C/W Marat Khusnutdinov (2020, 37th, MIN)

[JiricekSaveUs]

He played exclusively on the penalty kill today. Last game was mostly all on the penalty kill as well, with a few shifts on full strength. During the last game in the third, his man pushed off him, got a tiny bit of space and one-timed the puck into the net. I was wondering if that was going to be it for him for the night, since it was late in the third and that tied the game (I believe). But he got another shift on full strength, which was good to see.

In today's game he trapped the 20cm taller Svedberg in his own zone along the boards for about 15 seconds. It was kind of funny to see. He really reads the play well and is pretty impressively defensively, especially on the backcheck hounding players and forcing them to make plays. It'd be nice to see him get some more regular time at even strength, but that will come if he keeps playing the way he is.

Can he take over the 3C role for SKA next year?

 

[Kshahdoo]

Can he take over the 3C role for SKA next year?

He had some chemistry with Michkov, so if Michkov plays in the KHL next season, they will probably make a line.

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

Can he take over the 3C role for SKA next year?

At least under Bragin, SKA is rolling four lines quite evenly at even strength, so I'm not sure how good "3C" is as a descriptor.

But as far as centers go, I'm not sure there will be room for him, unless they don't resign or replace Kemppainen whose contract is up in the spring. Perhaps they move people around and put him at center, but I think there's a higher chance he plays wing in the KHL at least to start, like he's doing now, next year. But it will all come down to who is on the roster, and it's too early to tell now I think. He looks to belong in the KHL from what I've seen now, so I'd be surprised if he's not playing in the KHL next year, but at which position is hard to say.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Can he take over the 3C role for SKA next year?

No chance.

He had some chemistry with Michkov, so if Michkov plays in the KHL next season, they will probably make a line.

Occasional 4th line, maybe, like Marchenko-Morozov-Podkolzin last year. I would be rather doubtful about Michkov having a regular place on the KHL roster in the first place and even then, I don't see any indication they are likely to be played together.

At least under Bragin, SKA is rolling four lines quite evenly at even strength, so I'm not sure how good "3C" is as a descriptor.

But as far as centers go, I'm not sure there will be room for him, unless they don't resign or replace Kemppainen whose contract is up in the spring. Perhaps they move people around and put him at center, but I think there's a higher chance he plays wing in the KHL at least to start, like he's doing now, next year.

Even without Kemppainen, they have Vey, Kamenev, Aaltonen, Morozov all signed for the next year. There is no chance he legitimately comes anywhere close to 3C position. He will get the same yo-yo treatment all SKA prospects have.

 

[Atas2000]

He had some chemistry with Michkov, so if Michkov plays in the KHL next season, they will probably make a line.

That is extreme wishful thinking. That Michkov will play any games at all in the KHL by next season, that Khusnutdinov is that far in his development by then, that they would be put on a line together. All of it just pipe dreams so far.

 

[Atas2000]

Can he take over the 3C role for SKA next year?

Right now he shows no signs he is ready to be a full time KHLer. If he has a monster of a WJC(which I doubt based on the recent WJC team performance, he was not on the level of the Top3 forwards(Podkolzin, Amirov, Chinakhov)) and heats up towards the end of the season he might get a bigger role at the start of next season, but at this point in time it's a pretty bold projection.

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

Right now he shows no signs he is ready to be a full time KHLer. If he has a monster of a WJC(which I doubt based on the recent WJC team performance, he was not on the level of the Top3 forwards(Podkolzin, Amirov, Chinakhov)) and heats up towards the end of the season he might get a bigger role at the start of next season, but at this point in time it's a pretty bold projection.

Interesting. Why do you think that? Or what are the areas you think he needs to improve in in order to be a full time KHLer?

To me, he doesn't look out of place in the KHL. He can skate well enough, is pretty decent defensively and doesn't cheat on his responsibilities there, isn't intimidated physically, seems to think the game well, contributes on the attack... I don't know if he's better at the moment than anyone above him in the line-up to be able to take their spot, but I think he can play at KHL level. I think there will be a fair amount of back and forth between the KHL and VHL this year and probably next, but I think that's more because of SKA's depth than Khusnutdinov's abilities.

