New report reveals shocking career update on Avalanche top prospect
Photo credit: Ishimnikov / Instagram
A new report has revealed a surprising and significant career update regarding Nikita Ishimnikov, one of the Colorado Avalanche's top defensive prospects, shedding light on the latest developments in his professional journey.
Selected 155th overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, 20-year-old Ishimnikov has yet to sign a contract with the Avalanche.
New report uncovers surprising career news about Avalanche prospect Nikita Ishimnikov.
Ezra Parter from Mile High Hockey writes that Ishimnikov has primarily played in the MHL and VHL, which are development earned him occasional callups, including two appearances in KHL playoff games last postseason. However, these brief stints resulted in limited ice time and no significant statistical impact.
"Ishimnikov's strengths are primarily in the defensive end where counting stats aren't easy to come by. When given more minutes in the lower leagues, Ishimnikov played very low-event hockey - neither team scored much with him on the ice - and stayed out of the penalty box.
Those stats paint the picture of a positionally sound defenseman using his brains rather than braun to prevent goals, and a limited ability to create breakouts that lead to offense." -Parter
Those stats paint the picture of a positionally sound defenseman using his brains rather than braun to prevent goals, and a limited ability to create breakouts that lead to offense." -Parter
Ishimnikov doesn't need to improve his offensive game to succeed in North America; instead, he must focus on strengthening his defensive zone play and developing the puck skills necessary to effectively transition from defence to offence.
His best chance at an NHL career is likely as a reliable, smart third-pair defenseman. Being a right-handed shot, less common among steady third-pairers who are mostly lefties, gives him added value. If he can develop into a Russian version of Nick Jensen, it would be a major success.
"He's got the length and skating ability to grow into a sturdy defender, and the aforementioned right handed shot adds a little extra value if he can put everything else together and crack the lineup." -Parter
Unfortunately, Ishimnikov hasn't been able to perform consistently at that level since. The reality is he remains a longshot to make it, but he possesses the physical tools that could allow him to fill a bottom-pair role.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 31 | 11 ANSWERS New report reveals shocking career update on Avalanche top prospect Do you think Avalanche prospect Nikita Ishimnikov has a future in the NHL? | ||
| yes | 10 | 90.9 % |
| no | 1 | 9.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
