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Post by Doc Holliday on Jul 10, 2009 9:20:26 GMT -5
Obviously way too early to tell, but.. ....A big guy who plays a NA style of game and had impressive stats... He's apparently being compared to Oveshkin... While I definitely remain cautious with these "great prospects from Russia", this one definitely titillates my interest... Could apparently be playing right in my backyard in 2010-2011 (IF, big huge IF, he ever comes over) as the Quebec Ramparts drafted him. www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/278082.html |
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Post by CrocRob on Jul 10, 2009 10:13:35 GMT -5
Avtsin was a sure-fire 2nd round pick if he was any nationality but Russian. That we nabbed him in the fourth round is a steal.. if he comes over.
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Post by Patty Roy on Jul 10, 2009 10:31:59 GMT -5
Like Trunev, he sounds like an interesting prospect, but based on past experiences he's not a guy im counting on at all...if he does develop, then im sure some KHL team will throw lots of money at him to stay there.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jul 10, 2009 13:55:13 GMT -5
As they say in tennis, "from Russia with love" or - 0 -.
Not a good record bringing Russians over or keeping them on the team.
I wouldn't mind an Ovechkin or Kovalchouk or Malkin, but I don't like a bidding war with the Russian mafia.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 10, 2009 14:46:26 GMT -5
I think Timmins clearly swung for the fence on this one, and has more than enough loft and distance to hit it out of the park. It's the intangibles as to whether it will fade foul or not that will only be known in a few years or less.
I see a ton of promise in this kid, but it remains to be seen if it will ever translate into a long term member of the bleu blanc rouge or if I will be watching him on webcasts from the KHL. He is talking the right talk, but so have others before him.
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 12, 2009 11:44:22 GMT -5
I think Timmins clearly swung for the fence on this one, and has more than enough loft and distance to hit it out of the park. It's the intangibles as to whether it will fade foul or not that will only be known in a few years or less. I see a ton of promise in this kid, but it remains to be seen if it will ever translate into a long term member of the bleu blanc rouge or if I will be watching him on webcasts from the KHL. He is talking the right talk, but so have others before him. He does have some good skill but reading Mathias Brunet on cyberpresse prehaps his energy level could improve. I think the Oveshkin comparison by RDS is alittle prematue and prehaps alittle overblown . They are only setting us up for disappointment in the future. Here's a butchered translation of the ceberpresse article.... babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_url?doit=done&tt=url&intl=1&fr=bf-home&trurl=http%3A%2F%2Fblogues.cyberpresse.ca%2Flnh%2F%3Fp%3D1319&lp=fr_en&btnTrUrl=Translate |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2009 12:41:17 GMT -5
I think the Oveshkin comparison by RDS is alittle prematue and prehaps alittle overblown . They are only setting us up for disappointment in the future. Any comparison with Ovechkin would be justified if he went as a Top 10 pick. Not in a later round, though. Gems can be found in all rounds, though. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 12, 2009 14:55:57 GMT -5
I think the Oveshkin comparison by RDS is alittle prematue and prehaps alittle overblown . They are only setting us up for disappointment in the future. Any comparison with Ovechkin would be justified if he went as a Top 10 pick. Not in a later round, though. Gems can be found in all rounds, though. Gems are found in all rounds like you said(Markov,Halak etc.).I think we are overdue for a star forward as it's been along time since we drafted one. Maybe Avtsin has potential but comparing him to Ovechkin is stretching it alittle, i think |
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Post by gy on Jul 12, 2009 21:46:31 GMT -5
Even a reasonable facsimile of Ovechkin should be a first rounder. Sounds a bit hyperbolic to me.
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Post by seventeen on Jul 13, 2009 0:22:40 GMT -5
It sounds like pipe dreams to me. Maybe he reminds some people of Ovechkin because he has similar facial characteristics. If Mr. Avtsin had anywhere near the talent of AO, he would have been a top 3 pick, not someone in the later rounds. Yes, occasionally a great player gets drafted later, but way less often than they get drafted early. And their talent doesn't usually come to light until a couple of years later, when they have progressed far further and faster than anyone expected (Datsyuk, Zetterstrom, Luc Robitaille). It's just not reasonable to put Ovechkin labels on some poor Russian kid drafted in the 4th round.
I sure hope he turns out like Alex, but I'm not betting the farm on it (if I had a farm).
