Scouting Report: Chistov Turbov, 16-year-old Right Winger

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 195 lbs

Speed. Turbov is speed. His blindingly quick speed and acceleration makes him a dangerous threat in the offensive zone. He can use that speed to find a shot, or handle the puck right into the net himself. His ability to read the play makes him a shifty, deadly opponent who can make space for himself easily. His reflexes allow him to make the goalie’s life a living hell. He’s got possibly the fastest skates in the world for his age, and it’s an impressive show of skill and athleticism.

But speed is pretty much all that Turbov is. He struggles to fit his teammates into his game, unable to make the pass to keep a play alive. He also struggles to use his speed effectively if pressure means he has to use his lackluster agility or balance. His strength (or lack thereof) makes a hit or a check play mean he’s just a ragdoll at the hands of any physical or strong opponent (which there are a lot of in this draft class). He’s also got no defensive instinct or technical skill. He can’t position himself well, he can’t use his speed to make the difference when it means stealing the puck with his stick or diving to make a block. He can’t come in to help on the faceoff, and he has no vision on that side of the ice. He also has no passion or bravery to use his speed to make the difference in a play that might result in him getting tossed around.

Turbov is a one-trick pony, and a fast one at that, but tricks don’t last in the league. Turbov needs to learn defensive and physical aptitude, or that god-given skill will sadly be sullied by a depleted or limited career.

Eddie Morozov signing off for now. Stay tuned for more info and more reports from my trips abroad scouting the next SHL stars!

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