NHL Draft Prospect Report: Mikhail Gulyayev

Mikhail Gulyayev is a top prospect in the 2023 NHL draft, known for his exceptional skills as a defenseman. The Russian-born player has impressed scouts and coaches with his ability to control the game from the blue line. Let’s discuss some of Gulyayev's best attributes as a defenseman.

What makes Mikhail Gulyayev such a remarkable player? Here are just a few of his best attributes:

Defensive Awareness

Mikhail Gulyayev's greatest strength as a defenseman is his defensive awareness. He has a great sense of positioning and can anticipate where the play is going, making it difficult for opposing players to get past him. He's always looking to break up plays and create turnovers, and his physical play is also an asset. He's not afraid to throw his body around and use his size to his advantage.

Skating Ability

Mikhail Gulyayev is an excellent skater, and this is another attribute that sets him apart from other defensemen. He has great speed and can quickly transition from defense to offense. His agility and mobility allow him to pivot and change direction quickly, making it difficult for forwards to get past him. He's also able to rush the puck up the ice and create scoring opportunities.

"He’s a commanding offensive defenceman who is at his best when he’s looking to take charge with his feet. And while we don’t often see smaller non-Quinn Hughes defenceman taken as high as I have him ranked here, he doesn’t play small and I like his game at both ends of the ice because of his mobility and the way he reads the play."- Scott Wheeler (The Athletic)

Puck Handling

Mikhail Gulyayev's puck handling skills are impressive for a defenseman. He has great stickhandling abilities and can control the puck with ease. He's also able to make accurate passes to his teammates and set up scoring chances. He's not afraid to carry the puck into the offensive zone and create plays himself, which adds another dimension to his game.

“Transitional defenceman who can break pucks out on his own. His hands resemble a skilled forward."- Sam Cosentino (Sportsnet)

Shot Blocking

Shot blocking is a crucial aspect of a defenseman's game, and Gulyayev excels in this area. He's willing to put his body on the line to block shots and prevent scoring opportunities. His positioning and timing are impeccable, and he can get in front of shots without giving up his position or leaving his teammates vulnerable.

Currently projected to the Montreal Canadiens, Mikhail Gulyayev is a talented defenseman with a bright future ahead of him. His defensive awareness, skating ability, puck handling, and shot blocking make him a well-rounded player and a valuable asset to any team.

He has the potential to become a top-tier NHL defenseman, and it will be exciting to see where he ends up in the 2023 draft.