LW/RW Denis Gurianov (2015, 12th, DAL)

[serp]

Well he did file to terminate his KHL contract for next year.
So it would seem likely he'll be in the AHL next year. With some of our forward prospects very likely moving to the NHL next year he should be able to find a spot with Texas .

 

[93LEAFS]

Well he did file to terminate his KHL contract for next year.
So it would seem likely he'll be in the AHL next year. With some of our forward prospects very likely moving to the NHL next year he should be able to find a spot with Texas .

AHL makes by far the most sense, maybe if he really is struggling he goes the CHL route to dominate, get a bunch of ice time and rebuild confidence. Kucherov took a similar path, and he was more dominant at the MHL level. I'd say if he's out of Russia its 95% AHL, with a 5% shot at CHL, if he's clearly not ready.

 

[Fantomas]

No one questions the skill though.

I question his finishing skills.

 

[hockeey]

I question his finishing skills.

Is that something that would change with more confidence if he was getting more than 11 minutes a game? I remember he was one of the fastest risers last year and is still praised for his size, speed, and skill.

 

[Evolu7ion]

I question his finishing skills.

He's got a lightning quick shot release and compact and powerful shooting motion from the limited times I've seen him play. Seems like a guy who needs to play with a dynamic playmaker to produce offense.

 

[Anthony Mauro]

From last year's notes, Guryanov scored 11G in 14GP across the WJAC, 5 Nations, and U18. In the final international showing at the U18 he scored 6G in 5GP.

It might look like it now, but scoring shouldn't be a long-term issue. His finishing skills certainly weren't in question last year.

The problem with a player like Guryanov is he creates such exciting, quality opportunities that if things don't go his way, he will look impotent and bad. In a sense, there is way more disappointment factor with him on a high end missed attempt than a prospect who simply isn't good at all.

It was his first full pro year, playing in the KHL, in what seems to be a substandard developmental environment that he's now looking to get away from. Any serious assessments on his status are placed on hold to see if a change of pace lends a different Denis Guryanov.

 

[malkinfan]

He just can't finish it. He has some gifted hands, size, incredible shot and he's elite skater as well.

He just should put it all together. I see a real star potential in him.

Thanks for posting this supports my claims on pg 6. There was another epic rush he had in a Rus-Can exhibition game, but stopped by the goalie on the breakaway. Don't think there is a guy in the league who gets that many clear but chances to the net and has so few goals. For now as the saying goes, he good at Rushin with the puck, but all swedish no finish.

 

[Fantomas]

Is that something that would change with more confidence if he was getting more than 11 minutes a game? I remember he was one of the fastest risers last year and is still praised for his size, speed, and skill.

I don't know yet. Emphasis here on the word question. I am not sure that Guryanov has limited finishing skills, although he often looks like he does. He needs some more international exposure and show what he can do against his peers.

He had that one good U18 tournament.

 

[malkinfan]

It was his first full pro year, playing in the KHL, in what seems to be a substandard developmental environment that he's now looking to get away from

I don't think I would say substandard conditions for development. He started the season and even midway through the season was seeing 12-15 minutes a game at times. He played his way to lower minutes IMO. You don't really get a better opportunity in the KHL - bottom dwelling team, lots of ice to be had with lots of young players trying to make a name for themselves - Guryanov just didn't produce and was outperformed by other guys. It wasn't like he was being buried on a deep team like CSKA, SKA etc. opportunity was plentiful. I don't think running will help his cause either. Best option IMO is to stay the course with Lada, earn the ice time, have a big WJC, get back on track.

 

[Fantomas]

Yeah, this whole thing with the "substandard environment" is purely conjecture. Is the environment substandard or is Guryanov just not as good as advertised?

 

[Zine]

No, no, no.....you got it wrong. It's a conspiracy by the evil KHL!! He's being punished by Lada for wanting to play in the NHL.

 

[Atas2000]

Kucherov took a similar path.

There are facts and there is perception by North Americans.

 

[hockeey]

I don't think I would say substandard conditions for development. He started the season and even midway through the season was seeing 12-15 minutes a game at times. He played his way to lower minutes IMO. You don't really get a better opportunity in the KHL - bottom dwelling team, lots of ice to be had with lots of young players trying to make a name for themselves - Guryanov just didn't produce and was outperformed by other guys. It wasn't like he was being buried on a deep team like CSKA, SKA etc. opportunity was plentiful. I don't think running will help his cause either. Best option IMO is to stay the course with Lada, earn the ice time, have a big WJC, get back on track.

