Vladislav Kamenev – The Next Ones: NHL 2014 Draft Prospect Profile

Vladislav Kamenev THW Close-Up:

Date of birth: 8/12/1996

Place of birth: Orsk, Russia

Ht: 6’2″     Wt: 203 lbs

Shoots: Left

Position: C/LW

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2014

THW The Next Ones Rankings (January 2014): 46

Photo Credit: Andy Martin Jr
Kamenev plays a similar style to Mike Fisher of Nashville. [Photo Credit: Andy Martin Jr]

Other Rankings:

THW War Room Rankings (April): 65

Future Considerations: not ranked

Craig Button: 12

CS Final Rankings for European skaters: 13

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Like Valeri Nichushkin of the Dallas Stars, Vladislav Kamenev is a large Russian forward with top end skill. He may not have the offensive potential as Nichushkin, but he plays the game like the former 1st round pick. Kamenev has slick puckhandling and great puck possession. He guards the puck well and finds ways to put his body between the puck and the defender.

He doesn’t shy away from physical contact like we’ve seen from most Russian players. On the contrary, his physicality is what separates him from other players. He has the size to lay some vicious hits and disrupts plays by knocking players off the puck. On the offensive side, Kamenev shows great hockey sense and playmaking ability around the net. Russians have a tendency to be very fancy, but Kamenev (while showing glimpses of finesse) plays the game straightforward. He’d much rather set up a big play than be the one to score the goal.

I’d say there is more to worry about Kamanev in regards to the “Russian Factor” than Goldobin, Barbashev, and Sherbak because Vladislav hasn’t made the jump to North America yet. However, he’s an attractive package for teams looking for a dual-positional playmaker.

Where Will He End Up In June:

I’d venture a guess that Kamenev will go in the 2nd round, but certainly has a good chance to drop.

Scout’s Honor:

“Kamenev is a talented forward with good sized who uses his physical gifts to protect the puck and win board battles. He sees the ice well, has good hands and a strong shot. Has to keep his emotions in check as he can get overzealous taking stupid penalties at times. (November 2013)”

Aaron Vickers – Future Considerations

“Big hard working three zone centre-forward a strong stride, size and very good puck skills. Positionally solid with excellent vision and playmaking abilities. Good in the face off circle. Shoots the puck quickly besides being a strong set-up man. Stood out a one of the better players on the ice in the World Junior A challenge. If the whispers that he is transferring to a CHL junior team are true he seems destined to being picked early. He is a pretty complete player already and is tough to move off the puck, and is excellent in the one on one battles all over the sheet. He may be fairly close to playing soon.”

Bill Placzek – Draftsite.com

Statistics:

Bio/Interview(s)/Links:

Profile from Last Word On Sports

International Tournaments:

Kamenev has played for Team Russia four times in his young career. In that span he’s won two silver medals.

ETA:

2-3 years

Risk/Reward Analysis:

Risk: 4/5   Reward: 4/5

NHL Potential:

Top-six playmaker that has a physical edge and great defensive ability

Strengths:

Puck possession

Positioning

Physicality

Hockey sense

Passing

Strong skating

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

Getting accustomed to the smaller ice surface

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offensive: 6.5/10    Defensive: 6.5/10

NHL Player Comparison:

– NHL comparison: Mike Fisher

Video(s):

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph