[David Struch]

we might see Valiev get a shot at cracking the roster at some point during the year.

evolved into one of the most dependable defencemen” for the Marlies, and that he “might find himself on the Habs roster sooner rather than later

At 6’3’’, and 215 pounds, he could become a decent choice as a more stay-at-home option. When he’s playing a physical game, the Russian defender can be a disruptive force against the opposition. He has the physique and the tools to be a sixth or seventh defenceman on a Habs team needing a few bodies to flesh out the roster.

Valiev’s puck-handling skills are excellent, and so is his skating. Due to his imposing stature, he can take the puck away from a forward deep in his own end and use his size and speed to protect the puck.

Once he’s navigated to the neutral zone, Valiev’s first instinct is to find the nearest forward for a pass. As said before, Valiev still plays a more defensive game even though he has a toolkit fitting of a puck-carrying defenceman. He is still a defender who helps his forwards with good outlet passes and setting up plays to maintain possession.

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/t...scouting-stats