NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Alexander Dergachyov

Get to Know Alexander Dergachyov

Date of Birth: 9-27-96
Place of Birth: Langepas, RUS
Ht: 6’4” Wt: 201 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Center
Team: SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Elite Prospects:

A huge unit at around six-foot-four and two hundred pounds, Dergachyov brings a high level of skill and intelligence to the table. Plays with a lot of grittiness and is able to create scoring chances through bullying his way to the net and then exhibiting his fine puckhandling skills. Possesses a set of soft hands and a keen awareness of teammates’ positions; although an intimidating sniper in nature, Dergachyov has proven himself to be a formidable and creative playmaker. All-in-all, a sizey power forward that has all of the technical skills to be successful in his role as a scorer, and versatile in the lineup as a gritty grinder.

Last Word on Sports:

…Alexander Dergachyov…has very good hands, and can get around defenders or finish in tight to the net. His goal scoring potential is limited though. While he has a powerful shot, he needs to work on his release….Dergachyov has decent vision and playmaking ability. He protects the puck well in the cycle game, and wins board battles, which he then is able to use to create opportunities for teammates. He uses his size and his leverage well, in playing a gritty game…Dergachyov is a very good skater, especially for his size….Dergachyov shows decent agility, which combined with his good stick handling can make him a threat in one-on-one situations, whether that be off the rush, or in working the cycle game.

Future Considerations:

Dergachev [sic] is a large-framed forward who is noticeable both with his size and the way he plays on the ice. He skates very well for his size, using a long stride to catapult himself into the play as well as a good center of balance, allowing him to turn with precision. Plays a strong power game and is a beast on the puck when he gets control of it. Has strong puck handling skills and while not overly flashy, his possession and protection skills are excellent. He is a very strong man who can take on a defender with either physical or finesse. Has good passing skills and showed good cohesion with his teammates, seeing the ice well and choosing the best available pass option. Has a heavy shot, but needs to work at getting open more often to use it. He shows a good mind for his own end, committing himself to the finer details to ensure he helps in his own zone. He is excellent with his stick, taking away lanes in the d-zone while also showing a willingness to hit his opponent regularly. Hard back-checker and aggressive shot blocker…

Highlights

NHL Potential

Players like Dergachyov can always find a job in the NHL. He has a lot of flexibility in that, as a center, he can be used anywhere in the bottom six. He might even have the talent to do spot duty on the second line. The question, as it is with all Russian prospects, is whether or not the role he’d play in the NHL will satisfy him. He’ll have more lucrative offers—both in finances and playing time—in the KHL. If he wants to go to the NHL, though, he has the potential to make a career of it.

Expected Draft Position

As a big body who can play hockey rather than just be a deterrent to cheap shots, Dergachyov has some appeal as a late second- or early third-round pick. If he is on the board long, it may be due to the Russian factor.

How Prospect Fits in Avalanche Organization

While he would be an upgrade on guys like Patrick Bordeleau and Cody McLeod, the Avalanche have bigger needs to address with the second round pick. Should Dergachyov still be available in the third round, it would be worth considering him. If his game can translate at this level to the NHL, his knack for possession could really help the Avalanche.