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Timur Mukhanov Scouting Report: 2023 NHL Draft #28

Welcome back to Top Shelf Prospects, the column that brings you the next crop of professional hockey players. Each day our LWOS Prospects Writers will bring you a new player profile or topical article in the lead-up to the 2023 NHL Draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow Ben Kerr, Kyle Pereira and Frederik Frandson on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical and critical profiles and scouting reports! Last Word On Hockey Prospects is your new headquarters for everything “NHL Draft”! Today we bring you our Timur Mukhanov Scouting Report.

While the Russian question looms large ahead of the 2023 NHL Draft, there is no doubt that the country continues to produce a number of high-calibre prospects. Teams will need to evaluate the risk level associated with the current Russia-Ukraine war, but the fact remains that if these players are able to come to the NHL, many of them will become stars.

Timur Mukhanov played in the Avangard Omsk system this year, though he has transferred to Severstal in the off-season. He played his first KHL game, but spent the majority of the season in Russia’s second division, the VHL. In 31 games against men, he scored four goals and four assists for eight points. He also played 15 games in the MHL, Russia’s junior league. Mukhanov scored eight goals and nine assists for 17 points playing against other teenagers.

The Russia-Ukraine war has prevented Mukhanov from making much impact on the international stage. However, he did play in the European Youth Olympics in 2021-22. He was an alternate captain on the team and scored one goal and three points in four games. Russia won the Bronze Medal.

Timur Mukhanov Scouting Report

Centre/Left Wing — shoots Right
Born June 17th, 2005 — Glazov, Russia
Height 5’8″ — Weight 178 [172 cm/81 kg]

Skating

Mukhanov lacks size but makes up for it with his outstanding skating ability. He has excellent speed and really good acceleration. He is very dangerous on the rush. Mukhanov’s speed allows him to take a defender wide and still cut to the net. He also has excellent agility and edgework. This allows Mukhanov to get past defenders both with and without the puck. He can move laterally and dart in and out of open ice. Mukhanov also has excellent crossovers and builds speed and power coming out of his turns. He has a low centre of gravity and a strong lower body which make him tough to knock off the puck. However, this area of his game should continue to improve as he adds muscle to his frame.

Offensive Game

Mukhanov is an outstanding playmaker. He has very good vision and hockey sense. Mukhanov can make a quick lateral movement with his feet and a quick dangle of his stick to throw off a defender and create a passing lane for a teammate. His ability to control the puck and keep possession down low is also an asset. It buys his teammates time to get open. Mukhanov reads the play well and anticipates when this will happen. He can make a pass to said teammate through a tight window or saucer the puck over an opponent’s stick. He also transitions the puck well. Mukhanov uses his skating and stickhandling to carry the puck through the neutral zone and generate controlled offensive zone entries. He is also good at controlling the puck and setting things up from the wall on the powerplay.

Mukhanov is much more of a playmaker than a goal-scorer. His shot lacks some power and he can improve his release. This may come as Mukhanov bulks up and adds muscle to his frame. Right now most of his goals come when he is able to get some open ice, get off a one-timer or drive the net and beat the goaltender with his slick hands. He doesn’t seem to score as much from further out. He will need to add muscle in order to continue to play in the dirty areas of the ice at the next level.

Defensive Game

Mukhanov’s defensive game is a work in progress. His skating allows him to get back quickly and his hockey sense helps him to read the play and be in the right position much of the time. However, his lack of size and strength can be an issue. Mukhanov can be overpowered when trying to contain his man in the cycle or stay with an opponent in a battle for space. He will need to get stronger in order to be ready for playing on North American ice. When his team creates a turnover or gets a loose puck, Mukhanov has excellent transition skills.

Projection and Comparison

Mukhanov has rotated between centre and left wing this past season. Given his size and the challenges he will face defensively at the NHL level, he’s likely a winger going forward. His great skating, offensive awareness and playmaking ability are close to NHL ready but he needs to round out his game before truly being able to succeed at the pro level. Some time in the weight room, improving his shot, and working on his defensive game will be keys going forward. Mukhanov is signed with Severstal through the end of the 2024-25 season, so expect him to play the next two years, at least, in Russia. In terms of comparisons, Mukhanov’s game is reminiscent of Mitch Marner. This is a stylistic comparison only though and not one based on his skill or ability.

Highlights

The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Timur Mukhanov that are available on youtube and Twitter.

 

Check back later for our next NHL Draft article.

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