MIKHAIL LOSPENOV - SCOUTING REPORT

[Gretzky didnt lift da puck 53]

 

MIKHAIL LOSPENOV

Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (MHL)

 

Report Compiled By: Grant LaRoque (fmr. SD Marlins scout)

 

PROFILE

Position: Forward
Shoots: Right
Height / Weight: 6’3, 187 lbs
Born: August 7, 2003 | Penza, RU
Nation: Russia

 

REPORT

Lospenov is a speedy, agile, forward who has proven himself a scoring threat against same-level competition and beyond. A no-brainer for the Lokomotiv top-6 moving forward, Lospenov carries himself with a professional attitude. While he has been able to crack the senior line-up for his club, he has the potential to far exceed what the KHL can offer him, hence the desire and necessity to enter the VHLM.

 

It is no secret that the Lospenov name carries a hefty burden on Mikhail, especially since his brother, Vanek, recently called it quits after just a 4 ½ year career with the San Diego Marlins. The world has already seen that the younger of the Lospenovs carries himself with a class and authority, unlike his older sibling, but the noise is still there, and all eyes are on Mikhail Lospenov’s every move.

 

SKATING

Lospenov can blow by anyone who gets caught sleeping on the defensive side of the puck. To put it plainly, the kid is fast, really fast. His edgework is pristine amongst junior competition, but he leaves more to be desired when trying to craft his way into the slot. Speed can get him there, but the swift movements leave him vulnerable to being caught off balance. Luckily for a team that pick him, that is coachable.

 

SHOOTING/PLAYMAKING

The question isn’t if Lospenov can score, but rather how many can he score? A lethal shot, accompanied by the speed that he possesses, makes for a nearly unstoppable offensive lamp-lighter in Lospenov. The range on this kid’s shot is unbelievable, showing steady climb and velocity even from the top corner of the blue line. A simple cutback into a middle-ice lane, and you can already start inking up your score sheet.

 

The drawback, he’s not great in-tight. He’s big, he’s strong, but he’s timid. Any coach should focus on contact drills and get this kid comfortable with a net-side battle. Do that, and its game over.

 

 HOCKEY SENSE

Lospenov has hockey in his blood. While his brother may have been more into off-ice tactics, Mikhail is all about the ice. He sees the game like very few can. Finding open lanes is one thing, anticipating them and making the dish before it even appears is what sets Lospenov apart.

 

Bottom line: This kid is a hockey player.

 

 PROJECTION

Lospenov has what it takes to be a top-6 VHL star someday. Scratch that; A top-line VHL star. His development is on pace to see him make the show in no-time and make an immediate impact when he does.