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Track: spectacular SPECTACULAR - RUD Music Provided by Magic Records Listen To The Original: Free Download: Elite Prospects: Rodion Amirov (born 2 October 2001) is a Russian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He is eligible for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Observations May 2020 – Amirov spent the 2019-20 season playing in all three of the major Russian leagues, the KHL, VHL, and MHL. Offensively, Amirov is a threat in open ice, as he is shifty and can skate well for his size. He isn’t a quick skater by any means, but he does move with great agility and edgework to create space for himself. With the puck on his stick, he is patient to make plays and doesn’t rush passes or low danger shots in areas where other players may panic and lose possession. When Amirov isn’t in control of the puck in the offensive zone, he works hard to get into open areas for passing options. Once he gets the puck in an open dangerous area, he, more likely than not, will put the puck on net. At the MHL level this season, he averaged five shots per game, the second highest shots-per-game number in the league. Amirov finished the MHL season with 10 goals in 17 games played and they were all a result of his offensive positioning and smooth skating in the zone. His shot is one of his best offensive weapons because of his quick release and deadly accuracy. Some concerns arise regarding his KHL production this year, picking up only two points in 21 games played in a relatively big role for the team. There are things in Amirov’s game that limited his ability to produce at the highest level – strength and pure speed mostly – however, he picked himself up and produced very well in the VHL. Amirov is touted as one of the best two-way players in the draft, and he lives up to the hype. He isn’t a physical presence on the ice, in fact, his physicality and strength are two of his biggest downsides. But he does have excellent positioning in the defensive zone. Amirov covers passing and shooting lanes effectively and is great at creating turnovers that lead to breakouts for his team. In the MHL, he displayed his ability to quickly switch gears from defense to offense as soon as his team gained control of the puck. He shies away from board battles, but puts himself in open space for his teammates to use him as an outlet pass. At the KHL level, his defensive impact was slightly more subdued due to his lack of physical play, but the KHL is a difficult league to play in for young players. Amirov played 21 KHL games this season for Salavat Yulaev, and next year he will likely be spending the entire season with them. Dylan Griffing
