So, while this process may take a few years, he is plenty talented to grow into a top-six scoring role. A full throtte competitor who has a willingness to muscle along the boards. … There is a ton to love about the Russian forward, but his biggest takeaway might just be his compete level. We are not affiliated with the NHL, New York Rangers or Madison Square Garden. Ranked #43 by TSN/Craig Button, 2020 NHL Entry Draft: Updated daily with news and features from over 130 writers worldwide. NFL could determine playoff berths by winning percentage? Khusnutdinov has incredible vision and hockey sense, able to find his teammates across the offensive zone for an assist or drive to the net for a slick goal. He plays the full 200-feet of the ice, with one of the best motors in this class. Using the No. The New York Rangers are looking for a center with the 22nd pick in the NHL Draft. He plays hard at both ends, blocking pucks, and his forechecking might be among the best in this class. Very mobile on his skates, he is hard to catch. Can the Lightning Keep Shattenkirk or Bogosian in Free-Agency? When in motion on carries, he uses his upper body and head to fake defenders off of him and open to shoot or set up his line mates. A high-octane center with smarts who is confident on the puck and demands it when the stakes are high, Khusnutdinov is a shifty east-west pivot who is … Given the success of undersized forwards in recent years, however, Khusnutdinov has a much clearer path to a starting role on Wild’s second-line than even a decade ago. While he’s able to win board battles, he … He has a good top speed and excellent edges as well, making him very dangerous. He may not be big in stature, but he more than makes up for it in confidence, leg drive, balance, and tight-quarter quickness. You need to be Premium to access this feature. https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/552045/marat-khusnutdinov The junior Russian league has a number of prospects that could be potential steals in the 2020 NHL Draft, but one of the main ones to keep an eye on is Marat Khusnutdinov. He is a strong skater who is sound defensively while possessing an elite shot and playmaking ability. 2020 Flames First Round Targets: Marat Khusnutdinov 2020-10-06 flamesnation.ca 0 Comments. A 50/50 puck battle against him is no laughing matter, and bigger defenders have paid the price by underestimating his core strength, leg drive and powerful shoulders. Was the best player in the Five Nations Tourney where the penalty kill ran through him. ST. PAUL -- With its first of two second-round picks (No. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. 37 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft, the Wild selected Marat Khusnutdinov from SKA St. Petersburg. Related: 2020 NHL Draft Guideeval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'thehockeywriters_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',664,'0','0'])); There is a ton to love about the Russian forward, but his biggest takeaway might just be his compete level. On Khusnutdinov: "Marat is an elite skater, two-way center with speed and has creative offensive vision," said Judd Brackett, the Wild's Director of Amateur Scouting. Keeps pucks clsoe to his body as he works his way towards the scoring areas. Players like Marat Khusnutdinov are an intriguing proposition. Sign up for our regular 'Wild Newsletter' for all the latest. So, while this process may take a few years, he is plenty talented to grow into a top-six scoring role. All rights reserved. He’s even shown accuracy with the cross-body backhanders and can roof the puck from in close.