Yevgeni Yakunin

Scouting Notes

A big, powerful forward who moves exceptionally well for his size and is playing at a pace well above this level. He has an excellent first step and consistently wins races to loose pucks and key areas of the ice. His combination of size, speed, and mobility makes him difficult to contain, while his ability to skate backwards adds to his overall skating profile. He has the physical tools to overwhelm opponents and the quickness to separate from them.

His puck skills hold up well at speed, and he is a reliable receiver who can handle pucks in stride without sacrificing pace. He shows good ability to move the puck through transition, making passes on the move and helping create offence before the opposition can get organized. His greatest offensive strength is his playmaking ability off the rush. He has excellent ideas, sees developing opportunities, and can create quality chances with his vision and execution. He brings versatility to the attack, with the ability to generate offence off the wing or operate as a bumper on the power play.

Around the net, he understands when to stop and establish position, using his size and hand-eye coordination to locate loose pucks and make plays in tight. He combines skill with a willingness to get into difficult areas, giving him different ways to impact the game offensively. His ability to attack with speed, create for teammates, and maintain control of the puck at pace makes him a dangerous offensive threat.

His physical attributes also translate to the defensive side of the game. His length, strength, and mobility give him the tools to contribute on the penalty kill, while his ability to box out opponents and play with a heavy presence around the net adds value without the puck. He is willing to engage physically, competes through contact, and does not play like a perimeter player despite his offensive skill set.

Overall, this is an exciting, high-upside forward whose combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability separates him from the pack. He can dictate the pace of play, create offence in transition, and make an impact in multiple situations. He has the skill to be a difference-maker offensively, the physical presence to handle difficult areas of the ice, and the versatility to contribute on both special teams. A nasty playmaker with an imposing physical profile and legitimate offensive upside, he has the makings of a top pick.