle. Put it this way, last year he had a very good statistical season by having 41 points in 56 games while this past season Atanasov finished with 39 goals in 54 games.

Russians NHL Prospects are Coming, July 2, 2021: Atanasov is a late ‘02 undersized skilled forward who was captain of Mamonty Yugry in the MHL and posted 41 points in 56 games which was second on the team in points playing heavy minutes and significant time on both special teams units. Atanasov is a highly skilled forward who is both slippery and dynamic 1v1 with slick hands and a quick first step in every direction. He can stop on a dime, change direction and cut in on defenders at top speed. He plays a high motor, high energy game away from the puck getting back to support his defenseman and being a pest on the forecheck both even strength and on the penalty kill. He has a high pace approach and can handle the puck at top speed and make defenders miss on the rush and out of the corners. He will play the body in his own end, finish checks on the forecheck and take hits to make plays on the breakout. His best attribute is his quickness, elusivity and puck control; the puck seems to stick to his blade and he can weave in and out of traffic and make plays with vision and pace. Atanasov is crafty, smart, skilled and fearless but his size and lack of playing internationally or outside of the MHL could keep teams away from him but he’ll certainly be on our draft board.