Nikolay Goldobin —
League: OHL Team: Sarnia Sting
Position: RW/LW Shoots: Left
DOB: Oct. 7, 1995 Birthplace: Mockobckar, Russia
Height: 6 Weight: 187
2013-14 Stats: Games: 67 G: 38 A: 56 Pts: 94 PIM: 21 Plus/Minus: -30
Nikolay Goldobin plays in the Ontario Hockey League for the Sarnia Sting.
Winnipeg Hockey Talk’s preliminary evaluations of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft top prospects continue today with our featured prospect Nikolay Goldobin
Achievements:
1. Represented Russia at the 2013 World U18 Memorial Ivan Hlinka Tournament.
2. Drafted in the 1st round, 36th overall in the 2012 CHL Import Draft by the Sarnia Sting.
3. Drafted in the 1st round, 8th overall in the 2012 KHL Draft by Metallurg Novokuznetsk.
4. 2012 – 13 OHL Second All-Rookie Team.
Top Prospect Nikolay Goldobin photo courtesy of OHL Images
Offensive Buzzwords
Like many of his Russian predecessors, what sets Nikolay Goldobin apart from other players is the ability to make skilled plays at full speed. He has all the offensive tools. He can skate, has a great shot with a very quick pro-style release and he can make plays. He distributes the puck and makes use of his linemates. He has a very high offensive hockey IQ. Top 10 offensive talent.
Skating
Nikolay Goldobin an excellent skater with better than average speed and quickness. He is very dangerous in one on one situations.
Defensive Buzzwords
Nikolay Goldobin is not exactly a shut down forward. His skill set tends to lean to the offensive side of the game as his poor plus/minus (-30) would suggest. He plays on a team that gives up a lot of chances and a lot of goals so the numbers are a little skewed in that direction. Let’s say his defensive game needs to be developed a lot more and is a work in progress.
Prospect Analysis
Nikolay Goldobin could be and will probably be the most scrutinized player in this 2014 draft class. He has world class skill that could easily make him a Top 10 pick but there is no way to sugar coat his defensive game. He has the tools to be a top 6 forward at the NHL level but will have to work on the defensive aspect of his game. Let’s just say you can teach defence but offensive skill is a god given talent and maybe a couple years in the AHL will do the trick? Nikolay Goldobin is going to be a very interesting player to watch come draft time. He’s a definite 1st rounder. But will he go 8th or 28th? If I was a pro scout I know what my recommendation would be. Stay tuned.
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