LD Artyom Grushnikov (2021, 48th, DAL, traded to CGY)

[shotvalley]

I've done draft rankings the last 3 years on the Flyers board mostly for my own enjoyment. I saw Grushnikov in passing playing with the Russian 02s in his D-1 year but did not focus on him too closely. I watched (well re-watched) Grushnikov during his draft year for my own ranking "process" hence my comment. I figured I would clarify in my OP that he did not play during his DY but to no avail I guess.

I try to avoid posting in player threads to avoid back and forths such as this but wanted to comment on the point production that another poster brought up since I've done a lot of research on the topic. Grushnikov would be an extreme outlier if he were to turn into an effective NHL player.

Not that Dallas needs anymore good news, but the player selected before Grushnikov looks like a star and obviously Johnston is already in the NHL. I think Martino is a player too. Great draft with or without Grushnikov.

What made Grushnikov interesting prospect in his draft year was his three big advantages; excellent skating, physicality and defense ability in his age. What he may still lack to become efective 3rd pairing PK guy is his opening pass which you can see also from his stats line. The first pass has to be "corrected" if he wants to get to the big league otherwise he has the tools to be a limited usage depth player. He was ment to be specialized to his own end when he was drafted so there is still hope. Next year in AHL give clear indications does he make it or not.

 

[FLYguy3911]

What made Grushnikov interesting prospect in his draft year was his three big advantages; excellent skating, physicality and defense ability in his age. What he may still lack to become efective 3rd pairing PK guy is his opening pass which you can see also from his stats line. The first pass has to be "corrected" if he wants to get to the big league otherwise he has the tools to be a limited usage depth player. He was ment to be specialized to his own end when he was drafted so there is still hope. Next year in AHL give clear indications does he make it or not.

Points aren't everything obviously and there are exceptions to everything, but when you are this much of a negative outlier, it is likely that there is an extreme deficiency (or several) under the hood that the points are just exposing. To produce at the junior level you need to get the ice time (special teams), make a large quantity of high percentage plays, and you need to be consistent (among having other basic skills such as vision, anticipation, and puck skills). We know the best defense is having the puck and transitioning the puck efficiently from the DZ to OZ. That's where those basic skills that result in points at the Junior level show themselves. Even the most basic of NHL 3rd pair/PK types produced to acceptable levels as amateurs.

This isn't to say Grushnikov won't ever play in the NHL - we know NHL coaches love their "safe, reliable, defensive" types and he may be one as a pro, but being an effective NHL defenseman will be a taller task.

 

[Caser]

 

[Dr Pepper]

I wonder how many hattricks have had two empty netters.

Would be really tough to get one with three, I imagine.

How ironic.

 

[Canadian Game]

Regardless of how many empty betters, Grush is a stay at home D. That was his first multi-goal game, let alone hat trick. He had no goals in last year’s playoffs, and scored 1 at the Memorial Cup.

Overall, his offence is something the Texas Stars should tap into once he settles into pro hockey next year. He has a good shot, and if he builds his confidence up, you might actually find him deep in the opponent’s end with the puck, as he did early in the third period of a pivotal playoff game last night (long before the empty netters).

 

[Caser]

 

[MMC]

Traded to CGY

 

[Bounces R Way]

Bit of a strange prospect to be targeting since the Flames have Kuznetsov and Solovyov in their system that are very similar. Like hearing that he has great 4 way mobility though, incredibly important attribute for modern defenseman to be able to stick with speedy forwards.

 

[Caser]

 

[DJJones]

I like how the only updates to this are when hes traded or scores a rare goal.

I think he could be very similar to Pachal actually from what I've watched.