Prospect Write Up Nikolai Kovalenko

The prospect write-up is something I'm going to do to highlight a prospect that a majority of people haven't heard of and give some insights on their game and possible fantasy or real-life impact. Kovalenko was recently traded from Colorado to San Jose in the Mackenzie Blackwood deal. Some pundits consider him more of a throw-in, but some analysis of Kovalenko's game might reveal him to be more of a diamond in the rough than a toss-in. Kovalenko really stood out this year during the preseason, outshining all Colorado players and really showing he could play against NHL-level talent. Kovalenko, prior to arriving in the NHL, played 257 games in the KHL (the second-best league in the world), and scored 142 points (59 G, 83 A). In his last two seasons, he was just about at a point-per-game pace on a rough Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, which didn't exactly have any world beaters on offense.

Kovalenko's father, Andrei Kovalenko (6ft 230lbs) had a serviceable hockey career spanning 620 games tallying (173 G, 206 A for 379 points). He is a little heavier than Nikolai (5'10 192lbs), but they play a relatively similar game. Let's take a look at Nikolai's game and see if his career trajectory can pace his father's. Kovalenko, a 6th-round pick (2 rounds before his father) was more of a shot-in-the-dark selection. Nikolai really excels at being strong on the puck; on a dump and chase he can battle on the boards against NHL-caliber competition and come out with the puck, this alone will keep him in the NHL. Nikolai doesn't have the greatest shot, but a majority of his points are going to come from assists. He has a real knack and ability to be strong on the puck and keep it away from defenders. He also has a strong stride and watching tape, his go-to is playing keep away down behind the opposing goal, coming out from around the net and finding an open man. Nikolai has great hands in tight quarters and can really make space for his linemates and pass to the open man in the cycle. Nikolai doesn't really have an overly great shot, he is going to get a majority of his goals from getting to the dirty areas and redirects.

You can see in the video he is in front of the net and is willing to do what it takes for the rebound.

https://youtu.be/kMBUtEb6_vo?si=5tK9Lkap-ByNVgA9

He had some great linemates in Colorado, being the wing on a line with MacKinnon and Rantanen. Those two guys do a lot of damage off the rush, and Nikolai is better off a dump and chase, but it just goes to show his skillset is better suited for other skilled players. I can really see him working out well in San Jose as a good complementary player*. You can see in this video on the first goal his ability to get in on the forecheck and find the open man.

the second goal his awareness and his gravity drawing 3 players to him and then finding the streaking man for a breakout. https://youtu.be/SzAaaYItAL0?si=XpyLYwc80CfQC2P0

Here is a creative pass on the breakout https://youtu.be/ukfKulubUAY?si=thKFIvgDiPIHZDad

He may end up being about 15-20 points above his ceiling if he can find chemistry with Celebrini. The problem with prognosticating players is that someone might find themselves in his role, so we have to take a look at if he can drive play and be productive WITHOUT generational talents on his line and he seems to pass that test.

I have his projection as a solid, skilled third-liner with second-line upside. All in all, that's pretty good value for a throw-in.

*Since being traded to San Jose, Nikolai has 6 games played with 5 assists.

**Player Comparison:** Scott Laughton