Claimed:Evgeni Turakov signs with Ottawa [1/2]

[Wilson 25]

There was a new signing that occurred mid-season as it was announced earlier this week, young Russian goal scorer Evgeni Turakov has declared himself eligible to join the VHL. Turakov was offered and accepted a contract of $2,000,000 to join Ottawa for the remainder of the season and has since suited up for 2 games, having a minimal impact but registering 3 hits and a rating of +1.

 

Although his potential may not be realized during his time in Ottawa, Turakov is expected to be a high level goal scorer. Coming by way of Russia, Evgeni spent the last 2 seasons in the JHL suiting up for MHC Spartak, Turakov netted 12 goals in 32 games in his first year before showing more promise and netting 35 goals in 40 games the following season.

 

Evgeni Turakov has very strong hockey bloodlines and was somewhat of a surprise to his family that he decided to join the VHL in spite of the fact that his older brother, Dimitri, is the All-Time leading scorer in the Premier Hockey League. Evgeni would’ve been eligible to join this year’s draft class in the PHL and would have been one of the most highly touted prospects.

 

 

However, a chance to potentially be drafted into a European franchise drew his interest and was one of the deciding factors in Turakov’s decision. His current landing spot in Canada has the young sniper excited however. We spoke to him briefly before he made his flight to Canada with the use of a translator.

 

“I have never been outside of Russia so this a good chance to see how I like it. Maybe I don’t like it or maybe I will. We shall see but I just want to play hockey. Ottawa gives me that chance. Very happy to get there.”

 

Turakov’s skillset revolves around his foot speed and agility being used to allow himself to generated scoring chances which is where his real ability shines which is putting the puck in the net. Dimitri Turakov has scored over 500 goals (regular season and playoffs combined) in his time in the PHL and his younger brother looks to step out of his shadow and make a legacy for himself here in the VHL.

“It would be difficult to go into the PHL and not feel the pressure because of what he was able to accomplish. I want to be my own player so I decided to take a different route to allow myself to do that. I might not be in Ottawa for long but I want to make an impact. I’ll go to whatever team wants me but I just want to show people what I’m capable of.”

Edited January 7, 2017 by Wilson

[Jericho 917]

Claimed

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

Great article.

I hope Turakov becomes a legit star in the VHL.

Love the name too.