Boston Bruins Prospect Spotlight: Alexander Khokhlachev
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Alexander Khokhlachev is a great example of a prospect who suffers from the deep center depth that the Boston Bruins possess. Recently graduated prospect Ryan Spooner was finally able to break the lineup during the 2014-15 season after being drafted in the second round of the 2010 NHL draft, 45th overall, only one year earlier than Alexander Khokhlachev who was selected in the second round of the 2011 NHL draft, 40th overall. Alexander Khokhlachev could see playing time on the wing in Boston, although the depth at the winger position is also starting to pile up in Boston as well.
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Alexander Khokhlachev is an offensive-minded player who excels at carrying the puck, passing the puck, and scoring. The young Russian forward has very good vision and is able to deceive opposing defenders into making the wrong moves, opening the ice for a pass or a breakaway. One of the more desirable traits of an NHL forward is their willingness to go into the dirty areas of the ice and play a complete game. The Boston Bruins are becoming notorious for weaning out the players who don’t play well with coach Claude Julien‘s system. With a quick release, goal-scoring comes naturally to Khokhlachev, who is a constant threat to finish if given the opportunity.
As is the case with just about every younger player in the league, positive aspect of their game does not come without negative ones as well. Whether it’s on the wing, or at center, Khokhlachev will need to do a better job at keeping an eye on his man and reading plays. Back-checking is very important to Claude Julien, which is why it took Ryan Spooner so long to finally graduate to the big club. His skating could use some work to truly develop that defensive edge, as changing directions in mid-stride is something that he struggles with, and again, back-checking is not his strong suit.
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Khokhlachev has all the tools to be a great offensive forward with decent defensive awareness though, as his top-speed is encouraging, while changing direction isn’t great, he is still able to stop on a dime to make a deke to get into the open ice. With the ability to stop so suddenly and trick defenders, translating that talent into defensive skating shouldn’t be that difficult if he trains hard with the Bruins skating coaches, and even players like Patrice Bergeron, Loui Eriksson, Chris Kelly, Brad Marchand, and David Krejci
Alexander Khokhlachev looks like the type of player that can light up the opposing teams on a consistent basis, it’s only a matter of when, and at which position. Khokhlachev is nearing the age where a breakout year is necessary to prove that his progression is going according to plan, and he could be a dark-horse for a roster spot this season with the Boston Bruins.