I would guess he starts there, but I highly doubt he stays there for long. He didn't leave Russia to play in the A.
With all the Russians signing recently, a lot of them being young 20-25, I think they might just want to get out the country in case the war gets worse.
Probably goes the Marchy route. Go down to the A for a month or so and then comes up when adjusted to the ice size and north south game.
But where will he play? Not sure there will be room at center depending on how the summer goes. Maybe he takes Robinsons spot or just has to wait for an injury.
I think once he adds another 10-15 lbs of muscle he’s going to be a real horse. He could be an ideal replacement for Jenner in a few years. A prototypical 3C.
But where will he play? Not sure there will be room at center depending on how the summer goes. Maybe he takes Robinsons spot or just has to wait for an injury.
I think once he adds another 10-15 lbs of muscle he’s going to be a real horse. He could be an ideal replacement for Jenner in a few years. A prototypical 3C.
Watching him this year I could see him as a 3C easy but if you add skill around him he could be a 2C on the high end. He get down and dirty and with skill around hi. He could be a lot like Pavs is in Dallas only bigger.
Do you think he makes the team this year out of camp? He’s sure going to have an uphill battle. I see him starting in Cleveland despite being 22 yo.
My guess is same as Marchy - a few weeks in CLE, then gets the call-up. His contract has an escape clause, so if he’s not on the NHL roster by Jan 1, he can go back to Russia for the rest of the year.