Nikolayev might be a steal of a 3rd rounder. Draft analyst had him at 23rd ranked in draft in April. Fast riser.
Source:
https://www.thedraftanalyst.com/2019...lya-nikolayev/
"A brick wall of a two-way playmaking center who was Russia’s top-line pivot at all of the under-18 events he participated in, Nikolayev is incredibly strong on his skates and plays with a high compete level. He is consistently the center summoned by his coaches to tackle tough assignments such as late-and-close faceoffs, checking opposing top players or scoring in the clutch. Nikolayev’s stickhandling and puck protection are excellent both on the move or within the cramped confines of a given zone...
He was named the top forward in the MHL playoffs before he was summoned to play for Russia at the U18 worlds."