Ht/Wt: 6' 0"/210 lbs
Position: LW
Team: Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

Valentin Zykov's Player Profile

Zykov was one of this season's biggest surprises. He did not come into the QMJHL as an elite scoring prospect, but he really flourished at Baie-Comeau. He is a skilled player, showing nice touch with the puck. He is able to make plays in tight spaces, flashing high-end skill at times. He can distribute the puck at a quality level, showing quick decision-making, with good offensive instincts. Zykov's intriguing element is his physicality. He is quite strong for a U-18 player, and he is proficient at shielding the puck and driving the net. He works hard, he will backcheck, and he can lay some crushing hits. His skating is an area of concern. A few sources describe him as a good skater, but a few that I trust believe he is clearly below average.
Submitted by: Corey Pronman of Hockey Prospectus. Click here for Pronman's draft rankings

Physical winger who plays an untraditional power forward style for a Russian player… Uses his big frame to drive the net and create havoc for the opposition… Possesses a good shot and above average puck skills… Will be difficult to pass up in the 1st round.
Submitted by: The Scouting Report

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