Oleg Yevenko, D
Senior, University of Massachusetts (Hockey East)
One of the more intriguing players among this year’s collegiate free agent crop is towering UMass senior defenseman, Oleg Yevenko. At 6’7” and 230 pounds, it’s hard to miss the Minsk, Belarus native.
Yevenko, who serves as one of the Minutemen’s assistant captains, has posted five points (all assists) in 33 games. He leads UMass with 72 blocked shots and ranks second on the team with 49 penalty minutes.
Yevenko is a physical, defensive defenseman who uses his enormous frame, strength and especially long reach quite well in taking away space and shutting down opposing players. He is one of the nation’s best shot-blockers and excels on the penalty kill. Although Yevenko doesn’t rack up many points, he does have some offensive ability. He possesses a very heavy shot and can get pucks to the net. His passing skills are also quite good. In addition to his sheer size, scouts have also taken notice of Yevenko’s physicality. He does an excellent job of finishing his checks and can deliver some bone-jarring hits.
While most collegiate players add size to improve their game, it has been the opposite for Yevenko. His combination of a lighter frame and vastly improved skating has allowed him to be a more mobile and effective rearguard, which can be seen in his stepped-up transition game. Although Yevenko lacks foot speed, he still moves well for a big man.
Oleg Yevenko, Defence, University of Massachusetts Minutemen, Senior (6’7″ 229 lbs)
A huge Belarussian defenceman, the 24-year-old isn’t known for his offence, scoring just one goal and ten points in his four year college career at UMass-Amherst. He showed an ability to fight in his USHL days. He’s improved as a skater and plays a decent defensive game, blocking shots and using a very long stick to take away lanes. Yevenko can be an absolutely punishing hitter thanks to his size, and simply cannot be overpowered in defending in the corners of in front of the net. He’s a ways away from playing in the NHL, but some teams may see that size and potential to be a shutdown defenceman as an intriguing project for their AHL team. He does need to work on dealing with smaller, quicker forwards who can still give him issues.
Sounds like a poor man's Keegan Kanzig, which sounds pretty terrible
Tying up any D prospect at no cost is anything but terrible. It's called playing the odds - sometimes these things work out.
Sure, it's not that encouraging that he hasn't stuck at other development camps, but those teams at least thought he was worth a look. And look at where he was trying and their D depth (especially Boston).
ETA: anyway, the minors need players too.
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No commitment made in terms of contract (at least none announced so far).
Can't see how this is a bad/negative thing. Flames will get to see him for the next few weeks and then decide if he is worthy of a contract (NHL or AHL).
Win/no loss scenario.
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Adirondack signs College free agent Oleg Yevenko to ATO
