Boston Bruins: Defense prospect selected to Russia’s WJC camp

Boston Bruins’ prospect, defenseman Roman Bychkov, has been selected to Russia’s World Junior Classic camp.

Boston Bruins‘ prospect Roman Bychkov has been selected to attend the World Junior Classic camp of Russia. Bychkov was selected by the Bruins in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

At just 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, Bychkov is a smaller defenseman. However, he is still just 19 years old and still has some time to get a bit taller and put on some muscle.

Since 2017-18, Bychkov has played primarily in Russia’s junior league (the MHL) with the Loko Yaroslavl (Lokomotiv’s MHL team).

Over this time, the young blueliner has suited up for 122 MHL games and has scored 45 points (nine goals, 36 assists). In addition, Bychkov has played four MHL playoff games but has been unable to register a point.

So far in 2020-21, Bychkov has yet to play a game in the MHL. Instead, he is playing with the Buran Voronezh of the VHL, Russia’s minor league.

So far for Voronezh, the Yaroslavl, Russia native has suited up for 20 games. In those 20 games, Bychkov has recorded four points (one goal, three assists). Additionally, he seems to be having an issue with penalties as he already has 31 penalty minutes.

However, Bychkov’s four points are actually the most among defensemen on Voronezh. His four points are actually among the top 10 on the team. That just shows you that Voronezh isn’t very good and might explain why Bychkov has more penalties and a bad plus/minus (+/-) of -12.

What does this invitation mean for Roman Bychkov?

The fact that Bychkov was invited to Russia’s WJC camp means that Russia views Bychkov as one of the best among his age group.

If Bychkov ultimately makes Russia’s final WJC roster and has a good tournament, it could ultimately skyrocket him up the B’s prospect depth chart.

If this happens, Bychkov could prove to be a steal of a pick with him being selected late in the 2019 draft in the fifth round.