2018 NHL draft prospect profile #31: Grigori Denisenko
We are kicking off The Canuck Way’s 2018 NHL draft prospect profiles. These start with an elusive Russian winger who went under the radar this year.
The Vancouver Canucks had another disappointing season. For what it’s worth, this year’s injury-stricken team finished 26th overall, avoiding the shame of the bottom five if that matters to you. With the reduced draft lottery odds, the Canucks will have the seventh overall selection this year.
The Canuck Way will give you as much info we can provide for our favourite prospects from the first round. These profiles are not a mock draft; just a list of who we feel make up the top 31 in this year’s draft.
In the case of Grigori Denisenko, we have a prospect that has had little exposure to North America. He spent the year in Russia’s junior league, the MHL. On the international stage, he made his name a little more known during the Five Nations Tournament. Let’s hear more about the highly skilled winger down below.
The stats rundown
*Counting statistics provided by EliteProspects
Height: 179 cm/5’10”
Weight: 75 kg/165 lbs
Birthdate: June 24, 2000
Position: Left Wing
Handedness: Right
Team (League): Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
Rankings:
#7 by NHL Central Scouting (EU)
#17 by Dobber Prospects (Cam Robinson)
| GP | G | A | P |
| 31 | 9 | 13 | 22 |
The stats above don’t jump off the page, but don’t tell the whole story. During the MHL playoffs, Denisenko collected seven points in 12 games. He even got to play four playoff games in the KHL with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. Unfortunately, he had no points in his limited time.
Denisenko’s skillful play found more success internationally. During the World Junior A Challenge, Denisenko had a goal and three assists through four games. The Five Nations Tournament was special, where he scored three times and collected an assist. Here are some of his highlights.
Scouting reports
Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects:
"A creative player with the puck who can dart in and out of the lanes with expert edgework, quick acceleration and creative lines. Slight stature but enjoys engaging. Lack of exposure may see him slide on draft day, but it won’t be due to a lack of skill. His talent hasn’t always resulted in points but he’s cranked it up so far in the MHL playoffs."
Alessandro Seren Rosso, The Hockey Writers
"Denisenko has a lot of talent, and it means that naturally many NHL teams will be behind him. He’s definitely got top-10 talent, but the Russian Factor and his size will most likely push him down. A pick in the second round is not out of question, even if he will be probably one of the first 31 players called. Many NHL teams may also be concerned by his maturity. He likes to (over)play the puck and is prone to “bad discipline” penalties. As he will keep on playing in the KHL, though, it is most likely that these kinds of issues will be ironed out."
Ben Kerr, Last Word on Hockey
"Denisenko is an excellent skater. He has a smooth stride that leads to quick acceleration and very good top-end speed. His quick feet lead to very good agility and edge work. This makes him tough for defensemen to handle on the rush. (…)He can make a perfect tape-to-tape pass to a teammate. Denisenko has the stick handling ability and the intelligence to slow the play down and wait for the perfect time to make that pass to his teammate. (…)Denisenko’s defensive game is a work in progress. He does not get himself involved on the backcheck, often cheating up the ice and hoping for a turnover and offensive chance the other way."
What we think
Vancouver only has the one selection in round one, but things could change between now and June 22. Given the coverage around Grigori Denisenko (or lack thereof), he could slide into the second round. Vancouver holds the 37th overall selection, so they do have options. A high second round pick is how Vancouver drafted Kole Lind.
From what I can gather, there is some risk with Denisenko, but it is difficult to ignore the incredible level of skill he possesses. His skating and shot appear to be excellent, but as you read more from Alessandro Rosso and Ben Kerr, teams will have to be patient.
His interviews at the draft could affect his draft position.If you recall, poor interviews destroyed Josh Ho-Sang‘s draft stock, sending him to the bottom of the first round in 2014. Maturity was a red flag for several teams, but given the right developing environment, I do believe a player like this can grow out of it. Ultimately, it will be up to him.
Next: Jim Benning needs another first round pick
NHL General Managers are still weary of Russian players bolting for home. One of them manages the Vancouver Canucks and has first-hand experience with losing Nikita Tryamkin. If Denisenko is available, I hope Jim Benning and his group of scouts seriously consider him. You can never have too much skill in your lineup and Denisenko possesses that in spades.