The Scouting Report:
Roman Kantserov from Magnitogorsk, Russia, born on September 20th, 2004, is one of the smaller players in the 2023 NHL entry draft. There was a point in time in NHL history when Kantserov would’ve been completely overlooked, as Kantserov stands at 5’9″ and 176 pounds, Kantserov doesn’t have an overpowering physical presence either. However, players like Brayden Point, Johnny Gaudreau, and Cole Caufield in the league are carving a path for smaller players who hope to play in the NHL one day. Kantserov has a low-risk, high-reward scenario for any team looking to draft him. Kantserov currently plays for Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsky of the MHL, where he currently has played 45 games posting 27 goals and assists for 54 points. This is a solid look for a team looking to draft a player who almost never runs out of energy on the ice.
Ranked #50 by Inside The Rink
Ranked #16 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)
Ranked #38 by TSN/Craig Button
Honorable Mention by TSN/Bob McKenzie
Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink has Roman Kantserov projected at 80th overall.
Roman Kantserov is a unique case in the 2023 NHL entry draft, as scouts have him listed as high as the late first round and as low as the late third round. This is certainly a player that teams will be investing in come draft day.
Diving Deeper:
Roman Kantserov is really solid offensively and provides a ton of uniqueness on and off the ice, which coaches and scouts will love. Let’s take a deeper dive into Roman Kantserov’s attributes.
High Hockey IQ:
Roman Kantserov is incredibly smart when he has the puck, he basically has visions of an entire play in his head before a play unfolds. When Roman Kantserov isn’t shooting the puck on the net, he is squeaking the puck through the smallest passing lanes and setting his teammates up for success.
Playmaking Instincts:
When the puck is on the stick of Roman Kantserov, he will almost always try to find his teammates if they’re open and his shooting lane is blocked. Kantserov has an energy that allows his teammates to play a simpler role but with greater purpose. Although Kantserov is smaller, he uses his body to battle for a loose puck or attempts to shift play into his team’s favor by stripping his opponents off the puck with a body check.
Kantserov applies pressure well and has a great defensive stick, often sneaking up on his opponenets and robbing them of possession. He is a player that I believe has more potential than he shows… His game surrounding this playmaking ability already gives him a solid floor as he’s more complete than most other young talents in his cohort.
Jake Janso – FCHockey – Sept. 18th, 2022.
Related Story: 2023 NHL Draft – Nashville
On-Ice Abilities:
Roman Kantserov has so much upside, and given time to develop, he could be a true diamond in the rough, just like Cole Caufield in the 2019 NHL entry draft. Kantserov has the speed, heart, and drive to be a true middle-six forward in the NHL. However, there is no guarantee that he goes in the first, second, or third round.
Final Thoughts:
I like Roman Kantserov and his play style, it’s certainly unique, and you need to be unique in an NHL draft class. Kantserov has an infectious energy and is loved by his coaches and teammates, as he’s always helping those around him. Kantserov has the potential to become a leader in the NHL someday, that’s if his talents transfer to the NHL level.
Stats via Elite Prospects
Highlights via MyNHLDraft.com
