2023 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Aydar Suniev

The Scouting Report:

Aydar Suniev from Kazan, Russia, born on November 16th, 2004, is a draft-eligible prospect for the 2023 NHL entry draft in Nashville. The Penticton Vees of the BCHL have been spoiled with the likes of Bradley Nadeau and Aydar Suniev in their lineup. Suniev has posted 45 goals and assists for 90 points in 50 games, this isn’t by coincidence either, Suniev is as advertised. Aydar Suniev helped the Penticton Vees win the Fred Page Cup in the BCHL in a four-game series sweep. Suniev certainly made his BCHL time worth it, excelling in his role and helping his teammates be the best they could be.

Related Page: 2023 NHL Draft – Nashville

Ranked #88 by Inside The Rink
Ranked #40 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Ranked #36 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #100 by Draft Prospects Hockey
Ranked #60 by DobberProspects

Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink has Aydar Suniev projected at 71st overall.

Aydar Suniev is certainly a solid prospect heading into the 2023 NHL entry draft, and he might climb a few spots because he has the size. Listed at 6’2″ and 205 pounds, Aydar Suniev certainly can be a steal of a draft pick in the 2023 NHL draft class.

Diving Deeper:

I’ve highlighted that Suniev is a team player, and now I want to dive deeper into Suniev’s attributes and areas for improvement.

Overall Game:

Aydar Suniev is certainly making a case for himself, is highly physical, has great balance, and constantly is working his rear off to be the absolute best on the ice. I can’t see any team who might look at Aydar Suniev and think he’ll fall farther than projected, Suniev is so incredibly sound that his overall game is just the absolute best of what he has to bring on draft day. Suniev has the size, shot, work ethic, motor, hockey IQ, and a two-way game that is unmatched.

Areas for Improvement:

It is so hard to find anything to nitpick in Aydar Suniev’s game, though he can improve the overall aspect of his skating. Even then, he’s still quite strong as a skater, if he can improve his skating and find another level, he will be unstoppable by the time he makes the NHL.

Prospect Potential:

I think Aydar Suniev will be the steal of the draft, he has a really high ceiling, and he can become a top-six winger given the proper development and patience from an NHL franchise. I don’t see him falling too far in the NHL draft this year.

Final Thoughts:

There’s a lot of good in Aydar Suniev’s game, he can become a solid NHLer given patience and proper development, and I’ve said this countless times, I really think Suniev will be the steal of the 2023 NHL draft in Nashville.

Stats via Elite Prospects
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com