Defender of Nizhny Novgorod “Torpedo” Anton Silaev told what he thought about scouting audiences ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, and also named the Tampa hockey player Victor Hedman favorite player at his position.
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.
—Are you surprised by your high position in the rankings before the draft?
— It’s different on all lists. Somewhere they place it at the top, somewhere at the bottom. I spoke with Igor Nikolaevich Larionov (Torpedo coach – Editor’s note) about these notes. He explained everything and was clear: this is only preliminary. A lot can change between now and the draft. So there’s a lot of work to do on my skating, my technique and my thinking about the game. We don’t look at those lists, but move on.
— You have a contract with Torpedo until 2026. Do you see yourself having two more seasons in the KHL? What are the objectives ?
— You must become a leader in Torpedo. Getting stronger and better every year.
— Is there a lot of enthusiasm around you? A band of scouts?
“On weekends, they call me, send me forms and ask me to fill them out. I communicate with everyone. Open to everyone. I was ready for this and I took it calmly.
— Is it true that the 32 NHL clubs are interested in you?
— Conversations are ongoing via agent Alexei Dementyev, but some clubs are already in contact with me. They ask you to fill out forms. This is a common practice that I have become accustomed to.
— Are power movements your specialty? Or do you prefer not to waste your time on hits?
— I start from the opposing players themselves. In some places you can play with your stick by taking the puck, but in others it is better to hit the body. As a big defenseman with good skating, I should take advantage of it. If the points don’t come, you have to play good defense to help your team.
— Who is your favorite guy among famous defenders?
—Victor Hedman of Tampa. I didn’t communicate with him, but he said hello and wished me good luck, ”Silaev said for .
In the 2023/24 season, Silaev played 68 games in the KHL regular season and playoffs, scored three goals and provided 10 assists.
The NHL Draft will take place on June 28-29 in Paradise, Nevada, United States.
Source : MatchTV
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