The thing that separates Silayev from Dmen like Gavrikov and Prout is he's not just a big 6'7 pylon that can hit people and in Gavrikovs case, play positionally sound hockey.
He's a good skater and he's agile. Period, not just for a 6'7 guy but as a defenseman he can keep up and hang with smaller, quicker guys. To me he looks to be more comfortable on his skates than someone like Jiricek. He reminds me of how Jones used to be able to almost essentially lock down an entire zone because of his ability to skate and his long ass reach.
I also wouldn't be surprised to see his offensive game pick up over the next two years. Remember, this was a 17 year old KID playing 14-18 minutes/night IN THE KHL. The same KHL that Marchenko was getting like 6 minutes/night(yes I know Marchenko played on a better team) but the point I'm trying to make is I'm sure he's only going to become more and more confident of himself as he settles in and realizes what he's capable of. I think if a team is drafting him in the top 5, they are hopeful they can unlock some more offense in his game, which I really don't think is completely unreasonable, the tools are there, the IQ is there, but can he settle down and make the smart play 9 times out of 10 and not try to do to much.
Rachel Doerrie - ESPN - April 2nd: "He skates very well and shows quality agility in the way he defends in transition and moves around the offensive zone. Silayev seems to be scratching the surface of his potential with his talents and physical gifts."
Scott Wheeler - The Athletic - March 25th: "He’s got more steps to take in his decision-making on the puck (I find he's a little too trigger-happy - he actually shows good poise and comfort when he doesn't rush), his shot (which he gets off in volume and does a good job putting on target, but will definitely add power as he gets stronger and works on it), and his ability to really impose himself with his size (which he really learned to do this year, leading Torpedo in hits)."
Sam Cosentino - Sportsnet - March 13th: "He isn't likely going to be the power play specialist he was at the start of the season, but he skates extremely well and handles the puck without issue. Reminds me of Nikita Zadorov."
Corey Pronman - The Athletic - March 12th: "His offensive play won't blow you away, but it's good enough to move pucks in the NHL. He can provide enough with the puck to go with elite defensive play to be a potential No. 1 defenseman one day."
Peter Baracchini - The Hockey Writers - March 7th: "He’s a very fluid skater with a physical presence on the backend and he’s extremely dangerous in transition when he hits his stride. He’s confident with his decision-making offensively, not being too aggressive and is still quick with his outlet passes and puck-moving abilities."
Jason Bukala - Sportsnet - February 27th: "It’s very rare to see a prospect with the kind of skating and agility Silayev possesses in relation to his stature. Silayev has a chance to be a top pairing two-way/shutdown defender at the NHL level."
Mike Morreale - NHL.com - March 1st: "The left-handed shot plays an active role while averaging 14:54 in ice time in 63 games as a 17-year-old in the Kontinental Hockey League, and at 6-7, 211 pounds, has excellent strength and a long reach that he uses to his advantage."
Anton Silayev scouting report for NHL Draft. Profile contains Anton Silayev stats, videos and written bios
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