Yeah, this whole thing with the "substandard environment" is purely conjecture. Is the environment substandard or is Guryanov just not as good as advertised?

Seems like he was in a similar situation to Kaprizov with being on a team that needed guys to step up but failed to do so while Kaprizov ended up leading his team in points. Is it safe to say he's fallen behind Kaprizov (who also had ~2 points/game in the MHL as well, has similar stats to kucherov for this year). He looks extremely skilled in that one scoreless highlight video but for some reason never scores. The size and skating combination is reminiscent of what you see in guys like nichushkin and pulju but I guess he just can't finnish.

 

[93LEAFS]

There are facts and there is perception by North Americans.

Yeah, Kucherov didn't play in the CHL, he came over at 19 to play in the Q, after dominating the MHL and not getting time with CSKA Moscow. Those are actually facts, I don't know what you consider to be facts, but that actually happened. I know you want to stick to your anti-CHL narrative and want to ignore actual facts. Thankfully, I won't hold this as a perception by all Russians, just you.

 

[Brock Boeser]

Yeah, Kucherov didn't play in the CHL, he came over at 19 to play in the Q, after dominating the MHL and not getting time with CSKA Moscow. Those are actually facts, I don't know what you consider to be facts, but that actually happened. I know you want to stick to your anti-CHL narrative and want to ignore actual facts. Thankfully, I won't hold this as a perception by all Russians, just you.

The numbers don't lie though. Russian prospects who come over to N.A with high pedigrees usually bust. Kucherov himself only played 50 games in the Q and AHL so he shouldn't be used as a successful example.

 

[Zine]

Seems like he was in a similar situation to Kaprizov with being on a team that needed guys to step up but failed to do so while Kaprizov ended up leading his team in points. Is it safe to say he's fallen behind Kaprizov (who also had ~2 points/game in the MHL as well, has similar stats to kucherov for this year). He looks extremely skilled in that one scoreless highlight video but for some reason never scores. The size and skating combination is reminiscent of what you see in guys like nichushkin and pulju but I guess he just can't finnish.

Yes, very similar situation to Kaprizov. Kaprizov seized the opportunity, Guryanov didn't.
Obviously Kaprizov is the better player at the moment......but Guryanov has a much higher upside.

 

[JetsFan815]

He just can't finish it. He has some gifted hands, size, incredible shot and he's elite skater as well.

He just should put it all together. I see a real star potential in him.

Sick video. Obviously I haven't seen him play but the way you describe him (other than the incredible shot part) he sounds like Alex Burmistrov. Stars should get him to NA asap.

 

[93LEAFS]

The numbers don't lie though. Russian prospects who come over to N.A with high pedigrees usually bust. Kucherov himself only played 50 games in the Q and AHL so he shouldn't be used as a successful example.

All I said it is an option if they don't think he's AHL ready and needs icetime. I never said anything about rates, I said it was a similar path as the one Kucherov took. I'm not gonna argue the CHL vs MHL/KHL success rate here.

 

[enj92]

I think he just needs a confidence boost. Let's not forget that Kaprizov had significantly higher TOI and some good linemates in person of Kazakov and Stoa. And I'm not denying the fact Kaprizov earned such an attitude from the coach, but Guryanov is very young and raw. There isn't a lot of really strong debuts from 18-year old kids in KHL history, let alone so outstanding ones like Kaprizov's. I do love Guryanov's skillset, he's 3rd best skater among forwards in his draft class right after McD and Eichel, while has one of the best shots and set of silky hands. He's like more talented version of Nich, even more like Kovalev maybe. Kaprizov is master of none, but has incredible IQ. And that's a main reason of his success. Let's remember the same talks about Pulju's lacking of finishing ability after last year's WJC. For now he proved them wrong, even tho he was 16 at the moment, while Guryanov is 18, but hockey players tend to develop differently. Summing up all I can say he's still very very young and it's too effing early to classify him as a bust or disappointment.

