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Sandman · 05-17-2024, 07:58 PM

Draft Thoughts (Comrade Shen Edition):

There was plenty of hype surrounding Russian C/RW Alexander Shen coming in to the 2023-24 season, after collecting 25 points in 38 MHL games the year prior, which is the 24th-best U-17 season in that league's history. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, he disappointed- putting up only 4 more points this season in one less game, with 24 points in 42 games for Mamonty Yugry of the MHL. He didn't fare any better in the playoffs, with a single goal in 8 games. Shen is actually left-handed, stands 5'11",and weighs in at a stocky 192lbs.

Shen has the hands, the moves, and the swagger to score highlight-reel goals by beating goalies 1-on-1, but can also score using his quick, deceptive shot- made more dangerous with his ability to use defenders as screens expertly. Though he can't be called a play-driver, he's an intelligent complimentary player who pounces on the opportunities he's given while sniffing out soft spots in the offensive zone and exploiting open pockets of space. Nothing in his skill-set is elite, but he has plenty of above-average tools to work with such as his skating, which provides him with speed and agility. He's not exactly a burner as his top speed needs work, but he's agile and shifty with the ability to dodge checks with his lateral mobility, sprinkled with a little 1-on-1 deception. Despite not being the biggest player, he plays a rambunctious, physical style, applying supreme pressure in both ends of the rink- and he's even a little mean at times. He battles in all of the hard areas, and fights for second-chance opportunities in front of the net like he was a 6'3" power-forward. Shen is more of a crafty playmaker than a shooter, and is blessed with outstanding vision and IQ to find seams to teammates in high-danger, and has the passing skill to connect with them through layers of traffic. His hands are quick with a fine touch, and he exerts tight stickhandling, along with infallible puck-control and protection skills.

Off the puck, Shen positions himself advantageously to be playable to teammates, and to be able to capitalize on chances. He will usually defer to teammates to carry through transition, as he seems to have some difficulty in his exits and entries, occasionally giving up the puck. He is highly competitive, plays with good energy, and can push pace with his non-stop motor. In both the defensive zone and on the forecheck, Shen hounds puck-carriers like a gnat buzzing in their faces, suffocating them of time and space. He is a solid defensive performer, and a pest who attacks opponents with an active stick, which he times just right to deliver deft poke-checks, turning possession around quickly. He will throw hits to separate manfrom puck as well. It could be theorized that Shen would make a fine bottom-6 player at the NHL level someday, who provides energy and grit and contributes to the PK, but he hasn't nearly fulfilled his potential, as he's much more talented than his numbers would suggest. He should be among the top Russian forwards available in the draft, but for whatever reason- the numbers weren't there this season. Look for him in rounds 5 or 6.

05-17-2024, 07:58 PM	#3211
Sandman Franchise Player Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Calgary Exp:	Draft Thoughts (Comrade Shen Edition): There was plenty of hype surrounding Russian C/RW Alexander Shen coming in to the 2023-24 season, after collecting 25 points in 38 MHL games the year prior, which is the 24th-best U-17 season in that league's history. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, he disappointed- putting up only 4 more points this season in one less game, with 24 points in 42 games for Mamonty Yugry of the MHL. He didn't fare any better in the playoffs, with a single goal in 8 games. Shen is actually left-handed, stands 5'11",and weighs in at a stocky 192lbs. Shen has the hands, the moves, and the swagger to score highlight-reel goals by beating goalies 1-on-1, but can also score using his quick, deceptive shot- made more dangerous with his ability to use defenders as screens expertly. Though he can't be called a play-driver, he's an intelligent complimentary player who pounces on the opportunities he's given while sniffing out soft spots in the offensive zone and exploiting open pockets of space. Nothing in his skill-set is elite, but he has plenty of above-average tools to work with such as his skating, which provides him with speed and agility. He's not exactly a burner as his top speed needs work, but he's agile and shifty with the ability to dodge checks with his lateral mobility, sprinkled with a little 1-on-1 deception. Despite not being the biggest player, he plays a rambunctious, physical style, applying supreme pressure in both ends of the rink- and he's even a little mean at times. He battles in all of the hard areas, and fights for second-chance opportunities in front of the net like he was a 6'3" power-forward. Shen is more of a crafty playmaker than a shooter, and is blessed with outstanding vision and IQ to find seams to teammates in high-danger, and has the passing skill to connect with them through layers of traffic. His hands are quick with a fine touch, and he exerts tight stickhandling, along with infallible puck-control and protection skills. Off the puck, Shen positions himself advantageously to be playable to teammates, and to be able to capitalize on chances. He will usually defer to teammates to carry through transition, as he seems to have some difficulty in his exits and entries, occasionally giving up the puck. He is highly competitive, plays with good energy, and can push pace with his non-stop motor. In both the defensive zone and on the forecheck, Shen hounds puck-carriers like a gnat buzzing in their faces, suffocating them of time and space. He is a solid defensive performer, and a pest who attacks opponents with an active stick, which he times just right to deliver deft poke-checks, turning possession around quickly. He will throw hits to separate manfrom puck as well. It could be theorized that Shen would make a fine bottom-6 player at the NHL level someday, who provides energy and grit and contributes to the PK, but he hasn't nearly fulfilled his potential, as he's much more talented than his numbers would suggest. He should be among the top Russian forwards available in the draft, but for whatever reason- the numbers weren't there this season. Look for him in rounds 5 or 6.