The Scouting report
The 5-foot-11 and 187-pound native of Nizhnekamsk, Russia comes with plenty of skill despite his small frame. Nikita Artamonov can play right wing or left wing and is a consistent scorer. Playing with an array of play-making abilities, and playing a physical game despite being under six feet. Playing for Chaika Nizhny Novogorad of the Molodyozhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga (MHL) and Torpedo NIzhny Novogorad of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) in 2023-24, he combined for eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points in 54 games.
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Draft Projections
Ranked #21 by Eliteprospects.com
Ranked #34 by TSN/ Bob McKenzie
Ranked #21 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #19 by NHL Central Scouting (EU Skaters)
Ranked #14 by Dobber Prospects
Ranked #29 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
I’ve highlighted some of Nikita Artamonov’s attributes. Let’s take a deeper dive into his attributes and areas for improvement.
Low Center of Gravity
With a low center of gravity, Artamonov can dig pucks out and get into position for rebounds and deflections. Tends to get lost in the shuffle due to his size, but he uses that to his advantage by getting into scoring situations. He can also fight for loose pucks in the corners, and get it to the open man. A shifty player who is all over the ice, looking for an opening or for something to happen. When he has the puck on his stick, his the willingness to create space by skating around defenders with his speed is above average.
Different Array of Skills
Artamonov is one of the smaller forwards in the 2024 NHL Draft but is dynamic in the offensive zone. Artamonov’s puck-handling skills are top-tier, and a pass-first and shoot-second player. His edge work on his skating is on point, and his stop-and-go movement keeps defenders off-balance. He plays well around the net but also in the high slot and the face-off dots.
“Artamonov (5-11, 187) is a prototypical power forward capable of doing a lot of the grunt work to retrieve pucks in the offensive end and get to the net to create screens and seek rebounds. The 18-year-old has shown impressive skating, vision and playmaking ability to complement his physical style.”- Mike Morreale-NHL.com- March 1
Areas of Improvement
He is not a natural finisher
While he is an offensive player, his weakness in the offensive zone is that he is not a finisher. Over the last three seasons, he has 18 goals, including 11 in one season. Has a knack around the net for setting up teammates, but if he could finish around the net, he could add another dimension to his game because his passing is already there.
Prospect Potential
Artamonov has the skill to be an impact player on any team. His skill set in the right situation could see him produce between 55 and 60 points a season as a middle-six forward. With additional time on the power- play that total could increase to 65 points. He can play anywhere in the forward position, making him a valuable asset. His shot selection is something to watch, and the quickness of his release can catch the opposing goaltender off guard.
Best Potential Fit
Artamonov is a small yet offensively gifted forward. He is tenacious on the puck and has an attitude of not giving up. The NHL team that plays a similar style is the Nashville Predators, and they may find themselves at the 22nd spot, ready to take him if he is still available. They could use a middle-six forward with skill and a feisty style of play. This may be a perfect match, as the Predators have had players in their past who have played similar styles and have succeeded.
“A lot of the underlying numbers make Artamonov look really good, and he ultimately finished at around half a point per game as an 18-year-old in the KHL. He has quickly become one of my favorite wingers due to his high-end hockey IQ and how he gets into scoring position.”- Steven Ellis- Daily Faceoff- March 9
Final Thought
If teams are scared off because he is a small player they are choosing not to draft a player that could be a difference-maker. Many players who have played in the NHL under 6-feet-0 have made quite the impression, and Artamonov could be that player in this draft. He has a wide skill set and can be reliable in different areas. A good player who needs an opportunity to show size does not matter. His ability to create offense will make others around him better, thus improving the team overall.
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