Prospect Info: #52 Dmitri Buchelnikov, 2022 Draft

If you trust the KHL numbers, his top speed there this season would be the fastest any player has hit in the NHL since 2021. Even if you don’t completely believe their numbers, his skating is unreal. You can see his hockey IQ with his no look pass, and his shot is wicked, he has excellent placement and deception. I’ve been watching his 2 way game as well, and honestly even if it’s just the KHL his two way game is good. I’m telling you all, this is the next kaprizov, this is the next Panarin. This is the next late round Russian to become a superstar. Offensively he has no notable flaws, his skills are incredible.

To be fair, haven't they questioned Russian stuff in this regard in the past. I seem to remember some having made note that the hardest shot device wasn't accurate or something like that in the recent past.
 
Second round is considered late now?

Well it was considered a big reach, he wasn’t even on many European prospect lists and he was an overager. He didn’t even get selected his first time around. So yeah, I’m sticking with what I said.
I dont think theres anything wrong with saying a late second rounder that has been passed over in the draft once is a late round pick. Definitely not worth replying to to call someone out on it lol
 
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It took some serious balls and faith in their Russian scout to pick Buch where they did. Not sure how many over-agers (though he was young for that designation) were picked ahead of him, but couldn't have been many. Wings had no third-round pick and probably didn't want to risk him not being available later. Size and being considered only an average skater at that size were the issues. He's obviously done a lot of work in the gym and with skating coaches. Even at the time of the Draft and not having seen him personally, Draper credited the scout with vouching for Buch's character and willingness to work.
 
It took some serious balls and faith in their Russian scout to pick Buch where they did. Not sure how many over-agers (though he was young for that designation) were picked ahead of him, but couldn't have been many. Wings had no third-round pick and probably didn't want to risk him not being available later. Size and being considered only an average skater at that size were the issues. He's obviously done a lot of work in the gym and with skating coaches. Even at the time of the Draft and not having seen him personally, Draper credited the scout with vouching for Buch's character and willingness to work.
He had skating issues? That's a miraculous turnaround. He looking lightening fast.
 
He had skating issues? That's a miraculous turnaround. He looking lightening fast.

Wasn't following things closely at the time so others will know better than me, but it was noted in scouting reports. Lots of posters were high on him despite the political issues and loved the gamble, but he was overlooked by Central Scouting in both of his Draft years. Other places had him in the 3-4 round range in 2022. Caser, a good source for Russian players on the main Prospects board, had him ranked as an honorable mention, 53rd OA, in his 2021 annual ranking of Russian prospects.
 
Wasn't following things closely at the time so others will know better than me, but it was noted in scouting reports. Lots of posters were high on him despite the political issues and loved the gamble, but he was overlooked by Central Scouting in both of his Draft years. Other places had him in the 3-4 round range in 2022. Caser, a good source for Russian players on the main Prospects board, had him ranked as an honorable mention, 53rd OA, in his 2021 annual ranking of Russian prospects.
Now that there a lot more tape on guys around the world I think this is going to be the next big step in evaluation for steals. Does he have correctable technique/ physical issues and does said player have the personality to address them. Post draft development is going to really be what starts to separate teams go forward now that Hakan specials (ie being the only guy to see a player) are a lot less likely.
 

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