I personally don't know much about him since he plays in Russia. That fact alone will suppress his draft stock. But from what I've read he seems to be behind Yakupov and Galenchyuk. Take that with a grain of salt though.
Insider article on Galchenyuk Without breaking any copyright laws, I'll try to post the good parts. http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/blog?name=nhl_draft&id=6803857
A couple of silly pretty goals by the US against Russia recently. This is a U-18 tournament. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBYhdSRVoiQ&feature=player_embedded"]Vincent Hinostroza OT goal USA 5:4 (USA 18 - RUS 18 5:4)‏ - YouTube[/ame] That was the game winner, and this was nice too. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDTNSMdQfgA&feature=player_embedded"]Cristoval Nieves goal USA 4:3 (USA 18 - RUS 18 5:4)‏ - YouTube[/ame]
There is a wave of optimism down here about the Florida Panthers (with a lot of signings in the summer). But one thing could not escape me - the new-look Florida Panthers (even the jerseys will be new) do not have a single player on the roster who's a 30-goal scorer. Sure, the Panthers will be very decent defensively, have some of the best role players, BUT WHO'S GOING TO SCORE FOR US????
Fun read http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41419-David-Littman-How-to-be-a-good-rookie-Part-1.html http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41421-David-Littman-How-to-be-a-good-rookie-Part-2.html How to be a good rookie.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MISOBhn8aKw&feature=player_embedded"]Forsberg's "Quarterback" pass to Blake - YouTube[/ame]
Nail Yakupov, RW, Sarnia Sting (OHL) Yakupov entered the camp as the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 pick in 2012 after a strong season in Sarnia (OHL) as an underager. With scouts already comparing his speed to Ilya Kovalchuk's, Yakupov may have further enhanced his image at the R&D camp. While he flaunted an advanced offensive game that includes a lightning-quick release, and an ability to seemingly change direction without losing speed, Yakupov also showed off at the other end of the rink, demonstrating a commitment to the backcheck. And he wasn't too shabby on the forecheck either. In one sequence, Yakupov stripped the puck carrier to set up a scoring chance with a behind-the-back pass, then, mere seconds after the missed shot, stripped the D-man again, earning another shot on net. Two standout highlights occurred in the shootouts. First, he flicked a shot through the goalie's 5-hole seemingly without even moving his stick. ("He could only score on that shot by putting the puck about 4½ inches off the ice," said one Eastern Conference talent evaluator. "So, naturally, that's exactly what he did.") At the end of Game 2, he deked goalie Malcolm Subban (brother of Habs D-man P.K. Subban) halfway to Hamilton, sending the keeper sprawling to his glove side. Only Subban's elite athleticism allowed him to corkscrew around and get the paddle of his stick down and turn away the shot. "[Yakupov's] puck skills are off the charts," said one Eastern Conference executive. As the camp wrapped up, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma singled out Yakupov, along with Subban and Yakupov's Sarnia teammate Alex Galchenyuk, as three players that stood out for him. http://insider.espn.go.com/nhl/blog?name=nhl_draft&id=6877356
Yea I remember absolutely despising him growing up, I loved the Red Wings back then and every time Forsberg got the puck I was so nervous. Dude attracted like three skaters every time he was in possession.
So Galchenyuk was raised in America? Didn't realize that, he should play for the States then. U.S. is going to have some sick danglers if they keep bringing in Russians.
As far as I understand it, he was born here, lived for a few early years here. Moved to Russia, then back to North America around 13 or 14 and has been here since. So I'd tally it roughly 7-8 years in the US and Canada, and 9-10 in Russia. He never lived in Belarus as far as I know.