Shawn Zyuzin Junior Review

[TheLastOlympian07 2,388]

Ufa, Russia - Shawn Zyuzin is the son of former NHLer and 2nd overall pick Andrei Zyuzin. Being born in Russia, Shawn had a lot of growing up to do since Andrei was away playing in the States with Calgary when Shawn was born. Andrei was a great dad when he had the time but that as the thing, he didn't have that much time being a full time hockey player to provide for his family. Things changed though after his dad retired and was able to help coach Shawn into a viable defenseman though. Instead of taking the NHL route like his father though, Shawn looks to take the VHL route which is in its 74th season.

 

Shawn started his career playing for Novoil Ufa in the Russian League 2. He was thought of so highly that he just played 17 games in the Russian League 2 scoring 3 goals and 3 assists for 6 points. He got the call to Salavat Yulaev UFA after those 17 games and put up 3 goals in 30 games. While not mind blowing, it was his defensive prowess that kept in him the Super League. Ufa though, wasn't good enough to make the playoffs.

 

The next season, Shawn improved his game to the tune of 6 goals and 3 assists for 9 points in 41 games. Shawn was developing a reputation for being a shoot first defenseman. He had a great shot but not much passing ability. If you want to think of someone, think of like Bryan McCabe maybe, a player who can man the point on the PP but not do much else.

 

In year three, Shawn worked on his passing plays and put up his best season yet with 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points. Shawn has proven to become an all around defenseman now with steady play from the backend and someone who has a decent shot and can now pass. He can play on your powerplay and penalty kill just eating up minutes. Think of Jay Bouwmeester.

 

After three non playoff seasons with UFA in the Russian Super League, Shawn is ready for a new challenge and has chosen the VHLM and his next stop. He had a choice of going to the CHL for a chance at being drafted into the NHL like his father before him. However, Shawn wants to trailblaze his own path. He thanks his dad for everything he has taught him but he is ready to be his own person. Maybe one day he will end up in the NHL but today is not that day. Today, Shawn Andrei Zyuzin decides he wants to play in the VHLM and then the VHL.