Alexander Dergachyov THW Close-Up:
Team: #92, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, MHL
Date of Birth: 09/27/1996
Place of Birth: Langepas, Russia
Ht: 6’ 4″ Wt: 201 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: C/W
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2015
THW Ranking (The Next Ones; Chris’s List): not ranked
Other Rankings:
NHL CS Midterm: 14 Eu Skater
FC Mid term: 92
Craig Button: 89
McKeen’s: Whatch list (pre-season)
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[Check out THW’s Midrterm rankings]
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A Draft Dark Horse?
This season Alexander Dergachyov took a huge leap forward in his development. After going scoreless at last year’s U18s, he was called up for the Subway Super Series, where his play was good enough to convince Russian coach Valeri Bragin to bring him to Canada for the 2015 World Junior Championships. In both tournaments, Dergachyov played well: he didn’t pick up many points, but he still had an impact by playing to his strengths– notably, his size, ability to win board battles, and passing game. On being drafted into the KHL by one of the league’s top teams, SKA St. Petersburg, Dergachyov signed an entry-level, three-year contract and moved from Almetievsk to St. Petersburg, where he was assigned to their junior farm team in the MHL. There, his size and technique allowed Dergachyov to quickly became a very important member of his team. His current deal in the KHL will run out in 2016.
With his big frame — Dergachyov is 6’4″, 201 lbs. — he is a player who can add size and grit to any team. In the right situation he can contribute in the points department, but he lacks the true offensive upside that would otherwise allow him to be regarded as a bonafide scoring threat in the NHL.
Scout’s Honour:
“Far away from fellow U18 and 2015 prospect Svechnikov in stats, but not in impression, Alexander Dergachev is load to handle pivot who packs skill in a massive frame. A polished skater already, Dergachev is strong, powerful, and boasts coordination rarely seen in a young guy with his size. He is a menace along the boards when he has the puck because he can protect it well and give opposition fits with strong cycling. In open space he has enough skill to stickhandle, and packs a heavy shot in his arsenal. He brings a hard nosed brand of hockey, as he finishes his checks hard and often.” – DraftBuzz
Where He’ll End Up In June:
Due to his limited exposure (he has yet to play even in the KHL) and to the infamous Russian factor, Dergachyov will most likely be selected in the later rounds of the draft. However, he brings an intriguing combination of size and skill that just might make him a dark horse in this year’s draft, giving the team who spends a pick on him a potential diamond in the rough.
Statistics:
NHL ETA:
- 3-4 Years
Risk/Reward Analysis:
- Risk: 2.5/5 Reward: 4.00/5
NHL Potential:
- Highest: 2nd line forward; Realistic: Utility forward who can play in all situations
Strengths:
- Size
- Puck skills
- Ability to win board battles
- Good scoring touch
- Work ethic
- Can play both center and winger
- Good skater
- Good penalty killer
Flaws/Aspects He Needs to Work On:
- Probably doesn’t have a through-the-roof offensive potential
- Needs to be tested against better competition
Fantasy Potential:
- Offensive: 6.5/10 Defensive: 7.0/10
Video(s):
** THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph