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Dmitry Samorukov was the second overall pick in the 2016 CHL Import Draft. Samorukov started the season slow with the Guelph Storm as he adjusted to living thousands of miles from home, playing in a new league, living in a new culture and on smaller sized ice. However, he made the adjustments necessary and as the year went on Samorukov became more and more impressive for Guelph. He really took off in the second half. Overall Samorukov had four goals and 20 points in 67 games for the rebuilding Storm.
Samorukov took that strong play and continued it in the Under 18 World Championships. He picked up a goal and five points in seven games for the Russian team. It was enough to win a bronze medal. He adds that to a silver medal won in the 2015-16 World Under 17 Hockey Challenge. Samorukov also played in the 2016 Ivan Hlinka as well as an underage appearance at the 2016 Under 18s.
Dmitry Samorukov Scouting Report: 2017 NHL Draft #77
Defense — shoots Left
Born Jun 16 1999 — Volgograd, Russia
Height 6’2″ — Weight 184 lbs [188 cm / 84 kg]
Skating
Dmitry Samorukov could use some work on his skating. His speed is decent and the acceleration is above average in both directions. However, his pivots and edgework need a bit of work. He must get quicker in transitioning from offense to defence and vice versa. He could also work on his lateral agility. One area where he excels is in his lower body strength. He is strong on the puck, and has very good balance. This is useful in winning battles in corners and clearing the crease.
Offensive Game
Samorukov has a rocket of a slap shot. However he must work on being more accurate, as he has some issues on getting it on net. His vision and passing skills are also good, but the lack of lateral agility, gives him some issues in opening up passing and shooting lanes in the offensive zone, or in skating the puck out of his own end. He makes crisp passes coming out of his zone and get the transition game started quickly and effectively.
Samorukov loves to join the rush as a trailer and can unleash a good wrist shot when doing so. He also likes to pinch in from the line to try and keep the play alive.
Defensive Game
Samorukov’s defensive game saw the biggest improvements as the year went on. Early in the year, he pinched in far too often, and gave up odd-man rushes against. He would get caught trying to generate offense, and give up good scoring chances in his own end. His positioning in his own zone also seemed off, but again got better as the season continued and he adjusted to size of the rink. Samorukov loves to play physical and will look for the big hit in open ice. He battles hard in front of the net and in the corners. When Samorukov is on the defensive game is decent, but he can still improve.
Projection and Comparison
Samorukov has immense skill, but his game is very inconsistent and there are some issues to work on. If he is able to develop better shot accuracy, he could be a very valuable asset on the power play. Samorukov must also learn to pick his spots to push offense five on five, and work on his defensive game. If he can get that under control he could be a top pairing defenceman. Dmitry Samorukov is a real boom-or-bust prospect. In terms of a comparison, his game is reminiscent of Dion Phaneuf of the Ottawa Senators. This is a style comparison only though, and not a talent based one.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of highlights, assembled from Youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
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