One hundred and six. That’s the number of selections between Calgary‘s 28th overall pick and their 134th overall pick in the 5th round. And during those 106 picks Calgary will only speak into the microphone and pick a player once – at 66th overall. The 66th pick is interesting because it promises to have a number of intriguing prospects available, one them likely will be big Russian power forward Bogdan Yakimov.
Like a lot of prospects this year, Yakimov’s ranking has been victimized by the great play of his peers. Regarded as a fringe first rounder at the start of the season, Yakimov’s stock took a steady tumble despite fairly consistent play in the MHL and VHL (equivalent to North America‘s CHL and AHL respectively). Yakimov was considered to be "KHL ready" at the beginning of the season following a strong 2011/12 campaign alongside the fact that he stood 6’4” and weighed a thick 201 pounds but was caught in an organizational logjam that kept him in the same two leagues this year too. He performed well however and considering his size and good offensive ability, he’d make a good gamble for Calgary at 66.
Scouting Report
Yakimov is ranked 73rd by Corey Pronman, saying this about him
Yakimov had a decent season playing in the second-tier Russian pro league, and he was a final cut from the Russian World Junior squad. He is a big center, measuring in at about 6’5". He may not have the top-end tools of a typical top Russian prospect, but he is talented and he plays a good power game. His hands are above average, and while he can certainly make some moves and carry the puck into the opposing zone, he is not an overly creative forward. He also has pretty good hockey sense, as he makes quick decisions, sees the ice well, and positions himself effectively.
As mentioned, he is a big body player, but he could use some more muscle to fill out and make the most of his frame. Still, he is effective when protecting the puck on the boards, and he will drive the net, making use of his physical assets. His main issue is his skating, as it is below average. His top speed and his first few steps are subpar, and while has shown some improvement, he must continue to progress in that area.
Nothing unexpected of a giant power forward like Yakimov. Effective puck protection, good hands and slightly subpar skating. Skating is however an aspect of the game that can be improved and management has said they worry more about the un-teachable intangibles – like hockey sense – of a player rather than skating and puck handling that can be taught and improved.
Future Considerations wasn’t quite as generous when it came to ranking Yakimov, dropping him off at 102nd overall. They too however echo Pronman’s analysis of the big man, describing Yakimov as "a big, two-way power center who is a bit of a lumbering skater off the mark" but go on to say he’s nearly impossible to stop at top speed. A fascinating ingredient any team would love to have – or at least experiment with. FC lists Yakimov as having Top 9 forward potential and he definitely has the tools to challenge for a Top 6 position down the road.
One issue with Russian players is the feared "Russian Factor". Either the player doesn’t come over to North America or once he does and things go a little sour, he bolts back to the KHL in spite of his contract. Yakimov however may not have that problem as he’s not exactly content with his KHL team at the moment. He’s arguably been ready to play KHL hockey for over a season but still hasn’t gotten the chance. He’s frustrated and may elect to come over to North America to try his luck at cracking an NHL roster – much like fellow countryman Valeri Nichushkin. Whether or not he’s NHL ready is a different story altogether.
The Numbers
There’s no precise way to calculate NHLE for the MHL or VHL but on the surface, Yakimov’s numbers look pretty good. He split time in VHL with two teams scoring eight goals for 22 points in 37 games following a solid six goals and 13 point performance in 11 MHL games.
Yakimov is ranked amidst a group of similar "power forward" prospects like John Hayden, Avery Peterson and Nick Moutrey among others. If Calgary is looking to add size with some scoring upside at the 66th pick they’ll have plenty to choose from. Yakimov however stacks up well against his rivals in terms of the complete package he offers and . He’s sufficient in all 3 zones and has shown he can put up offensive consistently – in a second tier league at least. He’s also close to being NHL ready – he’s already there size wise – and if he continues to be stonewalled by his KHL team, he could pull a reverse Radulov and bolt to North America for a shot at the show.
Conclusion
It’s been no secret that Calgary is trying to get bigger and stronger up front both on the big club and in the organization. Many of Calgary‘s top prospects like Sven Baertschi, Johnny Gaudreau and Markus Granlund fail to reach the 6 foot mark and important forwards on the NHL squad like Mike Cammalleri and Juri Hudler are no different.
Rumours have swirled in the Twitterverse about Calgary potentially taking a run at Bryan Bickell or David Clarkson come free agency but I have a better proposition. Instead of hurling an undeserved amount of cash at Bickell or Clarkson, take a shot at Bogdan Yakimov. He looks to be built in that exact mould and could very well turn out to be a carbon-copy of those two gentlemen in just a couple of years – and at half the price.
Feaster has shown a willingness in recent drafts to take risks and a flyer on a guy like Yakimov is exactly the type of risk that Calgary should be taking. High reward, fairly low risk.
Flames Darkhorse Targets
