Quote:
Originally Posted by Sandman
Perhaps you're thinking of Igor Korolev? Sergei Berezin? Either way, I agree-he was advertised at the draft as being very conscious of his 200-ft game, and he's showing that. Top-20 in USHL scoring, top-5 in +/-.
EDIT: In 2008-09, Mikael Backlund (in his D+2 year) was sent to the Kelowna Rockets, where he put up a mere 30pts in 28 games (1.07 ppg), and his status as an NHLer was questioned. At 28 games, Nikoleev had 32pts (1.14 ppg) in a league that's considered hard to score in. Backlund's situation, as well as his style, are remarkably similar to that of Nikolaeev.
|
Kulemin. My bad. Belarusian I believe. He was the 2nd Russian after Grabovski in the post Sundin era.
Well, if he's trending like Backs, all the better. Middle 6 centers are also a premium position player.