2011 NHL Draft Prospect Profile #25: Alexander Khokhlachev

Position: Left Wing
Age: 17
Date of Birth: September 9th, 1993
Place of Birth: Moscow, Russia
Ht: 5-10 Wt: 188
Shoots: Left

Khokhlachev is a wing/center for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. He's an offensive forward who has game-breaking ability, but is no slouch in his own end. At the junior level he is a point-per-game player, and has the ability to do the same in the pros. He's undersized, and tends to avoid contact. When I've seen him play he reminds me of Maxim Afinogenov, with the exception of the latter's non-existence in the defensive zone. The concern for me is that he will be a perimeter player, and the rigors of the NHL may make him a prime candidate to return to Russia to forge his career. That said, he has shown commitment to North America, as evident by making the move to Windsor to play in Canadian junior. If he can become more involved physically, he will have a succesful NHL career as a second line offensive threat, dominant on the powerplay.

2010/2011 Regular Season Stats:

Scouting Report (The Scouting Report):

A dynamic Russian forward who has been a consistent offensive performer all season long. He’s got very good offensive creativity and has the ability to really break down a defense with his stickhandling ability and elusiveness. Prone to disappearing at times, but when he’s on his game, he has the ability to take it over. Especially dangerous on the powerplay when given time and space. Strength is a bit of a concern as he can be neutralized by physicality. Could certainly be a riser in the second half.

Scouting Report (Dan Sallows)

Khokhlachev can do it all, as he has tremendous skating ability, a very accurate shot, is a fantastic playmaker, and is responsible defensively as well. He is almost a carbon copy of his idol, former NHLer Sergei Fedorov.

Why he'd be a good fit in Columbus:

Given Columbus' history with drafting Russians, it's highly unlikely that they would use their first round pick on Khokhlachev. I have to admit though, he reminds me of Maksim Mayorov in his draft year. Mayorov was a first round talent, but slipped in the draft. Howson was convinced by the scouts to trade three fifth round picks to Dallas for their fourth rounder, where they grabbed Mayorov. A couple of seasons later, Mayorov is still in North America, on the cusp of making the NHL full-time. If Khokhlachev slips, a mid-round pick would be good value from a Columbus perspective given the reduced risk. If he were to join the organization he would become one of the top offensive prospects in the organization, and would be a solid second line winger down the road.

Khokhlachev in Action: