I thought this guy has been horrible so far at the WJC, turns the puck over every time he has it, wins 1/10 puck battles. Is he supposed to be good at something?
C/W Marat Khusnutdinov (2020, 37th, MIN)
- Thread starter Pavel Buchnevich
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He was hyped up as a steal of the draft in NA. I don't know why. I always wondered. To me him going in the 2nd was pretty much appropriate. Every time he is on the level above juniors he wasn't comfortable. This time around against top junior players he wasn't that great either. The only positive to take waway from the USA game he was winning a lot of faceoffs. He is clearly a step behind the Big3 of russian forwards on that roster. Probably behind a couple of others too. One game into the tournament, I know. Let's see if he can show us what the hype was all about.
...and Khovanov was looking good as Russia's 1C at WJC. Just saying. Also Khovanov is PPG in the VHL right now.
Age is in favor of Khusnutdinov. There is time to grow definitely.
People get excited when they see highlights of a really fast skater skater in the open ice. I've been ok with him. He doesn't affect the game much with the puck on his stick, but plays a responsible defensive game, and seems pretty sturdy out there in spite of his size. Speed is always nice to have, too.
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I think he's been seen as a project player that could play in a top 9 role, possibly top 6 role as a center. Under size, but competitive and a little sneaky physically as a defensively responsible center.
To be honest I haven't noticed him at all in the tourny so far, he's been invisible
2Pair
Registered User
- Oct 8, 2017
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As a Wild fan I've been focusing on him during games. I have yet to see him do anything of note, either good or bad. Seems pretty good on the dot, wins more board battles than he loses, is a great skater, isn't afraid to be physical, but that's about it. Gets to the right spot to take a pass, then passes the puck to the next guy , then moves to the next right spot to be in. Jacques Lemaire would play this kid about 45 minutes a game.
guitarhunterdude
Registered User
I'll take boring competence + awesome speed any day of the week. Could see the guy being a possession monster on a third line. Even 2nd line if the rare flashes of playmaking vision become more consistent (not getting my hopes up).
nickdawg95
scoutdawg
- Jan 7, 2016
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Jbcraig1883
Registered User
Have seen every Russia game and he has speed and sometimes shows some good hands but have seen him lose the puck (fumbles the pass, gets knocked over, or gets poke checked) quite a bit. With him playing on the line he is, I expected a bit more. Will see how he finishes the tourny.
Very underwhelmed with this player. He can’t seem to keep up w. Podkolzin and Amirov. The puck and play is dying on his stick.
Having said that he made a really good play to get the puck to Podkolzin before Podz dishes it to Amirov for the goal.
Having said that he made a really good play to get the puck to Podkolzin before Podz dishes it to Amirov for the goal.
Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
Well, both are top half of the 1st round talents, one of which being a full year older, and the other ~9 months I think. It's not all that unusual for it to play out that way.
Been one of the best players on the ice tonight IMO. Very noticeable almost every shift.
Jbcraig1883
Registered User
He was very frustrating the first couple of games, but he's been pretty good today.
JiricekSaveUs
Danila Yurov Fan Club Executive Assistant
- May 2, 2018
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I mean, he’s a point-per-game top line center for Russia and is eligible to return to the tournament next year. What more do you really want? He was a second rounder, I don’t expect him to be on the same level as an Amirov or Podkolzin. I’m happy with the performance.
As the original hater I admit he was pretty good today, lost fewer battles and actually made some nice plays. Hopefully he can keep it up!
This is a major plus about this whole team. A lot of underagers who can be there next year. Older, more experienced, physically able and hopefully more skilled. Khusnutdinov is also now clearly the 1C at the dot and Russia needs that like no other team.
JiricekSaveUs
Danila Yurov Fan Club Executive Assistant
- May 2, 2018
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Pretty young for the 2020 draft. Less than 2 months away from being 2021 eligible. I’d let him stay in Russia for 3 or so years, hope in that final year that he’s finally getting a regular shift with SKA. Reevaluate from there. Pretty impressive for a player this young to be Russia’s number 1 center, and not even that, but to be over a point per game pace while doing it.
