Here is another article. Shows both sides to the argument for and against Nichushkin.
http://blogs.edmontonjournal.com/201...s-chief-scout/
Quote:
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“So, on the ice, he’s a tremendous player. He’s got the size, he protects the puck very well, very intelligent, eyes in the back of his head, great shot. He’s going to put up points wherever he plays. But the real appeal to him was he was a very non-stereotypical Russian. He’d block shots. He’d back check. He wasn’t that uber-offensive Russian flash that we got so used to with Kovalchuks and so on. He was a guy that could do a little bit of everything. And now there’s a lot of red flags in his game. Well, maybe he doesn’t have the work ethic we thought he did.
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Take what you want from it. I think whatever team drafts him will have done extensive interviews on this kid. I had no idea he was a shot-blocker and would back-check.
Not sure if I am remembering correctly, but I remember his 'goal' at the combine was to show teams how much he wanted to play in the NHL, and that his contractual status with the KHL allows him to do so. Maybe he over-emphasized this portion of the combine? Wesibrod has stated he isn't too interested on the results of the combine. Maybe he is arrogant and enigmatic?
If he was REALLY blocking shots and back-checking regularly in the KHL, then it says 'coachable' to me. I think this kid is definitely the biggest mystery of the draft - and how many articles are stating the "he could be the best player in the draft" now? The article linked above my post stated it.