Nikita Klepov isn’t the only USHLer-goes-to-Saginaw-and-boosts-his-draft-stock prospect this year. Barabanov had a solid 38 points in games in the U last year before finding himself on a 90-point pace in Saginaw. The 19-year-old was passed over twice before, but he has really come into his own in recent months thanks to increased confidence and a strong work ethic. He’s also not afraid to drop the gloves, either.

Barabanov plays with a boatload of skill. He has quick hands and is always scanning for passing lanes, but he knows when he needs to shoot the puck himself, too. Barabanov does a solid job of exploiting open space, and he’s getting better defensively, too. He has always had talent, but the results are finally starting to follow – and it’s hard not to adore the nastiness in his game, either.