Kirill Dolzhenkov, LW, 6'6,” 234 lbs:
4th rounder, # 109 pick overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022.
Another prospect write-up! And since we’re in hockey mode here at OTAAT, I’m looking at a couple young players I think qualify as up-and-comers when it comes to making an impact in your fantasy future. In general, I highlight prospects that a majority of people haven't yet heard of and give some insights on their game.
Clocking in at 6’6” and a whopping 234 pounds, 19 year-old Russian Kirill Dolzhenkov is a unique player due to his size alone. The last couple years, Kirill has been doing the merry-go-round between MHL, VHL, and KHL. Most recently in the KHL, he has been averaging a point per game, which is to be expected for a young player with his size advantage. The KHL is notorious for not giving rookies a lot of playing time, but in the time he has gotten, he has undoubtedly passed the eye test. He does not get bodied off pucks, and he’s right where you’d want him to be at the front of the net.
Kirill possesses great hands for a big man, and in that respect, he really reminds me of the Red Wings’ Elmer Soderblom. He can play in tight and finesse all the way from the boards to the front of the net. The Columbus Blue Jackets have a known draft strategy investing in bigger players, their previous draft pick having been Dmitri Voronkov, a 6'5,” 240 pound winger. This approach has proven out with him thus far, as Dmitri is currently on pace for a 45 point campaign in his rookie season and has carved out a role for himself on the second line. While Kirill defaults to a more straight line approach, preferring to go through guys instead of around them, he does have both abilities: the finesse to stick handle around traffic AND the brute strength to power through defenders.
The major flaw in a majority of guys of this size is the skating: Kirill is not as swift of feet, but his stride does look smooth. I think with a few years working on skating and edge work, he can be decent by NHL standards. If his skating improves, he could really be an overall impact player. Kirill will be in a majority of your dynasty leagues, and given the attributes I’ve noted here, I’d wager he’s worth a stash, especially in bangers leagues.
Photo: posted by IIHF on X; picture by Vedran Galijas / http://justpictures.ch, Jan. 2020
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