Maybe “not even think about them” was a bit strong. I don’t hate them, but I think all the guys I listed have skills that make them better bets to hit and become actual high end players. Whether or not that happens, who knows.
Silayev: Strong start to the year with 6 PTS in 6 GP, but production was almost non-existent after (5 PTS in 57 GP). I don’t see the puck skills and offensive skills to contribute that you’d like to see out of a 2nd pick. Although the size and skating combination is intriguing, I don’t see the Victor Hedman comparison that McKenzie tossed out during his rankings show. Projects as likely a solid PK guy with his reach, but not a guy that will play on a PP (maybe PP2). Catton, Demidov, Buium I prefer because they all have the chance to be game breakers, Dickenson projects to put up better offensive numbers than Silayev with roughly the same defensive contribution. If someone preferred Silayev to Dickinson I really wouldn’t question it or die on that hill despite my opinion.
Levshunov: I want to like him so bad because the size and production, but again, I think there are some big limitations there. Having only watched 2 games of Miromanov, they seem fairly similar to me so take that comparison with a grain of salt. His skating will get noted as a big positive because he skates fast in a straight line forward, but he’s not a particularly functional skater, I would argue. Hockey sense is a big one for me, particularly on the defensive side of the game, which is something I’ve always seen as incredibly difficult to teach. Not particularly high on his ability to move the puck unless he can wind up and skate with it. Think toolsy, but needs to put it all together.
