NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Denis Malgin

Get to Know Denis Malgin

Date of Birth: 1-18-97
Place of Birth: Olten, SUI
Ht: 5’9” Wt: 176 lbs
Shoots: Right
Position: Center
Team: ZSC (NLA)/GC Küsnacht Lions (NLB)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Elite Prospects:

An offensive forward with decent playmaking abilities, the diminutive Denis Malgin impresses with his strong hockey sense and offensive instincts. Has tremendous puck control and handles the puck with finesse, while rushing up the ice or deking past the opponents defense. Needs to improve his shot, although accurate it’s missing power. He also lacks confidence in his face-off play, regardless of his excellent puck-skills. Not overly flashy, but he reaches good top-end speed by keeping his legs moving. Can guide a Power Play and despite his small stature will stand his ground, when he has to battle along the boards.

Hockey Prospectus:

His outstanding vision, great playmaking skills and excellent skating abilities make him a very interesting pick for the upcoming draft. He is one of those players who keeps you on the edge of your seat all game long. He showed he can compete with older players with good games during the playoffs in the highest Swiss league, with 4 goals and a strong u18 tournament. All those skills would make him a possible 1st rounder, but teams might shy away from picking him that early because of his huge lack of size and strength. However, scouts can’t ignore his assets and despite of his size he might still be a Tier IV player, providing good value in the mid second through the third rounds of the draft.

Future Considerations:

A smallish but quick and skilled, instinctive offensive point producer. Creates chances for both he and his line mates and is strong in possession. Has slick hands and likes to dangle the puck if given the space. Sees the ice well and finds open lanes. Always on the move creating time and space. Good acceleration and can hit top speed in just three to four strides. He is shifty due to his size and lower body strength coupled with very slippery agility. Is strong on his skates for his size and balanced making it difficult for opponents to knock him off the puck if they do get a piece of him. Slick in possession as he has the ability to weave through defenders with speed while looking for options and maintaining possession. Not the strongest physical player around but is solid and has that determination that a small forward needs to succeed. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in hard work. Will drive to the net every chance he gets to look for scoring chances, and is offensively savvy. When he sees no other options he does not hesitate to wire the puck off the goalie’s pads just to create a rebound for his teammate in front. Usually opts for his wrist shot that has a quick release and he can easily change the velocity depending on the range and need. Has good battle/compete and a motor that just keeps running.

Highlights

NHL Potential

While small, Malgin has the kind of talent that can make him effective at the NHL level. He works hard and has the skills to create a scoring line out of the third line, much like Joey Hishon has done for the Avalanche. He could also do spot duty on the top lines as his intelligence and quick thought processes give him the ability to skate with the top players.

Expected Draft Position

Because of his offensive talent and work ethic, expect Malgin to go late in the second round or top of the third.

How Denis Malgin Fits in Avalanche Organization

The Avalanche are going for big forwards now, so it’s doubtful that Malgin is on their radar. Moreover, they have a similar player in Joey Hishon who is tasked with carving his own spot on the team as it is.