Caser
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- May 21, 2013
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Nikolai Knyzhov never was considered a top prospect, but now he is in the NHL and left a strong impression so far, so I thought there might be something to discuss.
LD Nikolai Knyzhov (2016 undrafted; signed by SJS)
- Thread starter Caser
- Start date
Juxtaposer
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hohosaregood
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I will say that he was one of the worst defenseman at the 2019 prospect camp. I was shocked that he was even signed tbh. But I think he's proven that he can play at an NHL level so far, even if the team he's on is dog booty.
He made a surprise jump from last year to this year in terms of his composure and puck control.
He basically is a product of the VHL not even the KHL which is pretty crazy
He's got to learn the league a bit more. Decided to pick a fight with Marcus Foligno, which is the second time in 2years some non fighter has decided to "pick on" Marcus (Farabee did the same thing). It wasn't pretty, but when Foligno saw he was bleeding pretty badly he gestured to the ref to come in, then Knyzhov punched him. He's lucky he wasn't fighting a psycho, who would've put him in the hospital for that.
themelkman
Always Delivers
Its a learning experience. Hes a big guy and probably underestimated him. Theres not too many actual phychos looking to hurt people in the league anymore (other than on the blues).
Maybe he was blinded by the blood in his eye, and didn't see Foligno gesture to the refs, who started to come in. Learning experience for sure, but you don't punch on the break.
Juxtaposer
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hohosaregood
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Caser
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Well, no, Zub has been very good. Knyzhov is more then 2 years younger though, might have some upside left.
SoundAndFury
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Google translate > Кныжов > press the speaker.
Sharks announcers are doing ok job to be honest other than that weird pause between K and the rest. But maybe that just because English speakers are so used to k in "knee" being silent they unnaturally overcompensate in a case like this.
Agent Zuuuub
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The thing I like about his game is the short quick passes or even skate open a short pass to escape pressure. How often have we seen Dmen get pressure from the fore-check and can't make up their mind in that spit second and either try the pass that spit second late and get it deflected and if they get it out it is after a strenuous regrouping in the D zone, or having to eat the puck by going backwards into the zone trying to move the puck around the boards behind the net. He has composure and works well with Karlsson.
hohosaregood
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And the trend continues. We see these undrafted and unheralded Russian kids WHO STAYED IN RUSSIA to make NHL rosters while all these "great teenage star" Russian players who leave to play junior hockey in Canada become busts. Knyzhov and Zub are two perfect examples for this season.
Another example is Kravtsov who came to North America way too early. A season in the KHL this year seems to have completely turned his game around and now is a legit NHL forward.
How long do we have to witness this idiocy of the best and most talented Russian kids ruining their careers be leaving too early?
Another example is Kravtsov who came to North America way too early. A season in the KHL this year seems to have completely turned his game around and now is a legit NHL forward.
How long do we have to witness this idiocy of the best and most talented Russian kids ruining their careers be leaving too early?
He is interesting.
I wonder if there is more offensive upside left there.
My guess is that he is playing conservative right now to establish himself with the team.
I wonder if there is more offensive upside left there.
My guess is that he is playing conservative right now to establish himself with the team.
hohosaregood
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He only trained in russia for his 19 and 20 YO seasons. He was North American trained for his pre-draft years. And he sucked dog butt when he first joined the Sharks.
His development was likely springboarded during his time in the notable Russian cities of Phoenix, Regina, Springfield, and Austin.
