Feb 10, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; Russia forward
Alex Ovechkin(8) and forward
Ilya Kovalchuk(71) smile as they wait to take a team photo during a training session in advance of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games at Bolshoy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Sergei Plotnikov
What do we know about Sergei Plotnikov at this point? Well, a whole lot of nothing. So, who’s a better candidate for a breakout season in North America?
What we do know is that Plotnikov brings skill, size, and toughness that the Pittsburgh Penguins have needed severely. I’m not talking about fighting, though he does have a few of those on his fight card, but rather his ability to play a hard game and wreak havoc in front of the opponent’s net.
Many scouting reports have him comparable to Patric Hornqvist, but bigger and meaner. He’s slated to play alongside Malkin by most as of right now, but we’ll have to see where he ends up after camp based on his style of play and how ready he is for NHL action. If his KHL performance is any indication of what he brings to the table, he could turn out to be one of the most important acquisitions for the Pens from this summer.
Next: Olli Maatta