Canucks: Wingers that are potential mid-round draft targets
By Rick Warman
Maxim Groshev
2019-2020 Club: Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk (KHL)
Position: RW/LW
Height: 6’2″ Weight: 194 lbs
A player rarely spends most of his season in the Kontinental Hockey League before being eligible for the NHL draft. However, Maxim Groshev accomplished that as well as being named to the Russian World Junior Team, which is also uncommon for a player that age. He recorded seven points in limited duty in the KHL this past season.
Groshev caught my attention with his gritty, determined play in the CIBC Canada-Russia series in November. The big-bodied winger is a prototypical power forward that loves to drive the net. Groshev likes to carry the puck with speed through the neutral zone. His overall skating speed is above average, but his acceleration and starts require work.
Groshev has the potential to be a middle-six forward with limited offensive upside. He does, however, offer a net-front presence and possesses a better-than-average shot. I see him developing into a decent complementary player with strong puck retrieval skills. However, he doesn’t display any elite skills.
Yevgeni Oksentyuk
2019-2020 Club: Flint Firebirds (OHL)
Position: RW/LW
Height: 5’8″ Weight: 163 lbs
The Belarusian forward is the only player on my list that is in his draft-plus season. After going undrafted in the 2019 NHL draft, Yevgeni Oksentyuk opted to come to North America, where he would benefit from greater exposure. He lived up to his fifth overall selection in the 2019 CHL import draft, leading the Firebirds in scoring with 33 goals and 78 points in 58 games. I watched him play several times via OHL live, as he played on the same team as Canucks’ prospect Ethan Keppen.
Oksentyuk is an exceptionally creative playmaker, and he’s a constant pest, which resulted in him also leading the team in penalty minutes. His shot is hard, and his release deceiving, but his accuracy is questionable. The combination of skill and the edge that he plays with makes him an intriguing option. His size is concerning, but he may develop into a player with middle-six capability with potential offensive upside.