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 15, 2009 22:47:23 GMT -5
I think the AO references popping up in interviews are both misleading and deceiving. This kid brings a lot to the table, but he has been under the scouting radar, so he is not an AO with top 3 talent. He could be a bona fide top line player down the road, but that has a long way to play out yet and has a lot of "ifs, ifs and more ifs". He played in the Dynamo-2 team in the Russian third league. They are setting up a "major junior" league next season to better develop their junior age kids...and more importantly, to keep more at home and give them an option to develop into KHL players without the NA lure. So, he was under the radar screen playing with juniors and non-Elite league adults. However, he still managed 110 points in 76 games and 130 pim. This is no figure skater. He did not get lots of scouting as a result, and finally got a call at a four nation U20 event (Tyumen Region Cup) in April that usually gets participation from junior age kids that can be spared for the event (so kids playing fourth line on their Elite League teams don't make it because they are in a league/playoff run). Both he and our 7th round Finn goalie Simila got some international exposure at that event. Their proverbial coming out parties.
From his latest interview, the Habs heavily scouted this kid with our Russian scout seeing him and talking to him a lot. He felt that he would be picked by the Habs. TT also went over and watched him and spent some time with him too. The reports from the Development camp are very promising. He also did an interview with Russian Sports recently and reiterated that he is coming to NA next season and will make the Bulldogs and try to get a spot with Montreal eventually. Sounds good so far, but I reserve judgment.
I think this kid has huge upside by the way. More than our junior Russian highlight reel selected last year, Maxim Truneev, mainly because Alexander has size and jam to complement his skill level. Let's hope he can keep developing on the upswing, because I really like the potential upside. We may never see it, but I like what it could be as of right now.
Edit: And a bit of caveat, I follow the prospects a lot and support their development 100%. I do hope they all turn out but am very realistic to acknowledge that so few actually do. So, I am not a cheerleader or blind supporter of all things prospect. I know some will fail, and others will surprise. Given all that, I really like this pick for its potential upside on a 18 year old kid.
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Post by gy on Jul 15, 2009 23:12:35 GMT -5
I'll play devil's advocate. The pendulum has swung too far in the direction of North American players.  The Habs need more Russians, especially if their assets complement those of the roster players. For example, the Habs don't have a right-shooting power forward. |
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Post by CrocRob on Jul 15, 2009 23:20:52 GMT -5
Very nice thoughts NWT. Sums up what I have in my head.
I personally think his development can go one of two directions. He can either try to be AO, shooting at everything and hitting people, or he can head the Artyukhin direction.. hitting everything and shooting some.
I like his skating from what I saw at the Dev camp (a friend of mine sent me some footage to look over) and am excited to see if he'll come over. I tend to have a soft spot for the European flavour that can jam with the best of them, just because I like to see the stereotype bend a little bit more.
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Post by Skilly on Jul 18, 2009 7:25:38 GMT -5
Well looking at it from a purely "cosmos" perspective .... HA will love him. His name is an anagram for "Axle driven Satan". ;D
But what do I know ... I mean "pancake em lots" is an anagram for Tomas Plekanec.
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Post by clear observer on Jul 18, 2009 10:23:19 GMT -5
Well looking at it from a purely "cosmos" perspective .... HA will love him. His name is an anagram for "Axle driven Satan". ;D But what do I know ... I mean "pancake em lots" is an anagram for Tomas Plekanec. What's wrong with you!!? No, seriously. ;D |
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Post by franko on Jul 18, 2009 11:44:34 GMT -5
But what do I know ... I mean "pancake em lots" is an anagram for Tomas Plekanec. More like pancake me lots |
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Post by Skilly on Jul 19, 2009 10:06:29 GMT -5
Well looking at it from a purely "cosmos" perspective .... HA will love him. His name is an anagram for "Axle driven Satan". ;D But what do I know ... I mean "pancake em lots" is an anagram for Tomas Plekanec. What's wrong with you!!? No, seriously. ;D He I ain't all there, is he I? |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Jul 19, 2009 13:18:33 GMT -5
What's wrong with you!!? No, seriously. ;D He I ain't all there, is he I?Have the fences for home runs been moved much closer to the plate? |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 23, 2009 15:24:18 GMT -5
