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Old 04-03-2013, 07:43 PM   #261
Calgary4LIfe
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Originally Posted by FlameZilla View Post
I'm surprised most people seem to completely rule out drafting Valeri Nichushkin. He's ranked ahead of everyone but Jones in the March ISS draft rankings. Most people seem to be apprehensive about drafting a Russian for many reasons, but what if we have the next Malkin on our hands here?

If we had the #1 pick this would be my preference:

Mackinnon
Jones
Drouin
Nichushkin
Barkov
I think Nichushkin is definitely an elite-calibre prospect. I really believe he deserves to be in the top 5 of this draft, and you can make a case for him at any position.

He will fall, however. Why?

Well, he signed a KHL agreement that lasts for another 2 years. So, on top of already thinking the 'Russian Flight-Risk' gamble on this pick, think about it from his perspective as well.

I haven't read too much on what he wants to do, but even if at this very moment, he is 100% committed to wanting to come over to the NHL after his KHL contract finalizes. Think about what he will be giving up.

1) He could be making close to $8-10 million (or more) nearly tax-free dollars in Russia vs. being 'stuck' with an ELC that pays him $925,000 (+ bonuses, up to a max of under 4 million) for 3 years (or did they change it to 2 in the last CBA?) if he decides to come to the NHL.

2) He will be 'comfortable' there - already being a 'star' in his homeland.

3) Perhaps he also gets 'settled' and marries someone, who also advises him to stay in Russia.

This is going to make a lot of teams back off Nichushkin. He is elite enough to be in the top 5 easily, and could very well turn into an top 10 elite caliber player in the NHL. Or he could very well be the next "Best player outside the NHL" for the majority of his career. Flames might be wise to gamble on him with their St. Louis pick, but it is just too much of a gamble to go after him with the first pick, no matter how much of a possible reward that is. Besides, although some scouts would rank him better than the other forwards available, the risk associated with the pick would probably be greater than the projected dominance (if any) over the other skaters available in that tier.

I really like him too, but he he is just way too much of a risk.
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