RD Igor Ozhiganov (2011 undrafted; signed by TOR)

[MR4]

Just turned 25 and has 0G+1A in 16 games for CSKA so far. Marchenko as a comparison has 5 points in 12 games, doesn't look like this kid has a future in the NHL.

His team signed way too much ex NHLers this year so he's getting a much worse opportunity than last year. He's put up good numbers in past seasons, seems stupid to look at this season and write him off considering the circumstances

 

[Atas2000]

His team signed way too much ex NHLers this year so he's getting a much worse opportunity than last year. He's put up good numbers in past seasons, seems stupid to look at this season and write him off considering the circumstances

Some people just don't like going into details.

In fact I wouldn't care much about any CSKA d-man numbers this season. It is all way to uncertain due to the special situation.

 

[Fonzieleaf]

The leafs all of a sudden have a thing for CSKA defenders?

 

[MaxV]

So what's the story? He is going there now?

 

[maaran]

His team signed way too much ex NHLers this year so he's getting a much worse opportunity than last year. He's put up good numbers in past seasons, seems stupid to look at this season and write him off considering the circumstances

I mean it's not like he is going to get a huge opportunity with the leafs, at best 3rd pairing or 7th D.

 

[MR4]

I mean it's not like he is going to get a huge opportunity with the leafs, at best 3rd pairing or 7th D.

Ok? My point was low numbers based on playing for a team that doesn't give you the opportunity to put up good numbers doesn't mean he should be written off from the NHL. Which isn't relevant to your post.

And 3rd pairing with Borgman is a good starting point in the NHL. 2 UFA RHDs on our dcore with the press box RD being RFA, looks like a decent opportunity if you're good enough to earn it.

 

[Caser]

Signed a 1 year deal with the Leafs.

 

[MyBudJT]

Signed a 1 year deal with the Leafs.

What are your thoughts of Ozhiganov? Do think he has the abilities to play in the NHL? Thanks.

 

[Tryamkin]

What are your thoughts of Ozhiganov? Do think he has the abilities to play in the NHL? Thanks.

Not to speak in for Caser, because he certainly knows more about Russian players and prospects than I do, but I don’t think Ozhiganov would have left the KHL if he didn’t have an NHL spot waiting for him. He should be on the bottom pairing next year. He’s got an elite shot from the point, both slap shot and wrist shot (won the KHL hardest shot competition) and will be a threat.

 

[oooooooooohCanada]

Not to speak in for Caser, because he certainly knows more about Russian players and prospects than I do, but I don’t think Ozhiganov would have left the KHL if he didn’t have an NHL spot waiting for him. He should be on the bottom pairing next year. He’s got an elite shot from the point, both slap shot and wrist shot (won the KHL hardest shot competition) and will be a threat.

This is from an article by The Athletic on the signing.

Milstein said there were no promises made to Ozhiganov as far as making the NHL team this fall.

“Of course, he wants to play in the NHL, but like everybody else he’s going to come here and he’s going have to earn a spot,” said Milstein, who also represents Zaitsev. “Nothing is given. In the NHL, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs — Mike Babcock’s team — nothing is given, it’s earned. And so, he’s prepared to earn a spot on the team.”

But yes Toronto basically has a spot open for him.

Rielly-Hainsey/Dermott
Gardiner-Zaitsev
Dermott/Hainsey - ???
???

 

[Caser]

What are your thoughts of Ozhiganov? Do think he has the abilities to play in the NHL? Thanks.

Extremely hard to predict, imo. I mean, he had a down year for sure and that kind of performance is not at NHL level at all, but I tend to agree that he was somehow misused. We should have a much more clear picture of his abilities at the camp.

 

[MR4]

This is from an article by The Athletic on the signing.



But yes Toronto basically has a spot open for him.

Rielly-Hainsey/Dermott
Gardiner-Zaitsev
Dermott/Hainsey - ???
???

No they really don't if he doesn't show he's NHL capable. Hainsey, Borgman, Rosen, Liljegren, Ozhi will all compete for the 2 spots on the bottom pair.