About Valentin Zykov
ST. PETERSBURG RUSSIA
Valentin Zykov played this past season in the QMJHL for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. In his first season in North America he was the second-leading scorer for the Drakkar scoring 40 goals with 35 assists in 67 games. He finished the season with a +29 and 60 penalty minutes. Valentin Zykov also scored 19 points in 19 playoff games. Zykov was ranked eighth amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings prior to the 2013 NHL Draft, and seventh in the CSS final rankings.
Photo: Antoine Letarte
Zykov is a big forward, listed at 6’1″ 215 lbs who plays with a gritty edge and is developing into a pro-style power forward. He goes to the net very hard and knows what to do when he gets there. He has great hands in tight and can make slick moves, tip in shots and bury rebounds. Zykov is a natural goal scorer possessing a strong wrist shot and quick release. Zykov works extremely hard, has good vision, good passing skills and can set up teammates off the cycle, but his biggest strength is as a goal scorer.
Zykov’s skating is average and will need to improve. He does however have good agility, with great balance and power that allow him to fight through checks and to drive to the front of the net with power. His skating issues will keep him from getting drafted in the low-mid teens and probably force him to the bottom of the first round. He does have all the other skills that teams are looking for as a NHL power forward.
If he can improve his skating, he can be an effective power forward in the NHL. He has the grit, size, and offensive skill necessary to achieve a high level of success, but it will be a bit of a project for an NHL team. I’ve seen him ranked 15, 19, 28, 29. Take your pick but I see him going in the mid 20’s and maybe even slipping into the 2nd round.
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