Prospect Info: #52 Dmitri Buchelnikov, 2022 Draft

[Oddbob]

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.

 

[newfy]

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

 

[OldnotDeadWings]

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.

 

[Steve Yzerlland]

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.

 

[OldnotDeadWings]

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.

 

[19 for president]

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.

 

[barriers]

Primary assist for Buch here. Vityaz up 1-0 over Minsk as the game's half-way mark approaches

 

[SantosHalper]

It took some serious balls and faith in their Russian scout to pick Buch where they did.

Nikolai Vakurov is the name, used to work for the Habs and found Markov for them.

 

[Hazy Little Thing]

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

I’ve just never heard of a second rounder being called a late round pick and wanted to know if I was missing something. Calling a second round pick a late rounder eliminates “mid round pick” from the lexicon.

 

[Retire91]

I am going to double down on my skepticism. He oozes talent don't get me wrong I am not questioning it. He just needs his frame to fill out. If he puts on muscle then we could be talking but every picture I see of him I imagine a stick figure under the pads. I am hoping for a growth spurt or he hits the gym like Gary Roberts hard. I think he is just going to be our Filatov / Zhardev / Gusev

 

[newfy]

I’ve just never heard of a second rounder being called a late round pick and wanted to know if I was missing something. Calling a second round pick a late rounder eliminates “mid round pick” from the lexicon.

I dont think I would necessarily call all second rounders late round picks, but when youre a later second ronder in your second draft, I dont see any issue with it.

He was a no round pick his first draft

 

[simonedvinsson]

I dont think I would necessarily call all second rounders late round picks, but when youre a later second ronder in your second draft, I dont see any issue with it.

He was a no round pick his first draft

Yegor Chinakhov was taken in the first round in 2020 after he was passed over in seven rounds the year before. Would you consider him a late rounder? I've always just called him an over-ager.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

I am going to double down on my skepticism. He oozes talent don't get me wrong I am not questioning it. He just needs his frame to fill out. If he puts on muscle then we could be talking but every picture I see of him I imagine a stick figure under the pads. I am hoping for a growth spurt or he hits the gym like Gary Roberts hard. I think he is just going to be our Filatov / Zhardev / Gusev

I think he has made a lot of the gains he needs to make to be an impactful offensive player. He goes into scoring areas, he plays a knifing style. I am not sure he has a ton more weight to put on.

I think the important part is trying to get him here next year. Just not sure he would get out of his contract in an Olympic year where I think his chances of making the team are better in the KHL.

 

[FissionFire]

I am going to double down on my skepticism. He oozes talent don't get me wrong I am not questioning it. He just needs his frame to fill out. If he puts on muscle then we could be talking but every picture I see of him I imagine a stick figure under the pads. I am hoping for a growth spurt or he hits the gym like Gary Roberts hard. I think he is just going to be our Filatov / Zhardev / Gusev

Just for reference, he’s the same size as Cole Caufield. 5’10” 170 vs 5’8” 174. Smaller players can definitely be successful in todays NHL.

 

[newfy]

Yegor Chinakhov was taken in the first round in 2020 after he was passed over in seven rounds the year before. Would you consider him a late rounder? I've always just called him an over-ager.

I think theres a big difference between a first rounder and a borderline third rounder who everyone said who? and called a reach at draft time. Analysts were calling Buch a big reach at the time. I wouldnt call a first rounder a late round pick but context matters

 

[Hazy Little Thing]

I think he has made a lot of the gains he needs to make to be an impactful offensive player. He goes into scoring areas, he plays a knifing style. I am not sure he has a ton more weight to put on.

I think the important part is trying to get him here next year. Just not sure he would get out of his contract in an Olympic year where I think his chances of making the team are better in the KHL.

Kinda have to wait to see if Russia is allowed into the Olympics before this thought process can play out.