Joined: Jan. 2016
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 521
LET’S GO!!!
As for what line he should be on, I’d have it something like this:
Parise-Barzal-Wahlstrom
Lee-Nelson-Beauvillier
Iskhakov-Pageau-Palmieri
Martin/Ross-Cizikas-Clutterbuck
Iskhakov is a hybrid between a 2 way player and a playmaker. This whole line can defend well and Iskhakov could dish the puck to Palmieri for offensive production. And Ruslan would bring something that line lacks: Speed. I think giving him some sheltered minutes at first would put him in a position where he’s not expected to put up crazy offensive numbers, but he has the opportunity to score.
I don’t really see him on the 2nd line. It always seems to me like that line’s strategy is to get the puck to the crease and collect on rebounds or just generally overwhelm the goalie. And it’s been working. But Iskhakov doesn’t have the body to play that kind of game, especially at the NHL level. He’s a speed/skill kind of guy
Longer term, Iskhakov has both the speed and IQ to keep up with Barzal. There’s a chance he’s that coveted LW1 we’ve been so desperate for. And if this call up goes well enough, I think it’d be worth it to see what Iskhakov-Barzal-Wahlstrom would look like for a game or two much later in the season. But I think 3rd line is the right place for now.