Vancouver Canucks: 5 Early Targets for the 2016 NHL Draft

D Mikhail Sergachev

Ranked #9 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #10 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #9 by Future Considerations
Ranked #8 by McKeen’s Hockey

Mikhail Sergachev is another European 6-foot-2 defenceman, but he comes in at 205 pounds. Despite his large frame, he is best on the offensive side of the rink. Sergachev works extremely hard and knows how to drive the puck up the ice to create offence. Nevertheless, he is extremely reliable in the defensive zone as well.

From EliteProspects.com:

"A dominant two-way defenceman whose tenacity and competitiveness characterize his style of play. Plays with a poise and confidence that facilitates his creativity with the puck as well as split-second decision making. Naturally fluid skater who is always looking to be engaged, if not the center, of each unfolding play. All-in-all, a diligent two-way defenceman who excels at finding ways to be a difference-maker in games. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)"

Just like Juolevi, Sergachev is in his first North American season. He spent the 2014-15 campaign with the MHL’s Irbis Kazan, where he recorded two goals and eight points in 25 games, before joining the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires. There, Sergachev sits at 12 goals and 35 points in 46 games.

Additionally, the blueliner won gold at the 2014 World Under-17 Challenge and participated in the 2015 IIHF World U18 Championship for Team Russia. However, he was not part of Team Russia for the 2016 World Junior Championship.

Potential: Top-pairing Defenceman

Draft Range: 5-15

Next: D Dante Fabbro