 

[hockeey]

I think he just needs a confidence boost. Let's not forget that Kaprizov had significantly higher TOI and some good linemates in person of Kazakov and Stoa. And I'm not denying the fact Kaprizov earned such an attitude from the coach, but Guryanov is very young and raw. There isn't a lot of really strong debuts from 18-year old kids in KHL history, let alone so outstanding ones like Kaprizov's. I do love Guryanov's skillset, he's 3rd best skater among forwards in his draft class right after McD and Eichel, while has one of the best shots and set of silky hands. He's like more talented version of Nich, even more like Kovalev maybe. Kaprizov is master of none, but has incredible IQ. And that's a main reason of his success. Let's remember the same talks about Pulju's lacking of finishing ability after last year's WJC. For now he proved them wrong, even tho he was 16 at the moment, while Guryanov is 18, but hockey players tend to develop differently. Summing up all I can say he's still very very young and it's too effing early to classify him as a bust or disappointment.

A more talented Nichushkin huh? That sounds pretty nice for stars fans. Hopefully he is successful in terminating his contract so he can go play in the AHL next year where he will have more opportunity and it will be easier to find video on him.

 

[Fantomas]

AHL makes by far the most sense, maybe if he really is struggling he goes the CHL route to dominate, get a bunch of ice time and rebuild confidence. Kucherov took a similar path, and he was more dominant at the MHL level. I'd say if he's out of Russia its 95% AHL, with a 5% shot at CHL, if he's clearly not ready.

Every situation is different. And Kucherov, if I recall correctly, had both his parents in America and a very good grasp of the English language when he came over. I think his family is well off.

Most Russians struggle in North America because of the culture shock. The culture shock can be alleviated under certain conditions. I don't know what Guryanov's situation is.

 

[enj92]

A more talented Nichushkin huh? That sounds pretty nice for stars fans. Hopefully he is successful in terminating his contract so he can go play in the AHL next year where he will have more opportunity and it will be easier to find video on him.

Honestly I've never been very high on him. In my book he always has pretty limited tool set. Weak shot, low IQ and so-so vision. Nothing more than big guy with excellent skating. On the other hand Guryanov, while not that big, is maybe even faster than Nich, better hands and way better shot. Hockey smarts is not his strongest thing too though, but quite OK I believe.

 

[93LEAFS]

Every situation is different. And Kucherov, if I recall correctly, had both his parents in America and a very good grasp of the English language when he came over. I think his family is well off.

Most Russians struggle in North America because of the culture shock. The culture shock can be alleviated under certain conditions. I don't know what Guryanov's situation is.

Haha, its funny you mention those as being key (not that I disagree), but Kabanov had all those things and it was arguably the ugliest CHL/Russian situation. I'd say there are a ton of factors at play.

I think Guryanov will be in the AHL next year barring his camp being an absolute disaster, only reason to encourage a CHL move would be if he's obviously behind, and needs a ton of ice time to regain confidence. I'd also say certain CHL organizations may be more adept at dealing with Russian players. With the depth the Stars have, I could see that being an option. For a true boom/bust guy this year almost seems like a write-off which is never a good sign. Usually I'd say go to the AHL, but he's yet to dominate the MHL (compared to other top guys like Kucherov) or at the U-20 level.

 

[Backami]

Yeah, Kucherov didn't play in the CHL, he came over at 19 to play in the Q, after dominating the MHL and not getting time with CSKA Moscow.

He dominated CHL as much as MHL. And then dominated in AHL ...

 

[Captain Clutch]

Honestly I've never been very high on him. In my book he always has pretty limited tool set. Weak shot, low IQ and so-so vision. Nothing more than big guy with excellent skating. On the other hand Guryanov, while not that big, is maybe even faster than Nich, better hands and way better shot. Hockey smarts is not his strongest thing too though, but quite OK I believe.

That is a fairly negative evaluation for a guy that the Dallas scouts were sky high on in terms of their view. Does anyone have any context (international tournament appearances, actual viewings) for Guryanov relative to his draft class. I mean comparing someone to Kucherov is pretty simplistic given that Kucherov was underrated when drafted and then developed sensationally well.

I've seen all of one game of his (from the U18s 2 years ago) and I watched every team in that tournament and I didn't see a more explosive player but then again I'm no expert. I saw power, speed, size, hands and compete all at a very high level.

Can someone step in here and provide a reference point to understand the difference between what I saw and this quote that I highlighted?

Thanks