I believe this is a weaker class, but it still seems like this is more of a 2nd round pick.
The playmaking has been very muted all year - most of his key passes are coming in very open ice under limited pressure, he's struggled to find passes when he has to extend touches and has been at the driver's seat for a lot of broken offensive zone sequences this season because he hasn't been able to escape pressure when the first option isn't there. His pace and work rate are major concerns. I don't see how he fits a top-six role with the lack of defensive engagement, dynamic skill (he only dangles while gliding), and the overall lack of speed. Not scoring a single goal in any competition since March 9th is worrying, too.
There's still a role for him, I think, but this is more of a Fyodor Svechkov type of player to me. Doesn't have the same defensive capabilities, but he's able to make those tight-area plays to push pucks off the walls and into open ice and brings physical intensity with big hits and engagement in battles. I am a big fan of the passing skill, he's very detailed when he's clicking with subtle fakes to manipulate and open lanes and effective from passing from behind the goal line. Still have concerns about how poorly he operates through transitions. Seems like a strong passer while not being a true, high-end thinker.
It's a hazy projection, especially considered all of the things that are happening off-ice. I can't really push too hard for a low pace, physical, pure passing center (and he's not even playing at C in the VHL now). The only positive going for him seemingly is that it's a pretty mediocre Russian crop this year. I could see a case for liking someone like Kurban Limatov over him if you're optimistic on him working out the sense issues. I'm a big fan of Nikita Poltavchuk's skillset and intelligence, but he's very raw, so it's a tough battle to fight for him, too.