Yegor Spiridonov Scouting Report: 2019 NHL Draft #63

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In his second year in the MHL, Yegor Spiridonov became one of the best players in the league. He put up 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 43 games for Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk. Spiridonov also added three points in three games in the MHL playoffs. It was enough to earn Spiridonov a spot in the MHL All-Star Game. This was an improvement on his rookie season when he put up 10 goals and nine assists for 19 points in 39 games. He also added one goal in four playoff games.

Spiridonov has long been a member of Russia’s national teams. Last season, he put up two points in five games at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He also joined the Under-18 squad as an underage player, putting up two assists in five games at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship. This season Spiridonov put up just one assist in five games in the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, bringing home a bronze medal. He had his best performance at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship with two goals and four assists for six points in seven games. Spiridonov helped the team to a silver medal.

Yegor Spiridonov Scouting Report

Centre/Left Wing — shoots Right
Born January 22nd, 2001 — Magnitogorsk, Russia
Height 6’2” — Weight 190 lbs [188 cm/85 kg]

Skating

Spiridonov’s skating is a bit of a work in progress. His stride is very wide and awkward. This gives him good balance and makes him tough to knock off the puck. However, it also takes away some of his potential speed and power. Spiridonov’s first step and his acceleration are also slightly below average. This hurts his ability to win races for loose pucks or to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His agility and edgework are good though. This allows him to maneuver through traffic and get himself to the key areas of the ice.

Offensive Game

Spiridonov is strong on the puck. He has long reach and is a good stick-handler which helps him to protect the puck down low. Spiridonov keeps possession in the offensive zone and has the patience to wait for a linemate to find an opening. When they do, he is able to hit them with a pass even through heavy traffic, setting up a scoring chance. His vision and skill level are very high. He has a strong upper body and wins battles in the corners for loose pucks and gets them to the front of the net.

Spiridonov also has a very good wrist shot. It is accurate and features a deceptively quick release that can fool goaltenders. He also generates good power. Spiridonov can use some work on his slap shot and one-timer though. Soft hands allow Spiridonov to make plays in tight to the net, whether that be a pass to a teammate or getting a shot on net. He gets to the front of the net both with and without the puck.

Defensive Game

Spiridonov has an advanced defensive game. His positioning is very strong and he uses his active stick to cut down passing lanes. He is not afraid to block shots and keeps himself between his man and the front of the net. Spiridonov provides strong back support, helping his defence in the corners or in the front of the net. He is a strong player for his age and is not afraid to play a physical game in all three zones on the ice. Spiridonov has proven to be an effective penalty killer for his teams. He is also very good in the face-off circle, an invaluable asset at both ends of the ice.

Projection and Comparison

Spiridonov is a work in progress. He has the size, the offensive skill, the defensive ability, and the work ethic to be a high draft pick. However, the question marks around his skating are what really hold him back at this stage. If he can improve his stride, he could develop into a second line centre, capable of playing in all situations. However, unless his skating improves, he is likely to find his future on the wing. In terms of style, Spiridonov’s game is reminiscent of Mikko Koivu, however, this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill or ability.