Reassessing team Russia defense for 2022

[VictoriaJetsFan]

After years of only producing elite wingers, the Russian lineup is more well rounded and that includes the defense.

In a one shot, one game tournament Russia is a threat, even if they are not favourites.

One need only the Czech's in 1998 to know that if you have the right people in the right places you can do alot of damage.

Vasilevski is one of this players.

 

[CanadienShark]

What should impress me about your Canada list? Pietrangelo, Makar, but beyond that there is a gap. I like the US and Sweden way more.

Why Sweden? I can get the US.

Hedman > Petro
Dahlin ≈ Makar
Karlsson < Hamilton
Klingberg ≈ Parayko
Ekholm < Theodore
OEL ≈ Chabot
etc.

Neither Canada nor Sweden are particularly impressive. They're pretty close.

 

[BMann]

There is quite a number of interesting defencemen prospects on the horizon. Samorukov looks the most ready, Alexeyev might grow into something, I also like Dronov as a steady bottom pairing guy for the NT in the future, but there are quite a few gambles like Zamula, Chayka, Knyazev, Mukhamadullin. Homer vote to Zhuravlyov who is not sexy, but very calm and effective. If even just one or two pan out I would be happy with it.

I had high hopes for Alexeyev but his progress has been hampered by injuries. But if he can continue his development within the KHL he will be up for consideration again. Dronov too has had issues with injuries but again he and Gavrikov could complement an offensive minded D-man. Chayka and Mukhamudullin especially the latter have potential. For Mukhamadullin it is decision making with the puck.

Zamula is a step ahead. Silky skater, good on the boards, outlet passing is great and enters the zone with ease. Again the attention on him would be greater if he had not suffered that injury with the Hitmen. Forgot about Okhotyuk. Another impressive skater, powerful presence and again transitions between zones with great coverage. Just started out at Binghamtown but impressing already.

The situation compared to a few years ago when Markov, Tyutin and Emelin plus a few pylons filling in on the bottom pairing is far better. The fact that the three pairings are going to be filled in due course by players who are at their oldest 24 bodes well for the next decade and there are already a couple more exciting prospects at the u18 level.

 

[Lambo]

Why Sweden? I can get the US.

Hedman > Petro
Dahlin ≈ Makar
Karlsson < Hamilton
Klingberg ≈ Parayko
Ekholm < Theodore
OEL ≈ Chabot
etc.

Neither Canada nor Sweden are particularly impressive. They're pretty close.

The canadians ve a very great depth of D-Man.

 

[Mathieukferland]

What about Nikolai Knyzhov? He’s looked good thus far on a very bad team

 

[Czechboy]

After years of only producing elite wingers, the Russian lineup is more well rounded and that includes the defense.

In a one shot, one game tournament Russia is a threat, even if they are not favourites.

One need only the Czech's in 1998 to know that if you have the right people in the right places you can do alot of damage.

Vasilevski is one of this players.

Very true.. we had a Vezina winner, the reigning league MVP and a legendary coach (by our standards). Good mix of veterans and role players. Everyone seemed to get their role.

 

[Atas2000]

What about Nikolai Knyzhov? He’s looked good thus far on a very bad team

Too early to promote him just yet. Same with Zub.

We follow their careers with great interest though

 

[Kshahdoo]

Too early to promote him just yet. Same with Zub.

We follow their careers with great interest though

Zub was the best KHL defenseman in his pevious season, he hasn't come out of nowhere.

 

[Atas2000]

Zub was the best KHL defenseman in his pevious season, he hasn't come out of nowhere.

We are talking about Team Russia, not KHL. He also wasn't the best. It's just his age that makes you expect growth.

His progress is encouraging. Let's go from there.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Too early to promote him just yet. Same with Zub.

We follow their careers with great interest though

I’m pulling for him, he’s a good friend and he has had a good defensive start in San Jose. Can say that if Russia needs a more defensive minded defenseman he certainly fits the bill.

 

[Atas2000]

I’m pulling for him, he’s a good friend and he has had a good defensive start in San Jose. Can say that if Russia needs a more defensive minded defenseman he certainly fits the bill.

This whole thread is about the russian D getting better. Not so long ago a guy who gets to play in the NHL would be right away in talks about the NT. Now it is a bit more of a choice. It might be an issue that we need more ODs at this point.

 

[ViD]

It appears that Voynov might retire

 

[Critical13]

Provorov - Gavrikov
Sergachev - Orlov
Zaitsev - Romanov

From OP's list, looks like #3 RD is the only guy who shouldn't make a competing Olympic team. Zub wouldn't be much of an upgrade.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

Better than 2006 Olympics defense?

Conchar - Tyutin
A.Markov - Volchenkov
Vishnevski - D.Markov

Nothing beats their 1996 World Cup preliminary roster (before injuries etc):

Zubov-Malakhov
Mironov-Konstantinov
Karpovtsev-Kravchuk
Mironov

I count four NHL #1 defencemen, none of them past their prime.

If only they had competent coaching (been their weakness for years).

 

[Zine]

Nothing beats their 1996 World Cup preliminary roster (before injuries etc):

Zubov-Malakhov
Mironov-Konstantinov
Karpovtsev-Kravchuk
Mironov

I count four NHL #1 defencemen, none of them past their prime.

If only they had competent coaching (been their weakness for years).

With everybody healthy and/or playing it likely would have resembled this:

Zubov-Gusarov
Malakhov-Kasparatis
Fetisov-Konstantinov
Zhitnik-Yushkevich