The WHL leg of the Canada/Russia series came to a close Tuesday night after a 4-1 victory for Team WHL. Though the series doesn’t mean much in the grand scheme of things, it provides another opportunity for both the Russians and Canadians to get a look at candidates for their World Junior squad. In terms of players who may have opened some eyes, no player brought more to the table than Sam Steel. The Ducks first rounder was effective in every situation, providing an offensive punch on the power play, as well as playing a key role on the penalty kill. Jansen Harkins was steady as usual, playing an up tempo, high energy game, and will likely get consideration as a bottom six player for the Canadian World Junior team. Austin Wagner put together a strong performance, and like Harkins he will get consideration for a bottom six spot. The one intangible Wagner brings that separates him from any other player on the Team WHL roster is his separation speed and ability to shoot in stride. Cater Hart was dominant as usual, maintaining a level head throughout the second game, and giving out very few second chances. Both Hart and Ingram have a great shot at landing a spot on the national team in December. Noah Juulsen, Kale Clague, and Parker Wotherspoon were solid on the back end, however Juulsen really established himself as the clear cut number one defender coming out of the WHL. That being said, Seattle Thunderbirds defenceman Ethan Bear was left off the roster, and would likely have contended for the top defenceman honors.
Though the main focus of this series pertains to the creation of a World Junior squad, it was a great opportunity to get a look at a few draft eligible prospects.
Klim Kostin (RW) – Team Russia
A skilled, fiery, winger who brings it every shift. The combination of size and speed makes Kostin an extremely dangerous player when the puck is on his stick. He’s a strong skater when it comes to basic mechanics, and though he’s quite fast he doesn’t appear to have the separation speed that would make him a dominant prospect. Kostin truly excels in the East/West style of game, relying on his crafty edge work to attack the neutral and offensive zones. He has a tendency to make one or two extra moves at the blue line before entering, however Team Russia seemed quite aware of this as it never resulted in an offside call. Discipline was lacking, however he plays an agitating style and managed to get under the skin of a veteran WHL squad.
Nikita Popugayev (RW) – Team Russia
Nikita Popugayev comes across as an extremely opportunistic player. He doesn’t generate much on his own, and tends to stick to the outside, however his positioning in all three zones allow him to contribute offensively. He has a lot of good tools, including his shooting abilities and creativity, however his lack of physical play almost negate these aspects. If he were to adopt a more physical style there’s no doubt he would become a dominant WHL player. At 6’6, Popugayev isn’t the fleetest of foot, but he does have some wheels, however it’s unlikely you’ll see him take off unless its on an odd man rush or a one on one race down the wing. All in all, Popugayev is an underwhelming prospect given all the tools he leaves on the table, however if he can put together the size, speed, and intensity, he will be a solid NHL player down the road.
Artyom Minulin (RD) – Team Russia
Minulin plays an intelligent, calculated game, and rarely finds himself out of position in any of the three zones. He’s a smart puck mover in that he plays a safe game and won’t force many low chance passes up ice. Minulin’s biggest strengths come in the defensive zone with his puck separation ability below the goal line as he takes smart routes to attacking forwards, engages with the body, then strips the puck with his stick. He doesn’t fold under pressure, which is why he needs to look at skating with the puck more as his poise and strong skating ability may allow him to become a premier puck transporter in the Western Hockey League.
Callan Foote (RD) – Team WHL
Callan Foote is a frustrating player to watch as he seems to have all the tools, but has yet to put them all together. Shift to shift Foote is inconsistent, transforming from a stout defensive zone force to an underwhelming blue liner who looks lost in the offensive and defensive zones. His biggest strength, when he’s on his game, comes in the form of positioning, specifically in the defensive zone as he did a very good job below the goal line forcing opponents up the wall and reading plays which lead to him picking off passes. He has a tendency to get ahead of himself and jump up in the rush before his team has solid control of the puck, as well as a tendency to pinch too early in the offensive zone which leaves him in a bad position to pick up a pass from a forward down low. If he can work on playing a more intelligent, intense game, Foote will be a solid two way defenceman.
Mason Shaw (C/LW) – Team WHL
Mason Shaw knows what his game is and he plays it well. He’s a crafty playmaker who excels in the offensive zone, specifically on the power play where he has more room to create chances. He’s an excellent puck mover with great vision, however he seems to shrink when pressured by bigger bodies. Defensively Shaw is decent positionally, however strength is once again an issue as it seems to be difficult for him to win puck battles against bigger competitors. For Shaw to become a legitimate NHL prospect he will need to work on adding strength and becoming more assertive.
