Agent of the defender “Torpedo” Anton Silaeva Alexey Dementyev told how the hockey player is preparing for the NHL rookie draft in June.
Silaev, 18, took first place in the 2024 NHL Draft rankings among players not playing in North America. Second was SKA-1946 striker Ivan Demidov, with the top three completed by Finnish Jukurit striker Konsta Helenius. Dynamo Moscow forward Igor Chernyshov is on the ninth line.
— What do you think about the fact that Anton took first place in the Central Recruitment Bureau’s ranking of players who do not play abroad?
“It’s great that Anton’s talent is so appreciated.” But we must not fall into the idea that everything is over. On the contrary, everything is just beginning. And these are just the loans that Anton receives. It is important that he understands this completely. The work ahead is impressive, and there is still much to do.
Tampa star guard Victor Hedman congratulates him.
– Yes, they communicate. My North American partner Peter Wallin represents Hedman’s interests. And here everything is individual. Anton is similar in type to Victor. There are some differences, but consider that Hedman is 15 years older. He is a more experienced hockey player. And so, they are similar in terms of play and productivity and understanding of hockey and position choice. Although Igor Larionov said that Anton’s play reminded him in places of Nicklas Lidström.
— Silaev scored 3 (0+3) points in 10 MHL playoff games and Chaika was eliminated in the Kharlamov Cup semifinals. Is it true that he competed with an injury?
“However, there was pain in the knee joint. Post-traumatic things like a femoral hematoma, and that has diminished. The procedures were ongoing, but Anton knew he could help the team. He did his best no matter what. Although he couldn’t play, he said he was injured. Everyone saw it and knew it. However, he went on the ice and helped the team as much as possible. Showed his fighting qualities.
— Is Silaev going to the repechage?
— Yes, in the near future we will go to an interview for an American visa. Everything is already planned. We hope everything works out.
— He should be selected among the first 5 of the draft.
— You can’t make any guesses, but there are very big prerequisites for this.
— What are his plans for the summer?
— First of all, you have to pass the exams at school. Anton is very attentive to this. It turns out that the exams of the Unified State Exam fall at a time when “combined” physical tests for beginners will be held in the United States. That’s why Anton doesn’t go: school exams are more important! But he can attend the ceremony itself. Other things will depend on the draft, which NHL team is chosen and their plans. But everything is in agreement with the management “Torpedo” “, because the contract in the KHL is valid for two more years,” Dementyev told .
In the 2023/24 season, Silaev played 68 games in the KHL regular season and playoffs, scored three goals and provided 10 assists.
Source : MatchTV
I’m Emma Smith, a dedicated journalist and avid storyteller. I have been writing for news websites for the past 5 years, reporting on hockey news and delivering in-depth analysis of the sport. In my current role as Author at Athletistic, I write about hockey events from around the world to keep followers up-to-date with what’s happening in the sport.
