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Nikita Alexandrov was born in Germany while his father Igor Alexandrov was playing hockey in the country’s professional league. He is eligible to play internationally for Germany but hasn’t played in an international tournament yet. It is unclear if he could play for Russia, as he has not spent much time in Russian based leagues.
Alexandrov was playing minor hockey in Germany when he was drafted in the 1st round, 50th overall, in the 2017 CHL Import Draft by the Charlottetown Islanders. He put up 31 points in 66 games as a rookie in 2017-18, before breaking out in the playoffs with seven goals and 17 points in 18 games. Alexandrov helped Charlottetown reach the QMJHL Semi-finals. He carried this success over into 2018-19, putting up 27 goals and 61 points in 64 games. Alexandrov added four goals and seven points in six playoff games. However, the Islanders fell to the Moncton Wildcats in the opening round of the QMJHL playoffs. One of the older players in this year’s draft, if Alexandrov was born one day sooner he would have been part of the 2018 NHL Draft.
Nikita Alexandrov Scouting Report
Centre — shoots Left
Born September 16th, 2000 — Burgwedel, Germany
Height 6’0″ — Weight 183 lbs [183 cm / 83 kg]
Skating
Alexandrov’s stride is short and choppy. Despite this, he is still able to generate good but not great speed. His acceleration is even better, as he reaches top speed in just a few strides. Alexandrov is able to get by defenders with quick cuts and changes in direction due to his strong edgework and agility. He has a strong core. This means that Alexandrov’s stride is powerful. It also makes him difficult to knock off the puck. Alexandrov can fight through checks and get the puck to the front of the net. He is also strong along the boards as well as able to fight for position in front of the net.
Offensive Game
Alexandrov’s game is a mix of skill and power. He is strong enough to get the puck to the front of the net, and this is where he creates the majority of his offence. Alexandrov drives the net hard as well as having the soft hands to finish in tight to the goal. He can make a quick move to get by a defender or to open up a passing lane to a teammate. Alexandrov’s ability to control the puck in the cycle game allows him to extend plays and wait for teammates to get open in front of the net.
Alexandrov has very good hand-eye coordination. He can pounce on a rebound and put the puck into the back of the net. He is also very good at deflecting pucks. Alexandrov has a knack for getting open without the puck, setting himself up to fire a wrist shot on net or take a one-timer. His shot is accurate and features a quick release. Alexandrov also handles the puck well and can make some really creative plays at times. However, he does not always use his offensive tools consistently. There are times where he can revert back into playing a very simple and safe game, leading to reduced offensive production.
Defensive Game
Alexandrov plays a steady defensive game. He is committed to working hard on the backcheck as well as supporting the defence down low. Alexandrov works to contain opponents in the cycle game. Away from the puck, he is strong in covering his man. Alexandrov maintains his position, keeping his body between his man and the puck. His positioning along with his quick stick help to create turnovers. Once a turnover is created, he moves the puck up the ice quickly, transitioning from offence to defence. Alexandrov is an effective penalty killer. He is also strong in the faceoff circle.
Projection and Comparison
Alexandrov could become a middle-six centre on an NHL team. With his strong skating, lower-body strength and two-way game, Alexandrov is likely to be a coach’s favourite. He should spend next season back in the QMJHL, before being ready for the AHL in 2020-21. Alexandrov’s style is similar to Brayden Schenn, however, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill or ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Nikita Alexandrov that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect in our NHL Draft series.
Main Photo via youtube.com
