The 6’5 Russian forward is a tremendous talent who the Pittsburgh Penguins could target in the 2023 NHL Draft.

In his most recent press conference, Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations stated the team was unlikely to move their first round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. With the amount of future impact players available, it makes sense that Kyle Dubas wants to keep the pick, but is surprising to see the Penguins selecting so high in the draft. With the 14th pick, perhaps they will select Russian forward Daniil But, who possesses one of the highest ceilings of any available prospects. 

Essentials:

2022-23 Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL & MHL)

2022-23 Stats: KHL - 15 GP, 2 G, 0 A, 2 P

MHL - 26 GP 15 G, 11 A, 26 P

Height and Weight: 6’5, 205 pounds

Position: Winger

Shoots: Right

NHL Central Scouting: 9th (among European skaters)

Elite Prospects: 24th

Player Breakdown:

But is a player that has suffered from the lack of attention and eyes on Russian prospects this past season. As a result of being barred from IIHF competition through 2024, many scouts haven’t had the time or access to fully evaluate prospects, leaving opinions split on But.

What isn’t debated is that But has an offensive game that catches your eye on every shift. He’s an incredibly skilled player, with creativity present in each play he makes. He’s a heads up, offensively driven forward, who demands the puck and creates scoring chances constantly for his team.

While he stands out as a playmaker, what really seems translatable to the NHL is his heavy and above average shooting skills. Getting a boost from his huge frame, But has a beautiful release that unleashes a hulking shot. He scored 15 goals in 26 games playing in the Russian equivalent of the AHL, and there is where his deadly shot really took shape.

An aspect of his game that he relies on to set up his shot is working off of the boards. Primarily playing as a left winger, he loves to curl in from the left wing boards and fire shots on net. With his skill and determination to get the puck on goal, It’s not hard to envision him working the left side of the power play for an NHL team in the near future. He projects to be a second line winger who has 25 goal potential at the NHL level, with 30+ goals attainable if everything comes together.

An added bonus to his size is his reach. While he’s not defensively inclined, he’s able to lift the opponent’s stick with strength and ease for a turnover. He also utilizes his reach often in the offensive zone, shielding the puck from defenders or working wrap around opportunities from behind the net.

What Needs to Improve:

But’s offensive game is beyond impressive, but something that still needs improvement is his skating. He’s an average to above average skater currently, but he’ll need to level it up to impact the NHL game. In the offensive zone, it doesn’t stand out as a problem. He’s able to utilize his stride to protect the puck and open shooting lanes. Where you notice his skating deficiencies is in transition. He lacks a top gear that can separate him from defenders, and when he accelerates his stride can look awkward and uneven. So much of his game depends on him having space to make a play, and adding that top speed will give him more time and space to do that.

It also stands out that But is not a very physical player. He wants to create offense, make clean passes, and rip shots on net, but he doesn’t fully use his size to his advantage. While he’s aware enough to use his reach to keep defenders at bay, he can be even more forceful towards the net if he played with more physicality and aggression. With less time and ice to work with in North America, But will need to develop that part of his game to become a more complete player.

NHL Player Comparison: Tage Thompson

NHL ETA: 2027

When will But be in the NHL? It’s hard to say. Under contract through 2025 with his KHL team, he won’t be in an NHL lineup until the start of the 2025-2026 season at the earliest. Even then, he may need some time to adjust to the game style in North America before making the jump to the NHL. To be safe, 2027 feels like enough time for him to be a productive player.

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!

Penguins Unlikely to Buyout Mikael Granlund

Penguins Will Likely Keep First Round Pick

Chad Ruhwedel Is Underappreciated by the Penguins

Penguins Announce Pre-Season Schedule, Game in Nova Scotia

Three Splash Trades for the Penguins

• undefined
• undefined