Nikolayev coming to NA could be a really interesting move. I didn't think he was too bad in the VHL last year, and to me it signals that he doesn't want to languish in lower russian leagues but is willing to put in some hard work somewhere like the AHL. KHL probably didn't think he was quite ready.
This is a player who could surprise and shoot up the rankings.
I also really like Chechelev, but I think he's still many years from NHL impact.
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