C/RW Ilya Ivantsov,5'10"154lbs (SKA-1946 St.Petersburg,MHL): 53gp/8g/25a/33pts,43PIM, 8th in the MHL for players under 18, and second behind Poltapov for assists. 5pts in 7 games, with 12PIM, wearing the "A" for Russia at the U-18s, and earned a game in the KHL along the way. Plays the PK, and the PP. Good skater, with balance and agility, and strong edges.
Ivantsov is a fantastic passer, with great playmaking ability. Makes brilliant plays from behind the net, or off the right-side wall on the PP. Incredibly high offensive IQ-he makes a lot of short area passes that spring big chances for his team. Grinds along the boards, and around the net to win possession, and wins 50/50 confrontations more often than not. He's a stud defensively-has a keen awareness of the play, and how to stop it. Sharp positioning, and a smart, quick stick. Focused and intense, he works hard and throws his body around, and can be a little bit mean and nasty. Stalwart at defending the rush. His shot is sneaky and dangerous, but he needs to work on getting more power behind it. He also needs to get bigger and stronger, and add another level to his skating. 4th/5th round.
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