 

[Kshahdoo]

That is extreme wishful thinking. That Michkov will play any games at all in the KHL by next season, that Khusnutdinov is that far in his development by then, that they would be put on a line together. All of it just pipe dreams so far.

Tarasenko played 38 games in his 16 year old season, and Michkov is way better, than Tarasenko was. I'm pretty sure, Michkov will play in the KHL and at WJC next season.

With who he will play is another question. If Podkolzin goes to NA, then Michkov can play with Marchenko and Morozov. But a line with Khusnutdinov is possible as well.

 

[SoundAndFury]

I would mostly agree. He could definitely play for a team like Sochi next year if he develops within reasonable expectations. But that's not the situation he is in.

Tarasenko played 38 games in his 16 year old season, and Michkov is way better, than Tarasenko was. I'm pretty sure, Michkov will play in the KHL and at WJC next season.

With who he will play is another question. If Podkolzin goes to NA, then Michkov can play with Marchenko and Morozov. But a line with Khusnutdinov is possible as well.

Tarasenko played for Sibir who were god-awful at the time and his dad was the coach. That's not at all the situation Michkov is in or the way SKA handles their prospects. It's extremely naive to think they are going to change the way they go around doing things just because it's prospect A rather than prospect B.

Also, regarding who plays with who, you can just draw a name out of the hat. Having said that, considering M&Ms are going to be legitimate top-6 forwards, some 17 y.o. kid definitely isn't playing with them.

We aren't discussing Michkov's or Khusnutdinov's talent but about actual circumstances surrounding them. That Tarasenko comparison is as irrelevant as they come. Now if you were to say Michkov could in theory play in the KHL - sure. Same way Khusnutdinov could, for sure. But they won't. Not in a real role, at least.

 

[Atas2000]

Interesting. Why do you think that? Or what are the areas you think he needs to improve in in order to be a full time KHLer?

To me, he doesn't look out of place in the KHL. He can skate well enough, is pretty decent defensively and doesn't cheat on his responsibilities there, isn't intimidated physically, seems to think the game well, contributes on the attack... I don't know if he's better at the moment than anyone above him in the line-up to be able to take their spot, but I think he can play at KHL level. I think there will be a fair amount of back and forth between the KHL and VHL this year and probably next, but I think that's more because of SKA's depth than Khusnutdinov's abilities.

I think that because I've seen him play in the MHL and the KHL and on the NT. He is skilled, but lacks the physical abilities (yet) to be effective in the KHL. There are glimpses of him using his skill to create plays offensively, but they are only glimpses for now. Development is not linear and it is different for every single player. This all does not mean he won't be a good hockey player going forward, it means he needs time still and for now is better off playing in juniors and maybe the VHL more. It was quite obvious in the EHT games why the best three forwards were the best three and also the three ready to play in the KHL. And that for different reasons. Amirov is a great skater. Chinakhov is big and fast. Podkolzin is smart AND physically gifted so he can go into the tough areas against men. Khusnutdinov is just a step behind of them for now. When he gets more experience and strength he should be fine. Also being able to not be a liability in the KHL is one thing, being a solid contributor is another. Back and forth between the leagues might be okay, but he is not ready to have a regular spot in the KHL.

 

[Atas2000]

Tarasenko played 38 games in his 16 year old season, and Michkov is way better, than Tarasenko was. I'm pretty sure, Michkov will play in the KHL and at WJC next season.

With who he will play is another question. If Podkolzin goes to NA, then Michkov can play with Marchenko and Morozov. But a line with Khusnutdinov is possible as well.

Tarasenko was on Sibir, not SKA. If I was a SKA GM I would not want my roster to have to sport Michkov on a scoring line next season, no matter how talented Michkov is, he will still be only 16. I also do not necessarily like the idea of having "prospect lines"like SKA obviously did with the Morozov line. I think young guys need to play with vets to learn. I can see SKA experiment there, but not that much.

