G Alexei Melnichuk - HC Sochi, KHL (2016 undrafted; signed by SJS; traded to TBL)

[Sens72]

1998 born goaltender.

 

[Caser]

Some media stuff:

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

He should be listed as 2016 undrafted until he’s actually drafted. Is he even draft eligible anymore?

 

[Brodeur]

He should be listed as 2016 undrafted until he’s actually drafted. Is he even draft eligible anymore?

If I'm counting on my fingers and toes correctly, he's no longer draft eligible.

 

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[Flynn84]

Wow, SKA goalies - Kochetkov, Melnichuck, Askarov. Why they even need Hellberg and Nalimov?

 

[Atas2000]

Wow, SKA goalies - Kochetkov, Melnichuck, Askarov. Why they even need Hellberg and Nalimov?

Those three are U20 on the average though

 

[SoundAndFury]

Wow, SKA goalies - Kochetkov, Melnichuck, Askarov. Why they even need Hellberg and Nalimov?

Well Kochetkov is very evidently not ready for KHL, not even talking about Askarov. Nalimov is kind of redundant but I guess not having him would have put big pressure on Melnichyuk's shoulders. Better safe than sorry option.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Well Kochetkov is very evidently not ready for KHL, not even talking about Askarov. Nalimov is kind of redundant but I guess not having him would have put big pressure on Melnichyuk's shoulders. Better safe than sorry option.

I think he probably is KHL ready, but not ready to be the starter for SKA. Thats too much of a jump.

 

[SoundAndFury]

I think he probably is KHL ready, but not ready to be the starter for SKA. Thats too much of a jump.

True, probably would be a better backup for Sochi than Proskuryakov is. But ultimately, in the current situation, he has to go down to the VHL, the guy is sinking.

 

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[rohky]

What is the future for talented goalie Alexey Melnichuk if he is not going to play in Russia? Which solution could be the best for him?

Recommended read (in Russian) СКА зажимает своего воспитанника. Мельничук сбежит в Америку, если ему не дадут играть в России

 

[Atas2000]

What is the future for talented goalie Alexey Melnichuk if he is not going to play in Russia? Which solution could be the best for him?

Recommended read (in Russian) СКА зажимает своего воспитанника. Мельничук сбежит в Америку, если ему не дадут играть в России

This is an utter agenda driven slur by the media. They exaggerate.

Obviously the problem is there as SKA hoardes young goalies. But that is always the problem of prospects to an extent with strong teams. Of course Melnichuk has some decision to make. Wheteher to wait it out and remain with SKA(Isee him as a guy who could become their regular career KHL goaltender) or make a move: different KHL team or different league. It's completely up to him. But nobody is denying him anything there. SKA just has all those goaltenders. Melnichuk can't claim to be better than those.

 

[Caser]

To add to that, Melnichuk's agent has denied reports that the Kings are among the interested teams.

 

[themelkman]

To add to that, Melnichuk's agent has denied reports that the Kings are among the interested teams.

Sharks could be one, would rather get Bilyalov though

 

[Caser]

Dreger mentioned that 4 teams (all US-based) are left in the race for Melnichuk and Russian medias are speculating that VGK, Sharks and Avs are among those.

 

[Caser]

Dreger mentioned that 4 teams (all US-based) are left in the race for Melnichuk and Russian medias are speculating that VGK, Sharks and Avs are among those.

Reportedly Canes are the 4th team. With that being said, Sharks should be the favourites here, as they have Nabokov working with goalies.

 

[GoBoltz56]

It's mind blowing to me that Detroit isn't one of the teams. They could/should literally offer this kid NHL time next season. The Wings literally have no goalie in the entire system that shows much promise.

 

[themelkman]

Sharks make the most sense. We have open spots vs Vegas and Avs have locked down goalies

 

[GoldiFox]

Reportedly Canes are the 4th team. With that being said, Sharks should be the favourites here, as they have Nabokov working with goalies.

Kochetkov + Melnichuk for the Canes in the AHL next year? Not much in front of them for a NHL job if either played well.

 

[Caser]

Kochetkov + Melnichuk for the Canes in the AHL next year? Not much in front of them for a NHL job if either played well.

Kochetkov has one more year left on his current KHL contract.

 

[GoldiFox]

Kochetkov has one more year left on his current KHL contract.

Last I saw he was attempting to get out of it after being shuffled around and not playing. That he wanted to come to NA.

 

[Caser]

Last I saw he was attempting to get out of it after being shuffled around and not playing. That he wanted to come to NA.

So far I didn't hear anything about it, but if he indeed wants to get out there is one tiny little obstacle in the way - his team should also want him to get out and I'm not exactly seeing a reason why they also would want that.