Quote:
Originally Posted by TurdFerguson
Followed Koko fairly close this year. He is an under-sized highly skilled player. Good skater with very good puck skills and good vision. Seems to see the ice really well. I thought he was the best player for the Russians at the WJC.
I do wonder about how he transitions to the pro level. Clearly he is undersized, particularly in weight and strength. He doesn’t shy away from the physical game and he seems to have a good work ethic however if he can’t add strength and mass then I really have concerns about him as a pro. Lastly, not a great 2-way player. Not awful in his own end but he is kind of what you would expect when someone says "skilled Russian"...shifty with the puck and likes to score. Doesn’t necessarily love to play in his own end.
That’s really all I’ve got on him - in general, I like him and I can see the upside.
Still wanted to see another prospect of similar caliber coming back in addition to a 1st.
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That's at least nice to hear. You can't teach skill the way you can teach defence. Plus the guy's young, so who knows how he'll mature both in terms of ability and attitude.
Looking at our top 6 three years from now I guess we're not doing too badly with Backlund, Koko (I'll learn to spell his name once the trade is confirmed), Baertschi, Jankowski, and Gaudreau. Add a big mean cannonball to the mix and that could turn out pretty good.
Time will tell I suppose.
Patience Flames fans. Patience.