- Sep 29, 2016
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Eduard Bondar - Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Eduard Bondar, 2007-01-31 Nevinnomyssk, RUS Russia. Most recently in the QMJHL with Val-d'Or Foreurs. Complete player biography and stats.
www.eliteprospects.com
With all the hype around Haoxi Wang (who I think is a legit prospect, just nowhere near worth a 1st pick) I'm surprised only few people seem to talk about this kid.
Similar size, almost as fast and mobile of a skater but much tougher, much better hands, much better vision and, though still green as well, just a much more polished player than Wang. He's also righty, not a lefty. Probably the best stay at home defenseman available in the upcoming draft, maybe even the best prospect if you're looking for size and physicality.
Bondar was traded 1:1 for Matvei Gridin and though of course I'm comparing apples and oranges when saying this, argument could be made that Bondar actually outplayed Gridin for large parts of the season.
Bondar has been playing the toughest and heaviest minutes possible playing on the top pairing (all season long and as a rookie) of what was the QMJHL's worst team for large parts of the season. Still, Bondar held his own, is a nightmare to play against, especially along the boards where he just keeps on running over people. He's also good at defending the slot though thanks to his ability to move bodies, his ability to block shots and his long and active stick. Though I don't know about his offensive upside at pro, let alone NHL level he also has demonstated a willingness and ability to create offense as well. Bondar has good hands and is strong on the puck.
We all know NHL teams are looking for big righty defensemen who can skate like the wind so I wouldn't be surprised to see him get picked much earlier than anticipated come draft day.
