Looking at NHL Draft prospect Igor Chernyshov
Finally! A big guy who can help the Vegas Golden Knights in the future in this year's NHL Draft. What makes Igor Chernyshov unique?
Finally! A young Russian prospect who can help the Vegas Golden Knights in the future. No, that player isn't Ivan Barbashev, for he's not even entering the NHL Draft. He's a full-blown player who... blows through the competition with his physicality and offensive prowess. No, the person in question today is Igor Chernyshov, a Russian player entering this year's draft at the Sphere.
When hockey fans think of former Russian greats in the NHL, they think of Pavel Datsyuk (and his Datsyukian dekes), Sergei Federov, and Alex Ovechkin. Such players set the standard for a style of play in the league: Scoring goals while zipping around the ice with speed or pure power. These are the torch-bearers who created the precedent for the hockey stars of tomorrow, with their impeccable skills second to none.
That includes Chernyshov, who can become an incredible player in the NHL. His remarkable skill set can help a team like the Golden Knights, who are looking to reload their prospect pool. What's more promising is how he played in the Kontinental Hockey League with grown men. It's safe to say the forward is ready for the NHL with his experience and power.
Of course, there are many reasons for Vegas to draft the Russian forward aside from his experience in a good hockey league. After all, he must have some power or speed he can contribute to a team. Nobody gets into the NHL by sheer luck or circumstances, which is why it's time to examine this intriguing prospect. What does Chernyshov bring to the table for a team like the Vegas Golden Knights?
Igor Chernyshov's profile
As mentioned, Igor Chernyshov spent some time in Russia's big leagues, playing in the Kontinental Hockey League. He played three seasons for Dynamo Moskva, scoring four goals and an assist in 39 games. While he didn't produce much during his tenure, his experience playing with NHL-ready players proves valuable to an organization like the Vegas Golden Knights.
What makes the forward an impressive prospect is his time in the Minor Hockey League, where he has 38 goals and 39 assists in 78 games (three seasons). Here, he nearly averages a point a game (0.99) and has raised eyebrows while playing for MHK Dynamo Moskva. He also worked well with the underage competition, with his most recent season being 2021-22 at the U18 level (four goals and three assists in three games).
Chernyshov stands at 6'2", weighing 196 lbs. He's a sizable player who can crash towards the net with ease, creating prime scoring opportunities. The 18-year-old also has a right-handed shot and plays the left wing position. His youth team was Dizel Penza, a team in Russia's second level of play, the All-Russian Hockey League (VHL).
What Igor Chernyshov brings to the table
One reason why Igor Chernyshov looks like a great NHL Draft prospect is his scrappiness. During his time in the KHL, he resorted to battling for every puck, taking on more experienced players than himself. The left winger also has physical play to his name, forcing opponents out of the play by pushing them through the corners.
That experience in a top-flight league also makes him closer to playing in the NHL than most draft prospects. Getting his dues in during the KHL will make him better off across the pond, where he'll bring his wisdom and hockey IQ with him. That's great news for teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, who are looking for forward depth in every place.
Of course, there's also his size, where he stands at 6'2". Size isn't taught in the game and is a valued commodity for the Golden Knights. Look at Ivan Barbashev, who's a big, powerful forward himself. He can plow through opponents and act as an offensive threat, which makes him valuable to Vegas.
Add in his good skating ability and he's capable of cracking the lineup regularly. Chernyshov must develop his offensive skill set further, growing into his game as he gains the necessary experience. Otherwise, he's a great player who can become a key player for a wanting NHL team.
The verdict
Igor Chernyshov cut his teeth in the higher leagues, which makes him a lucrative NHL Draft prospect. Playing against NHL-ready opponents is a plus for prospecting franchises, for they won't worry about developing him as much. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights will also appreciate his physical size and style, where he can knock opponents over and control the play.
Granted, he's not the perfect prospect, specifically with his offensive skill set still raw. The Russian forward will still need a few seasons to grow his game and develop his skills further. There's also the question about whether he'll leave the KHL for good. It might be a wasted pick if the 18-year-old sticks around in Russia, especially if he's comfortable playing in his home country.
Still, this could be a steal for the Golden Knights if the left winger falls to them at the 19th pick. With Vegas not having much regarding reliable forward prospects, Chernyshov can become an excellent piece for the team. He fits the system perfectly, with Vegas having a player similar to Barbashev (if developed right).
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