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

[SoundAndFury]

Where is he going to play this season then?

I guess ECHL/AHL because I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to play in the VHL and that's his only option at home.

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

VHL would be fine for him honestly.

 

[HC7]

Why are we talking about this particular prospect?

 

[ProspectsFanatic]

Why are we talking about this particular prospect?

Why shouldn't we?

 

[Caser]

 

[wings5]

Better than the ECHL I suppose.

 

[LeafChief]

Good for him.

Always liked him as a prospect. I was pleased when the Leafs drafted him and wish it worked out better for him here.

Glad he's sticking it out in North America rather than wasting his time in Russia.

 

[37 others]

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?

 

[Caser]

 

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[wings5]

I guess a VHL career awaits him, too bad.

 

[Satan]

I thought this guy was a solid pick for the Leafs in 2015. Dang.

 

[wings5]

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.

 

[Kshahdoo]

Another Russian CHL kid's failure...

 

[Randy Randerson]

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

 

[Caser]

Signed with CSKA until the end of the season.

 

[wings5]

Signed with CSKA until the end of the season.

If he can't stick in the AHL I doubt he can do much or even crack the KHL roster.

 

[Garl]

If he can't stick in the AHL I doubt he can do much or even crack the KHL roster.

Gareth Hunt is a KHLer

 

[Caser]

Traded to Admiral Vladivostok.

 

[Caser]

 

[NJ Fan 12]

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.