| Vasily Machulin | Dynamo Moskva | KHL | L | D | 6’3″ | 194 | Moscow, RUS | 2002 | 2020-2021: B |
Neutral Zone NHL’s Ian Moran’s comments, June 2021: There is a lot to work with in Machulin’s game. He’s got an enormous frame, yet he moves very quickly laterally. He’s not overly physical, but every time he makes incidental contact the other player goes flying. His passes are hard, flat and easy to handle. He regularly plays the offside and he can handle hard passes on his backhand. At 6’3″ 195 pounds this is the kind of kid you dream about working with because there is so much upside.
U20 Black Sea Cup: Russia U20 Red vs Latvia U20, May 2021: Machulin had more bite in his game today and although he was listed as only having one hit, we noted that he ran over a few players “accidentally” while on his way to making a play. Latvia played a very patient 1-2-2 and there were times that Machulin retreated from near the offensive blueline all the way back to behind his net, but we believe this was a tactical play by the U20 Red team’s coaches to generate speed on the attack. His gap control was tight and he did not allow for easy zone entries. Even though this was his third game in three days, Machulin maintained the same skating posture and there were times today when he looked more fluid than earlier in the Black Sea Cup tournament. We loved the poise and athleticism he showed while killing a first period 5 on 3 where he was charged with being the killer who went high to low in their 3v5 killing structure. Machulin showed quickness, explosiveness and a willingness to do what is required to win.
U20 Black Sea Cup: Russia U20 Red vs Russia U20 White, May 2021: Machulin showed nice touch on his area passes, especially when in a control breakout setting as he was moving his feet to drag the forechecker with him to create open ice. He seemed much more in control as a puck carrier through the neutral zone and not as intent on being a one on one threat at the offensive blueline. Again he established his net front presence early and was a physical force, but we would like to see him play with more snarl along the walls. Machulin would be on an NHL development coach’s wish list because of his physical attributes. There is a lot to like about his game and National League potential.
U20 Black Sea Cup: Russia U20 Red vs Russia U20 Blue, May 2021: Machulin looks all of the listed 6’3″ 195 pounds and then some. He is a huge left shot defenceman playing on the right side. Although this game was more free wheeling and wide open, he establishes his net front position early and is very forceful when boxing out, tying up sticks and clearing shooting lanes. His skating posture has deep knee bend with his hips low and his chest high which allows for the potential to carry more weight. Machulin’s passes were hard accurate and flat. There were a few times when he looked explosive while carrying the puck, but he made poor decisions at the offensive blueline which resulted in turnovers. He scored on a hard low snap shot after walking down the right side dot line. There was no screen. It was just a bullet. Although his game will be defense first in North America, Machulin looked to engage offensively as much as he possibly could.