The jump from the Russian juniors to the KHL is no joke so for an 18-year-old forward like Nikita Artamonov to have been a productive piece for Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in his first season is saying something.
Artamonov had seven goals and 23 points while averaging 14:00 minutes in 54 KHL games for Torpedo this past season.
The 5-foot-11 left winger has a good skillset and scouts are high on his intelligence and hockey senses
“(Artamonov) might be the smartest Russian in this draft, and that’s saying something,” one scout told The Hockey News. “This guy’s sense is really good, and he has really good compete.”
Artamonov has good hands too able to move pucks quickly in tight and with a quick release to boot.
But what makes the 18-year-old even more appealing for the Carolina Hurricanes is his forechecking ability.
Here's what Nick Bass of CanesProspects had to say:
-"Artamonov’s calling is his forecheck. He’s relentless, always finding that extra gear in his motor to keep the defenders in check. He’s also adept at winning the puck battles, coming away from the boards with the puck more times than not."
However, there are worries over his overall skating ability, but the thought is his overall hockey sense more than makes up for it.
“He’s one of those guys people won’t know who will probably go higher than people think,” another scout told The Hockey News. “Some team might get a steal.”
What are the experts saying?
Steven Ellis (Daily Faceoff): "Artamonov became one of my favorite wingers due to his high-end hockey IQ and his ability to get into scoring positions. Artamonov stepped into KHL duty and immediately started producing, which is something very few scouts expected after watching him last year. His energetic motor is noticeable, even if he’s just an average skater at best. He’s not a big kid, but he battles so hard and plays a nice physical game. That dog-on-a-bone mentality, mixed in with his hockey IQ, makes him an exciting option."
Scott Wheeler (The Athletic): "Artamonov's a skilled and spatially aware left-shot right winger who plays the game to get open and apply pressure when the puck gets to him with his quick hands and good feel for the game. He knows who he is and how to best fit into a line, he plays within himself, and he allows the game — and the play — to come to him."
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