RW Nikita Korostelev - Metallurg Magnitogorsk, KHL (2015, 185th, TOR unsigned)

37 others

Registered User
Apr 18, 2017
465
235
Led a crappy Sarnia Sting team in points the year he was drafted, doesn't lack size, and looks to have been well received by scouts the year he was drafted as well ("A deft skater that plays a skill-based, puck-possession game. Very creative with the puck: can let loose an accurate bullet, utilize his stickhandling ability to create chances, or make a seeing-eye pass to an open teammate. Good hands around the net and relentless on the forecheck. Doesn't shy away from the physical game. All-in-all, a very creative sniper that can set up, score, and play physical." - 2014).

A lot of people thought he was a steal for Toronto in the seventh round, yet it looks like everyone who passed on him made the right call in doing so. What did teams' scouts see or not see (that eventually led to him not panning out as a prospect) in him that led him to drop so far in the draft, when he looked like a decent pick at the time?
 

wings5

Registered User
Jan 6, 2008
7,443
933
I thought this guy was a solid pick for the Leafs in 2015. Dang.

I don't think Korostelev ever really had a shot but in general ECHL/AHL almost always means guaranteed bust for Russian prospects, especially those coming from the CHL.
 

Randy Randerson

Registered User
Jul 28, 2016
10,637
3,446
Hamilton
it's really too bad that this guy isn't going to put it all together, the league would have been better off if he had, he can highlight reel with the best of them
 

NJ Fan 12

Registered User
Jun 23, 2020
1,372
507
If he can't stick in the AHL I doubt he can do much or even crack the KHL roster.


Kind of a blanket statement that doesn't really ring true; nor does it take into account the severe difference between the rosters of the top KHL teams and the rest of the league.

Rosters are filled with guys who for one reason or another did not pan out in the NHL or even AHL yet have done well in Russia. The KHL, like much of Europe, also tends to play more older players, giving him time to develop.
 

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