russianprospects.com did a interveiw with Avtsin where he aswered some of the AO comparisions- Quote: Q: What did they write in Canada? A: They write that I resemble Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) and that I try to look like him. Q:Such a comparison flatters you? A: I didn’t like it when they wrote that Ovechkin is my idol. I was stunned. Yes, I like his style, but why idol!?! Q: So you feel like you can’t go anywhere with these Ovechkin comparisons. And in Russia in these days only title that Avtsin wants to be like Ovechkin… A: It’s pleasant from a certain point of view. But imagine how much I have to work to get to his level. His level is like that (points a hand to his head), while mine is like that (points the other hand to the ground). And anyway I don’t want to be like him. Ovechkin is Ovechkin, and I have to be not Ovechkin, but Avtsin. www.russianprospects.com/public/article.php?article_id=659 |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 23, 2009 15:45:40 GMT -5
russianprospects.com did a interveiw with Avtsin where he aswered some of the AO comparisions- Quote: Q: What did they write in Canada? A: They write that I resemble Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) and that I try to look like him. Q:Such a comparison flatters you? A: I didn’t like it when they wrote that Ovechkin is my idol. I was stunned. Yes, I like his style, but why idol!?! Q: So you feel like you can’t go anywhere with these Ovechkin comparisons. And in Russia in these days only title that Avtsin wants to be like Ovechkin… A: It’s pleasant from a certain point of view. But imagine how much I have to work to get to his level. His level is like that (points a hand to his head), while mine is like that (points the other hand to the ground). And anyway I don’t want to be like him. Ovechkin is Ovechkin, and I have to be not Ovechkin, but Avtsin. www.russianprospects.com/public/article.php?article_id=659In the same article they asked him about coming to N.A. and his answer was a little concerning: Q: You declared that you will going to America in one year. Can you confirm it 100%? A: No, not 100%. We'll see. For one year I'll play for Dynamo, and I'll give all myself for my team, trying to score as many goals and assists as possible. Q: But Canadiens' management waits you in one year. A: Yes, but maybe they were waiting for me this year already. But I've already agreed with Dynamo that I'd remain here for one year. They understood my choice. We'll talk and we'll see what we want to do. Q: If you remember Ovechkin, he went to the NHL only after playing some season for Dynamo's first team. Maybe you need too to the establish yourself in the main roster and only by then go to the NHL? A: Not me! If I’ll go, I’ll go till the end. I have confidence and will. Character. I’m not saying that I’m all like that, I have to grow, to become a man and realize a lot of things. It’s a hard period for youngsters, but you have to pass through it. It will be interesting. |
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Post by seventeen on Jul 23, 2009 23:48:59 GMT -5
A: Not me! If I’ll go, I’ll go till the end. I have confidence and will. Character. I’m not saying that I’m all like that, I have to grow, to become a man and realize a lot of things. It’s a hard period for youngsters, but you have to pass through it. It will be interesting. He's what? 18? He doesn't know what he wants. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 24, 2009 13:54:08 GMT -5
A: Not me! If I’ll go, I’ll go till the end. I have confidence and will. Character. I’m not saying that I’m all like that, I have to grow, to become a man and realize a lot of things. It’s a hard period for youngsters, but you have to pass through it. It will be interesting. He's what? 18? He doesn't know what he wants. He is a member of the Habs organization, so now the decisions he makes are going to be scrutinized now matter what age he is. Besides Montreal has been having issues getting some of their prospects to come to N.A. So with that in mind anything other than him saying "he's 100% coming over", I will remain sceptical and take it as he will not be at training camp in 2010. |
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Jul 24, 2009 14:01:11 GMT -5
He's what? 18? He doesn't know what he wants. He is a member of the Habs organization, so now the decisions he makes are going to be scrutinized now matter what age he is. Besides Montreal has been having issues getting some of their prospects to come to N.A. So with that in mind anything other than him saying "he's 100% coming over", I will remain sceptical and take it as he will not be at training camp in 2010. Ah, but Patrick Roy also drafted him in the CHL import draft...that is one tenacious pitbull to have on your side trying to lure him over. But I get your drift, there is a really bad lingering taste after being burned a lot of late on our Euro picks. Heck, young Swedish defender Nichlas Torp even just signed a two year SEL deal after telling PK at the World Juniors in January that he will see him in Hamilton in the fall. So it is not strictly a Russian thing, although the Russians are setting up a major junior league this year and the KHL teams are getting more aggressive going after their own kids, so the competition has been notched up a few levels for sure. I remain reasonably optimistic for Avtsyn, cautiously so for Trunev, and have all but given up hope of Emelin and his talking out both sides of his mouth. |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 24, 2009 14:19:54 GMT -5
