Nobody in history of Russian hockey dominated KHL or even RSL in their draft year, even Malkin and Ovechkin had very mediocre numbers in a league that was weaker than decimated KHL today.
Michkov has absolutely dominated every single tournament against his peers he participated in and outscored Bedard in 2021
Nobody dominates Liiga either.
Barkov was one of the best players in Liiga during a lockout.
Laine won Liiga playoffs MVP and WC MVP.
I’m sorry but being ppg in VHL for 12 games doesn’t earn you that title
Michkov could end up being Kucherov/Kaprizov in the NHL but seems like he’s getting that titlw without actually earning it currently
Why? Because you said so? What is the precedent of a prospect "dominating" a top-tier European league in his draft year?
Laine played in the Liiga after it started to hit a serious decline - after the expansion to 15 teams and no Jokerit. Barkov - sure - one could really argue he was a more impressive player in his draft year however the man is built like a truck. Obviously, at age 18, they face very different obstacles in terms of playing against men.
And a small sample size? No shit, most prospects have no sample size playing against men in their draft year at all.
& this KHL didn’t see a massive decline in talent?
Barkov was a year younger than Michkov in his draft year and was one of the best players in Liiga during a lockout.
Laine won as well WC MVP at barely 18, on top of everything he achieved in Liiga& WJC.
I’m sorry but when it gets to a title like that you better earn it. Raise some standards.
Just like when people are getting generational tags, it raises the expectations to a whole different level