Ukraine news: Russian players top of mind ahead of NHL draft

Matvei Michkov is the mystery man of the NHL draft.

The gifted, playmaking winger is arguably the best Russian hockey player in nearly a decade — and perhaps longer, dating back to Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin in 2005. His peak is full of savvy stickwork, nifty moves, and shots that leave goaltenders helpless to stop them. fuses.

Yet he is not chosen in the top five.

The reasons range from 18-year-old Michkov still under contract with the KHL for three more years to the war in Ukraine, which led to Russia being banned from international tournaments, countries imposing travel restrictions and scouts having fewer opportunities to see him . personal. Some of the same questions apply to other Russian prospects, including winger Danil But, defender Mikhail Gulyayev and goalkeeper Ruslan Khazheyev.

Veteran executive Doug Armstrong compared the situation to the Cold War, when it was more difficult to evaluate talent from the Soviet Union.

“This year’s dynamic is different,” said Armstrong, general manager of the St. Louis Blues, who will have the 10th pick when the draft opens Wednesday. “It’s the live footage and also the meetings. It’s also about talking to people around him. It’s shut down. We rely a lot on our scout from that area and contacts, but it’s definitely second-hand information.”

Although the political climate has changed again, the debate over drafting highly regarded Russian hockey players is well known. The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup twice and became a powerhouse in the 1990s with the ‘Russian Five’. Five years ago, the Washington Capitals, among others, won Evgeny Kuznetsov 26th in the 2010 draft, while other teams held back. .

Michkov is unlikely to experience a similar fall – it’s hard to see him passing Philadelphia at No. 7 or Washington at No. 8 – but video clips aside, there’s been a lack of familiarity with his playing. There is also a lingering reluctance to choose Russians, something Detroit GM Steve Yzerman claims there are no key decision-makers or scouting directors in Russia.

“I don’t think there’s any prejudice against the Russian players in the entire league for any reason,” said Yzerman, who captained the Red Wings when they won in 1997 and ’98. “The only challenge was, and the only concern is, the ability to really see the kids. … If they don’t see them that often, they’re going to be a little hesitant to make that choice particularly high.”

As long as Michkov gets ahead of the No. 10, he will be the highest-ranked Russian player since Carolina took second place Andrei Svechnikov in 2018.

Players who chose that height are expected to make an impact in the coming seasons, but Michkov’s KHL status may not allow it. Armstrong said he expects Michkov to honor his contract, and interested teams will meet the player’s camp this week.

Even if Michkov isn’t an option until 2026, he’ll still be just 21 — two years younger than Kirill Kaprizov was when he made his NHL debut for Minnesota. Kaprizov was worth the wait: only six players have since scored more goals.

Plus, executives say, it’s a similar wait for most players coming out of college or the Canadian junior hockey ranks to become NHL-ready.

“We’ve always been very, very patient with our prospects,” said Ross Mahoney, assistant GM of the Capitals, who defeated Russian Ivan Miroshnichenko in the first round last year. “I think this is the right way to go. There’s no point rushing them to the NHL.”

Could Michkov make that leap now like anticipated top pick Connor Bedard and likely No. 2 pick Adam Fantilli? Head of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said switching KHL teams this year affected Michkov’s Ice Age, but he wasn’t concerned about that.

“He’s definitely a first-round candidate,” Marr said. “If he goes to the NHL, he’s going to be an impact player.”

Whenever that is, for Michkov and others from Russia. Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams wants his staff to evaluate players first, just for hockey, and then have conversations about mitigating factors.

“There’s a risk-reward,” Adams said. “If you’re just blind to what’s happening in the world, I think you’re making mistakes. You have to be aware of everything and take that into account.”

If the reward is winning the Stanley Cup, every team would sign up immediately. The last eight champions have had at least one Russian player, a testament to the pipeline that has delivered since the late stages of the Cold War. That’s a big reason why teams haven’t avoided picking from Russia lately.

“Guys take the best player,” said Yzerman. “Players who play under contract in Russia will eventually, if they are good, probably want to come over. And if they are good, you want to bring them over.”

——

AP Hockey writers John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York and Larry Lage in Detroit contributed.