Truly. Trade bait maybe.

I did read that about Bardakov. One thing I have never heard is what guys get paid in the KHL and European leagues. Sure you may be a star in Russia or Sweden, but do they live better than making $775k in the U.S. and Canada?

Russia and the KHL is really a closed system right now because of the war in Ukraine. They do not have foreign competition, other than foreigners coming to play in the KHL. It is hard to judge their talent playing against just themselves.

I completely agree with your assessment of what the KHL has become but Russians and their agents still think it’s better to develop there than in the AHL. Can’t remember where it was, but I saw a translated Bardakov interview and he told a Russian writer that he’s willing to play a few games in the AHL but his contract has an out to return to the KHL if he’s relegated to the Eagles because he can’t crack the Avs lineup as a regular. Validation that it’s perfectly fine to take flyers on Russians in later rounds but unless they’re a top of the draft “can’t miss” prospect there’s risk to draft them with valuable late 1st-3rd round selections

Right now the only Russian prospects I care about are Bardakov and Prishchepov. Bardakov is a complete unknown, but is a bit older and bigger than most of the Avs prospects. I think right now, he has the advantage of possibly being the 4C, if Drury moves up to 3C. It will be seen how he plays in camp. What I would like to see is the Avs extend PTO’s to Brett Leason and Jon Merrill, so the team has the possibility of signing some big veterans if the rookies do not pan out or the defensive pairings do not seem to work out.

It does seem bizarre, the moonlighting at forward. Unless his KHL team had a rash of injuries. Not sure why he would be playing up front? Especially when most of us would assume or have been made to believe his offensive game is much further along, & is his forte.

If he’s considered a liability defensively in the KHL. Where nobody much worries about defense. That’s a really troubling sign, even if he’s still only 21.

For you or anybody else who might know. Is there a physical component to his game? I know he’s small, but typically guys either have that tool in their toolbox or they don’t (the physicality).