Igor Chernyshov

Skating:

I think Chernyshov has improved at getting faster and more mobile from last season, having more confidence in his skating ability and being active in transition. He's not the fastest guy out there but he's incredibly mobile and active all over the ice, with and without the puck.

Passing/Handling:

Chernyshov is a very smart passer and has good awareness to spot teammates in open space or tough shots, with good stickhandling to create for others. Chernyshov has very strong puck control and good calmness with the puck, a big reason he's been comfortable playing in the KHL.

Shooting:

Chernyshov has a good net presence, knowing where to be to be setup for a goal. He plays a more complimentary game than being the main-guy but he seems to have more of a tendency to take scoring options he'd offer away in the past. Perhaps in the future as he becomes a proper KHL regular that he'll fully embrace being a consistent scoring weapon. He's much more of a goalscorer in the MHL, so the idea he could take a major numbers jump in the future as a pro is a real possibility.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Chernyshov has refined a good bit of his game and his IQ looks a lot stronger because of it. What he seems gotten much better at is player tracking in transition. Chernyshov become very good at analyzing OZ entries and knowing when to pull back or engage, where in the past he'd go all-in. He looks much more ready to react with his brain rather than his size.

Forechecking:

Defense:

Chernyshov has shown more poise as a defender in the KHL as of recent, being able to put pressure on opponents. He's not afraid to play physical along the boards or pokecheck faster players, with shows his level or confidence. The fact that he's willing to be intimidating can go a long way for him.

Best Asset:

Chernyshov's best asset is that he seems to improve more, rebounding from what seemed like a mixed start earlier in the year. Based on how he's looked against two strong teams in SKA and CSKA, it wouldn't be a surprise if Chernyshov continues to improve and takes a big leap from now until the end of the season.

Biggest Concern:

Chernyshov has the ability to do a lot, but doesn't always seem to use those skills. Part of his numbers can be chalked up to getting less than 10 minutes a night in the KHL, but it seems there's always more he can do offensively, and still hasn't taken over in ways he's shown in Junior. The way he plays and the compete level he has, even with the low minutes it seems Chernyshov should have slightly better numbers, but he needs to show he's ready to take on those chances to get points and create offense.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Chernyshov has the size and compete to be a decent middle-six winger, as high as the 2nd line, with 15-20 Goals and 45-55 PTS, along with good defensive metrics.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

Chernyshov is more than comfortable playing in the KHL, but could really pop off in the future with more minutes. He has a strong game full of tools in his arsenal that have the potential of being unlocked long-term. As he's shown growth in areas of his game he's needed to work on, it's possible Chernyshov can take major leaps.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

3rd line Winger with 10-15 Goals and 35-45 Points with decent Defensive metrics

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Chernyshov has shown he can play against pros, but the question is if his numbers can improve with more of an opportunity? At the very least, Chernyshov has the size (6'2) and mobility to play in the NHL in the bottom-six, but I'm not sure if he's a PK or PP guy at his average, which if so would potentially add 5-10 extra PTS to his totals.

Stylistic Comparable:

Anthony Mantha with average speed

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Chernyshov seems like a strong candidate for the first round being 6'2 and close to 200lbs with good offensive awareness and a physical checking game that will impress scouts. He's continued to showcase flashes of being a strong two-way talent but needs to show some results on the scoresheet. Doesn't seem like a lottery pick, but a valuable pickup in the late-teens-20's.