32 teams have some form of Amateur scouting in place in Russia. Comprised almost exclusively with Russian born and raised citizens just like yourself (assuming this based on your location). Only difference is these scouts are directly involved with Hockey in Russia and some of them have even played in the very leagues they are scouting.
If the argument is that Russia being the largest country in the world makes it impossible for NHL teams to spot the talent thoroughly, then how exactly does the common fan such as yourself know that teams wasted picks on "home-run" style players over "talented position players"?
wherein, How is your ability to spot the talent from your living room any better than an amateur scout that would have more access to film, resources to fly into the cities to watch games in person, and the time to actually invest on making an educated opinion?
I agree, Russia would be easily the hardest country on the planet to scout for a variety of reasons. Geographical complications being probably one of the biggest reasons. However the cream always rises to the top. It's not like these guys are playing in caves in the year 1915. They all play in reputable leagues that are all being filmed. They can sift through every game if they really wanted. Players like Dmitry are not uncommon. They dominate the lower levels, and then they are shackled into insignificant/irrelevant roles until their low to mid 20's when they are less on NHL teams radar. By the time they are even able to showcase what they can do at a higher level they may have already given up the dream to play in the NHL likely. You cannot tell me that would not be viewed as a success story for any KHL club. Who wouldn't want to keep their young stars?
For those at the upper end of prospect pyramids, ie. the Podkolzin's of the world, they are not deterred from those lack of roles. They know their skill. That's why I have zero worries on Rodion. That's not to say I don't think there is a better place for Rodion to develop, but I am less worried about his lack of playing time. He will be a Leaf eventually.
Dmitry on the other hand has shown the ability to dominate the lower levels. Why wouldn't Sibir want to explore developing him at a different level? You can suggest he has been given an opportunity in the KHL, which I guess would be accurate if you think 5 mins of average TOI this year in the K is an opportunity.
I'm assuming Dmitry is viewed very similarly from Sibir's perspective as Nick Robertson is viewed by the Leafs. Both were/are Prolific Junior players that at the current moment just don't look ready for the highest level. That said, only 1 game Nick Robertson has played at the NHL level has been under 5mins TOI. And that was the game he was hurt after his 2nd shift.
When the Leafs did not intend to use Nick in a way that would improve his game, they sent him to the next best league for his development. Because they care about his development. Sending Dmitry back down to a league where he dominates would be like the Leafs sending Nick back to Peterborough for a 20 yr old season.
anyways, I can definitely respect your opinions on how this unfolds differently from your perspective. I genuinely can appreciate that you would have more knowledge on this than I would. But from an outsider perspective, this sort of shit just doesn't happen in any other European Leagues. There always seems to be a natural progression for the young players. When it doesn't the player almost always seeks other opportunities elsewhere.
