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Drafted in the second round (44th overall) of the 2014 OHL Priority Draft Boris Katchouk found it tough to crack a stacked Sault Ste Marie lineup as a 16-year-old, as he played only 12 games for the club, spending most of the year with the Junior A Soo Thunderbirds. Things changed this past season though, as graduations opened up not just a spot in the lineup, but a spot in the team’s top six. Katchouk took full advantage with 24 goals and 27 assists for 51 points in 63 games for the Greyhounds. He also added six goals and 10 points in the playoffs. Katchouk was named an OHL Second Team All-Rookie. Once the Greyhounds were eliminated, he joined Team Canada at the Under 18 World Championships in North Dakota, putting up one goal and one assist in five games. Katchouk also played for Team Orr at the 2016 CHL Top Prospects game. Canadian-born, Katchouk has Russian heritage and was drafted by HK Sochi in the 2015 KHL Draft (round 4 #94 overall).
Boris Katchouk Scouting Report: 2016 NHL Draft #36
Left Wing — shoots Left
Born Jun 18 1998 — Waterloo, ONT
Height 6’01” — Weight 179 lbs [185 cm / 81 kg]
Boris Katchouk plays a very simple but effective game. He is quick to get in on the forecheck and creates pressure on defenders going back to retrieve the puck. He is physical along the boards, looking to finish his checks on those defencemen. He has the willingness to battle in the corners and get himself in front of the net. Katchouk is strong on the cycle, using his body to effectively shield defenders away from the puck. He has a good wrist shot and decent release. He can also score on tip ins and deflections. Katchouk could use some work on his stickhandling. He is not likely to get around defenders or create space with a number of fancy moves, or to be overly creative in setting up an opponent. He does get assists by retrieving loose pucks and making the smart, simple play to an open teammate.
Katchouk has decent speed, allowing him to play that strong forechecking game. He shows very good acceleration, and the ability to quickly change speeds, allowing him to get by defenders with his change of pace. His agility is good as well. Katchouk also has good balance and power in his stride at the junior level, but could stand to improve that area of his game before he heads to the next level.
Boris Katchouk plays a strong defensive game. He brings his tenacity and his grit to his own end of the ice, where he is willing to engage in board battles and fight for loose pucks. He supplies back pressure, and supports the defence down low when necessary. Katchouk is not afraid to get out on his point man and block shots either. His defensive awareness and hockey IQ are well advanced for a 17-year-old.
The biggest question about Katchouk is his ultimate upside. There is some question if he will have the offence to develop into a top six winger, or if he will become a checking forward in the bottom six. His offensive game did make strides as the OHL season went along, but there is still a ways to go for him. Katchouk is willing to play a strong defensive game, and take on a grinding role, so even if his scoring does not translate at the next level, he could still develop into a third liner. In terms of syle, Katchouk’s game is reminiscent of Dustin Brown. This is a stylistic comparison only though, and not one based on talent.
The following is a compilation of Boris Katchouk highlights, taken from youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the #37 prospect on our NHL Draft board.
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