Ya, very intriguing prospect. I read that at one point, he was considered as the next Russian phenom. But failed to show any progress in Russia this year, so he was sent to the USHL mid-year. He was a point a game player which is good for the USHL, but not great, certainly not what you would expect from a player that is supposed to be extremely talented. His position in the public draft lists varies wildly. Some have him at 15, others in the 2nd round.
Are you aware of any obvious deficiencies in his game? Something like bad skating, or low hockey IQ?
Like with many youngsters, it's really a question of consistency.
He doesn't cheat and skimp out on his defensive responsibilities as a C. He also adds that physical element across the entire sheet of ice.
Beyond that, there's no denying his offensive creativity in the O-zone and his ability to vary his playmaking to keep opponents guessing, from crisp passes to the slot, to cross crease passes, to give and goes. I'd assume he has the right affinities to complement a style like one that Demidov possesses.
The possible chemistry with Demidov is one of the reasons I would like to select Ryabkin at the 2025 draft.
The other is the fact that St-Louis might well the right coach to enable Ryabkin to play with confidence at the NHL level.
The physical edge Ryabkin plays with also gives me confidence that he won't be just a perimeter player trying to be the smartest guy on the ice without as much implication in the play as might be needed.
Lastly, he is already in North America and that won't be an issue as it is with some Russian athletes who might be overseas for longer periods of time.
I also attribute the stalled development overseas to the stifling environment over there that prides itself on trying to break rookie players in order to make them better human beings à la Therrien, or like the Habs systematically did when they were ripe with superstars throughout their lineup.
Not all players react the same way to that treatment.
Lafleur, for example, was stimulated to prove everyone just how good he was.
Wickenheiser just lost confidence and what should have been a good career was wasted.
