Nikita Gusev

"Nikita Gusev is a very fast player which plays a typical Russian style. He likes to play a finesse kind of game, leaving thus more than a question mark about the translation of his style to North America. He makes thing happen with his excellent speed. If left unchecked in the neutral zone he has all it takes to get on a breakaway and trick out the goalie with one of his fancy moves. He can be lethal on breakaways and his speed and technique might force defensemen to play more deep in the own zone. He has also a very good reading of the ice, even if he isn’t a pure playmaker. Unfortunately he doesn’t tie his offensive skills with an equal defensive ability. He needs to be less passive back in the zone and has to keep his feet moving even if the other team has the puck. Gusev also needs to fill his frame as now he isn’t physically ready to play pro hockey." (RussianProspect.com)