What should the Detroit Red Wings draft board look like?
By Bob Heyrman
Vasili Podkolzin -RW
Vasili Podkolzin is shaping up to be a prolific scoring prospect who reminds me of Filip Zadina. He plays the game with a little bit of ego, remember when Zadina was drafted by the Wings at six and immediately said the Canadiens would regret that as he filled their net with goals?
I am not saying Podkolzin will say something like that, but he visually plays with a little bit of swagger. He’s deemed an elite scoring talent off of the wing. He works hard in all three zones, his work ethic is contagious, and his talent spews out.
He’s 6’1 just shy of 200 pounds; he can win tough board battles and projects to be a top line NHL winger. Could he possibly be a Kucherov clone? I was thrilled with the Detroit Red Wings when they drafted Zadina; I would be similarly excited if the team could land Podkolzin.
"Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News said: “His work ethic, aggression and two-way play are all fantastic traits, but he can also kill you on the scoresheet thanks to his skills and puck-protection ability.”"
The talented Russian would certainly look unique playing alongside the Wings future captain Dylan Larkin. Larkin has the ability to make anyone who plays with him better, although Anthony Mantha has the sniper abilities Podkolzin is projected to be an elite scorer and could have the ability to unseat Mantha who loves to play his off-wing to the right of Larkin.
He’s a prospect that will need to be treated like a fine wine; he isn’t expected to play in the NHL for a couple of seasons as he’s going to be spending a couple of years in Russia’s KHL. There is always a chance he won’t ever come to play in North America, and that’s why I have him ranked fourth rather than at third like many others. He will probably join the NHL, but there is a small risk, a great reward for drafting him.
He’s played 3 KHL games and has yet to record a point. In eight world junior tournament games earlier this Winter, he scored 10 goals and added 5 points in 8 games.