Avalanche selects Shamil Shmakov 202nd overall

The Colorado Avalanche polished off their 2018 NHL Draft class with another Russian player, this time mammoth goaltender Shamil Shmakov.

The third player selected from the MHL in this class alone, it’s clear the Avalanche are no longer afraid of drafting deep into Russia and trying to convince a player to come across the pond. Their recent ability to bring Andrei Mironov and Igor Shvyrev over speaks to their budding Russian prospect pipeline while they continue to boast several more Russians on the NHL roster.

Aside from all of that, Shmakov was the second goaltender selected by the Avalanche this year, following the selection of Justus Annunen 64th overall. The 18-year-old boasts incredible size at 6’6″ and 190 pounds.

Shmakov posted an impressive .932 save percentage and 2.03 goals-against-average in 51 MHL games this season for Siberskie Snaipery Novosibirsk, which was good for sixth and 15th in the league, respectively.

Not much else is known about Shmakov beyond his size and some who believe his control needs some significant work. We’ll try to get more on this mystery man when the Avalanche (hopefully) introduce him with the rest of the draft class next Thursday.

There is this:

Biggest wild card I saw this year in net was a D+1 in Russia Shamil Shmakov. 6'6" who played like Tim Thomas. If he can refine his game a bit and stay under a bit more control, he could be one to watch.

Frolunda's U18 goalie Erik Portillo is interesting. Could take a flyer late.

— Will Scouch (@Scouching) June 14, 2018