Valentin Zykov

[quantaloup]

I'd be curious to hear your opinions on that guy. Most goals in the AHL last season with 33. 54 pts in 63 games.

Then went on with 7 pts in 10 GP in the NHL.

Real deal? Mirage?

For those who saw him play, who would he compare to? What's your prediction for the next 2 years?

[Cdot588]

Real deal for sure and will most likely get a spot in the lineup this year (likely bottom 6 unless skinner is moved but should see pp time). Im hesitant putting a prediction on him because a lot of it depends on Skinner's future with the team. He won't play ahead of Svechnikov or Aho, so he will likely fill Skinner's role once he's gone (if he leaves). I would put a ceiling on him this year of 20 goals-50 points, but after that I see him as a 60 point guy if he can get 2nd line mins and top pp time.

[ericdaoust]

What does real deal mean???

[DocMcPuffin]

What does real deal mean???

Perhaps it means he's a legit NHL player? My guess anyway. I've read up on him and overall it's been pretty positive. Middle 6 potential I believe is what he's been projected at.

[quantaloup]

What does real deal mean???

NHL fantasy-relevant player, for now.

[rtstr]

What does real deal mean???

Pretty common phrase. You know what he's asking, no reason to play semantics for the sake of it. By "real deal" he's asking if his production is truly representative of his upside as an NHL player.

I like Zykov, I think he's pretty underrated in most circles. Cdot's post is a good analysis, albeit a little more promising than what I'd say. It's hard enough for anyone on the Canes to score a lot so few players are a safe bet for 60. Time will tell how things net out with the young guys in their forward group, but Zykov clearly has skill and potential so he's one to watch.

[ericdaoust]

NHL fantasy-relevant player, for now.

Fantasy relevant, in deep leagues. I don't think he'll be anything special.

- - - Updated - - -

Pretty common phrase. You know what he's asking, no reason to play semantics for the sake of it. By "real deal" he's asking if his production is truly representative of his upside as an NHL player.

[Daydream Nation]

Pretty common phrase. You know what he's asking, no reason to play semantics for the sake of it. By "real deal" he's asking if his production is truly representative of his upside as an NHL player.

I like Zykov, I think he's pretty underrated in most circles. Cdot's post is a good analysis, albeit a little more promising than what I'd say. It's hard enough for anyone on the Canes to score a lot so few players are a safe bet for 60. Time will tell how things net out with the young guys in their forward group, but Zykov clearly has skill and potential so he's one to watch.

Agreed. I like Zykov's upside and I think he has a decent chance at getting a top 6 role. He gets a lot of greasy goals and is good in tight. I could see him being effective on the PP too. Real deal for a prospect!!

[Poutine]

Zykov mostly played with Aho and Teravainen in his brief NHL stint, and they really gelled well together. Who knows what Brind'Amour will do with the lines, though.

[c4rdsh4rk]

from what ive seen in the way he plays and scores pts it looks like he can produce early on. i wouldnt be surprised at a 40 pt rookie season with 50 in the next couple and maybe 60pt ceiling. carolina should start to produce more goals very soon and zykov looks to be a part of it. still needs to prove himself and could end up stuck at 20-30 pts.

[rtstr]

another swing and another miss!

[masterjeff]

And what about now that Skinner is gone?

[agentzero]

I'm holding my expectations in check. Yes, he did great in the AHL, but this will be a trying year for the Canes. I don't expect a splash beyond 45-50 pts. I need to see more at the NHL to project something more than that.

[RizzeeDizzee]

He's one of those players who'll get 50+ points on not even 30 this season, with almost no chance of something in between.

[butch]

he's been sitting on my farm team in a few leagues doing exactly what I'd hope a prospect would do which is to continue positive progress in their development .

I'm happy keeping him as a planted seed for now