 

[Oddbob]

This is who I wanted with the Wings first 2nd round pick this year. Is he playing and how does he look?

 

[gusev nikita]

you are too early to talk about Marat in the KHL
Specialists understand, including Bragin, that Marat plays well in defense, including in the minority, and he now uses him in the minority. Marat plays in unequal compositions against the best players who should score in the majority. Marat's defensive skills in the KHL are at a high level. And I'm waiting for him to start getting time in equal numbers to prove himself. Do not forget that his playing time is not the highest. But he can be seen even at these moments and he is remembered. Now he is fighting for a place in the squad and playing against adult men gives him a good experience.

 

[SoundAndFury]

you are too early to talk about Marat in the KHL
Specialists understand, including Bragin, that Marat plays well in defense, including in the minority, and he now uses him in the minority. Marat plays in unequal compositions against the best players who should score in the majority. Marat's defensive skills in the KHL are at a high level. And I'm waiting for him to start getting time in equal numbers to prove himself. Do not forget that his playing time is not the highest. But he can be seen even at these moments and he is remembered. Now he is fighting for a place in the squad and playing against adult men gives him a good experience.

For future reference:

Minority - penalty kill
Majority - powerplay
Unequal compositions - special teams
Equal numbers - even strength

 

[JiricekSaveUs]

 

[SoundAndFury]

This tweet is a great example of how to say something but tell absolutely nothing.

 

[Atas2000]

This tweet is a great example of how to say something but tell absolutely nothing.

Либо будет, либо нет, либо дождик, либо снег.

The obsession of today's writers with "I told it first" is funny.

 

[Svedu]

This kid is a stud. I´m thinking Saku Koivu and Datsyuk. I´m exaggerating a bit though. All in all a great skater and a team player. Probably better skater than those mentioned but not the same skillset as Datsyuk of course.
I just have a sense he could become a top6-9 two-way playmaker as a center and benefit of having a pure sniper on his wing.

 

[JiricekSaveUs]

Seems like he’ll end up being an all-situations 2/3rd liner. Great speed and motor.

 

[Bologna 1]

Seems like he’ll end up being an all-situations 2/3rd liner. Great speed and motor.

He can really fly out there and has crazy closing speed on pucks and puck carriers. Backchecks like a dog too. Really was also pleasantly surprised at how much he seems to throw his body around despite being on the smaller end of the spectrum.

 

[KirkAlbuquerque]

This kid is a stud. I´m thinking Saku Koivu and Datsyuk. Great skater and a team player.

I'm thinking more of a Gretzky/Ovechkin hybrid

 

[57special]

I don't see Datsuyk, but Saku Koivu...ok...maybe, or at least a player with that style. Saku was a hell of a player. It will be interesting to see how he develops at next year's WJC.

 

[Prior]

To me he reminds me a lot of early Haula. Great skater and quickness starting and stopping. Always on the right side of the puck. Not physical per se, but some snarl to his game. Doesn’t seem to have the offensive tool box to become a top end producer. 2/3rd liner tweener seems about right. He’ll carve out a career in the NHL with those abilities assuming he wants to. The Wild will be happy with that IMO.

 

[Atas2000]

To me he reminds me a lot of early Haula. Great skater and quickness starting and stopping. Always on the right side of the puck. Not physical per se, but some snarl to his game. Doesn’t seem to have the offensive tool box to become a top end producer. 2/3rd liner tweener seems about right. He’ll carve out a career in the NHL with those abilities assuming he wants to. The Wild will be happy with that IMO.

OMG! A not carried away evaluation. Something I was missing with Khusnutdinov. He is good, but not great. I don't know why he was hyped up as a 1st round kind of talent. 2/3rd liner seems about right for him if he plays to his strengths.

 

[DANOZ28]

kaprizov was a 5th , now redraft 1st rounder so anything is possible. i was high on sokolov & khovanov so i will keep my excitement in check. khusnutdinov has speed & skill which i look 4 in a prospect.