11. Alexander Kisakov, LW, 19 (Dynamo Moskva)
Kisakov is a highly-gifted winger with an underdeveloped 5-foot-10 frame (he’s listed at 150 pounds). He’s a fun player to watch against his peers because he’s never actually in trouble with the puck on his stick, and regularly pulls and drags it through feet to beat the same defender twice (which will get harder against better defenders but is a sure sign of skill and comfort). He’s also got a silky-smooth first touch, which helps him catch and release pucks quickly (to shoot or give it back). His ability to change directions, adjust on his edges in control to hang onto the puck under pressure, and flurry around the offensive zone to wreak havoc make him a first-round talent. He has this spin move that he uses one-on-one with defenders on the perimeter that is somewhere between a cut-back and a pirouette that he has absolutely mastered as a way to create separation for himself, too. His athletic immaturity though does raise concerns about how his skill will translate up levels, though, and it gives him a long-term projection even if he does make it. There’s a boom or bust element to his projection but his offensive zone gifts could result in some real payoff as a playmaker in the best-case scenario.
