Cherepanov is a dynamic, super-fast scorer who dazzled scouts as an 18-year-old with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Superleague in 2006-07. Playing in a league against grown men, Cherepanov scored 18 goals and 29 points in 46 games. His 18 goals broke Pavel Bure's Superleague rookie record of 17, which Bure set nearly 20 years ago.
The numbers Cherepanov put up for Omsk were nothing short of amazing. At that same age when he was playing Russia, Washington superstar Alex Ovechkin had fewer goals (13) and fewer points (23), as did Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin and Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk. These three players are considered the greatest first-rounders to come out of Russian hockey in recent years, and Cherepanov will look to follow in their footsteps.
The kid sounds like he could be great, although there are some serious questions about his attitude and work ethic. Pretty much a surprise that he dropped all the way down to 17, despite being ranked as a top 5 talent on a couple draft boards. Seems like a good risk to take for Sather assuming he's not the next Pavel Brendl.
Besides his inconsistency and work ethic questions, some teams were worried about his ability to leave Russia for the NHL with the transfer agreement policy (or lack thereof, I should say).
He does have the potential to be a superstar, it seems.
I'm waiting for the Devils to pick. I hope it's one of the American defensemen. Oh by the way, a kid from my hometown was picked in the first round by the Sharks.
I'm waiting for the Devils to pick. I hope it's one of the American defensemen. Oh by the way, a kid from my hometown was picked in the first round by the Sharks.
James van Riemsdyk is from my hometown of Middletown, NJ... who says those boys in Jersey do not play hockey.
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