C Patrick Khodorenko - Michigan State, NCAA (2017 undrafted; signed by NYR)

[tealhockey]

What do you think about his skating? That’s long been the knock on him. I’ve only seen him a few times in college hockey, so I haven’t seen enough to comment on if that will hold him back as much as it’s discussed.

it didn't hold him back in college. The hands, shot and sense about how to maneuver around the offensive zone are his big assets, the skating is at least adequate for a well-regarded college UFA. College to pro is a big jump though. I'm not sure he has the overall skillset to be an undeniable top six type and I wonder where he fits into the line-up if he's not. Strikes me as someone who will have to prove it in the minors

 

[RangersFan1994]

As a Rangers fan if he can be as good as Cizikas I'd take it.

 

[Caser]

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

it didn't hold him back in college. The hands, shot and sense about how to maneuver around the offensive zone are his big assets, the skating is at least adequate for a well-regarded college UFA. College to pro is a big jump though. I'm not sure he has the overall skillset to be an undeniable top six type and I wonder where he fits into the line-up if he's not. Strikes me as someone who will have to prove it in the minors

Good call.

I've been very impressed with him through two AHL games. He looks like an eventual NHL'er. His hands are really good, and he creates a lot of scoring chances because of how quick they are, and the plays he can make with the puck.

I know you didn't say so, but many people have said his skating is what would hold him back. I really don't see that. He's not a great skater, but it looks good enough, and I've even seen him turn the corner a few times. If he's not going to be able to skate at an NHL average level, it's not by much. It's really not to a level where I'd call his skating a problem.

It's hard to ever call a UDFA a definite NHL'er, but I really do see this guy at least getting some games. And with his offensive skill that already stands out for his ability to create scoring chances in the AHL I believe he has a higher ceiling than most UDFA's. He's played center so far, and looks pretty good there. I hope the Rangers keep him there. I really don't see many weaknesses in his game, and he might have above average NHL skill. I would absolutely not rule out that he could be a 3C.

 

[wings5]

I think most people have forgotten how highly regarded he used to be . If you look early in this thread there were talks of him being drafted top 5 and 1st overall in the draft. There are some prospects like Day and Wise who may never recover from their early hype and make the NHL but it would be nice to see a kid bounce back from tough development years and make the league

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

I think most people have forgotten how highly regarded he used to be . If you look early in this thread there were talks of him being drafted top 5 and 1st overall in the draft. There are some prospects like Day and Wise who may never recover from their early hype and make the NHL but it would be nice to see a kid bounce back from tough development years and make the league

Yeah, back then (2014-2017) I followed the NTDP closely because ESPN America, a TV station we had here in Europe at the time) was showing their games all the time. And college hockey as well, so it was easily accessible.

Khodorenko was a kid who really impressed me at the time and it was that nasty injury (broken leg, if I remember correctly) that derailed his chances in the draft, but there were serious discussions about him being a 1st rounder. I never expected him at the time to go undrafted