He is a member of the Habs organization, so now the decisions he makes are going to be scrutinized now matter what age he is. Besides Montreal has been having issues getting some of their prospects to come to N.A. So with that in mind anything other than him saying "he's 100% coming over", I will remain sceptical and take it as he will not be at training camp in 2010. Ah, but Patrick Roy also drafted him in the CHL import draft...that is one tenacious pitbull to have on your side trying to lure him over. But I get your drift, there is a really bad lingering taste after being burned a lot of late on our Euro picks. Heck, young Swedish defender Nichlas Torp even just signed a two year SEL deal after telling PK at the World Juniors in January that he will see him in Hamilton in the fall. So it is not strictly a Russian thing, although the Russians are setting up a major junior league this year and the KHL teams are getting more aggressive going after their own kids, so the competition has been notched up a few levels for sure. I remain reasonably optimistic for Avtsyn, cautiously so for Trunev, and have all but given up hope of Emelin and his talking out both sides of his mouth. You beat me to it....... I was just coming back to my computer to mention I heard Patrick Roy was trying to lure Avtsin over, so maybe he will be the difference this time around? |
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Post by Lord Bebop on Jul 26, 2009 14:43:44 GMT -5
Another interesting article on Avtsin. Quote: " Alexander Avtsin is a forward with a good frame and physical play, excellent stickhandling and ease to get to the score sheet. It was an easy call to compare him with the Washington Capitals superstar." [Jazzyjay says: Sounds like he got some great tools but these AO comparisions make me cringe alittle still.] Quote: "He reminds of Ovechkin. He is quick, has good technique and is not afraid to challenge. He has a great potential. We could not miss the chance to pick him up. [Jazzyjay says: Apperantly said by Timmins?  ?Kind of surprising a scout would put this kind of presure on a kid. No?] Quote: "Avtsin was also recruited to play in the CHL after Patrick Roy's Quebec Remparts drafted him in the CHL import draft. But reading his interviews looked like he isn't too interested in playing in the Q and Roy admitted really early that he wasn't going to play there. But there is a chance he'll play there in one year, we'll have to wait till next summer, when the Habs will see at which level he is and what can be better for his development. "There are good chances to see him with the Remparts in the 10-11 season" - added Roy himself." [Jazzyjay says: I hope he's right.Can't hurt to have a guy like this working along with us.] Quote: "Alexander also liked a lot his time in Montreal and differently from many other Russian peers is looking forward playing for Hamilton in the AHL, he wants to be there as he knows that he'll need some adaptation towards the NHL. He has great potential, but some parts of his game needs work. Defensive play, battles in the corners. Reaction. But he can make it through. The "Russian factor" made him go down to the 4th round, but he can be a draft steal like Evgeny Grachev last season for the Rangers." [Jazzyjay says: Says some good things in this article but I will take a wait and see before getting my hopes up.] russianjuniorleague.blogspot.com/2009/07/mhl-stars-alexander-avtsin.html |
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 22, 2010 11:41:18 GMT -5
Major wrist surgery, article implies that his career could be in jeopardy. www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/295771.htmlThat sounds a little alarmist to me (career?), but that's pretty much what it says (and nothing else of substance, so don't worry about trying to get it translated). |
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on Mar 22, 2010 17:08:15 GMT -5
Anybody see the article where Ovechkin was interviewed and said that he hopes to be like Avtsin?
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Post by Doc Holliday on Mar 23, 2010 12:16:12 GMT -5
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Post by roke on May 6, 2010 22:26:24 GMT -5
Who says following Russian/Washington-based reporters on twitter is a waste of time?
He's a '91, which according to an astute junior hockey fan friend of mine, means he could play in Major Junior. Of course, since he's coming from overseas Hamilton isn't out of the question.
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Post by Habs_fan_in_LA on May 20, 2010 11:16:07 GMT -5
Obviously way too early to tell, but.. ....A big guy who plays a NA style of game and had impressive stats... He's apparently being compared to Oveshkin... While I definitely remain cautious with these "great prospects from Russia", this one definitely titillates my interest... Could apparently be playing right in my backyard in 2010-2011 (IF, big huge IF, he ever comes over) as the Quebec Ramparts drafted him. www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/278082.htmlHe may play like Oveshkin but nothing like Ovechkin. I don't know, we really don't know, nobody knows, certainly not Trevor Timmins. I am not impressed with our drafting.  |
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The Habs need more Russians, especially if their assets complement those of the roster players. For example, the Habs don't have a right-shooting power forward.
