Russia

When Can Newly-Drafted Prospects Break Through Into The NHL?

When do or can prospects make the jump to the NHL/AHL level? Most NHL prospects take 3-5 years post-draft to reach the NHL, with less than a third of first-rounders making an NHL team. Factors like skill development and individual progression dictate the timeline. Additionally, a strict NHL-CHL agreement impacts where prospects can play, depending on age. Any player under the age of 20 is ineligible to play in the AHL. NHL Entry Draft intricacies, entry-level contracts, Russian political issues and AHL stints shape a prospect’s journey.

Nikolai Knyzhov Season Preview

The beauty of hockey lies in its raw intensity, where players endure physical clashes and mental battles while crafting a mesmerizing dance of strategy and skill on the ice. San Jose Sharks defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov is one player who embodies that beauty. Signed in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Russia, the six-foot-two […]

Coyotes Take Massive Swings in 2023 NHL Draft

With 12 picks, the Coyotes sent a message about the type of team they are trying to build. They drafted high-upside, quite a few high-risk players, and every one of them above 6 feet. They also showed no fear of drafting from Russia or Belarus, drafting three from that area. Let’s take a look at […]

Habs sign Wideman to a 2-year contract extension

On Tuesday, Kent Hughes announced that the team and Chris Wideman have agreed to a new two-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the 32-year-old is coming off a season where he finished with 27 points ( four goals, 23 assists) in 64 games. Coming in at 5’10” and 180 lbs, the defenseman has […]

How has Nikita Kucherov fared in the Playoffs since his rookie season?

With the official sweep of the president trophy-winning Florida Panthers last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning are now one step closer to accomplishing a three-peat. An Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the Carolina Hurricanes or New York Ranger separates the Lightning and the Stanley Cup Finals. A big part of the Lightnings’ success over the […]