The Colorado Avalanche could possibly draft Mikhail Sergachev in the 2016 NHL Draft. Sergachev is a skilled two-way defenseman with a high ceiling for offensive ability.
Embed from Getty Images
It’s time to continue our draft profiles for the Colorado Avalanche.
Up next, is Mikhail Sergachev, an extremely talented two-way defenseman who will get exponentially better as he continues to grow and age.
The Colorado Avalanche are going to be drafting at No. 10 overall in this summer’s draft barring any trade for the Edmonton Oiler’s fourth pick, which should certainly not be ruled out.
Related Story: Colorado Avalanche Should Solicit Edmonton's Fourth Pick
However, for the sake of these profiles, we’ll stick to the tenth pick for the Colorado Avalanche during this year’s draft, which will take place June 24-25 at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York.
Mikhail Sergachev is a Russian born defenseman currently inhabiting a spot in the top ten rankings for the draft this summer.
He is also considered one of the top-three defensemen in the draft, and could end up going off the board much before the Avalanche are able to select him.
He’s considered a medium-risk, high-reward, home run type of draft selection, and could end up being the best defenseman in this year’s draft.
More Draft Coverage From Mile High Sticking: Logan Brown’s Draft Profile
Sergachev is ranked as low as No. 8, and as high as No. 10, with a couple more No. 8’s in there, and one No. 9 ranking.
Mikhail Sergachev is consistent with his ranking in those spots.
The other two top prospect defensemen (Jakob Chychrun and Ollie Juolevi) are ranked as high as No. 4 and No. 5 and as low as No. 10 and No. 12 respectively.
Mikhail Sergachev’s Statistics
Position: D
Shoots: L
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 17 (turns 18 June 25th)
Minor Team: OHL Windsor Spitfires
NHL Player Most Like: Victor Hedman, mostly through playing style, not talent (yet). He has also drawn comparisons to Ivan Provorov from last year’s draft.
Probability of NHL Success: Very likely, probably within 1-2 years. Most likely won’t play next year, but could easily play the year after.
Mikhail Sergachev’s Scouting Report
The reason Sergachev is such a polarizing draft choice is because of his quick adjustment to the North American game on and off the ice.
This is his first year in North America, and he has already learned English proficiently, as well as how to play the North American style of hockey game.
During his first 28 games for the Windsor Spitfires, Sergachev had 18 points. During his final 39 games, he racked up 39 points, with six in his final three games.
That’s because as he learned the English language, he was able to be coached easier, picking up his offensive tempo down the stretch.
That point total was also third best in the OHL for defensemen. The leader out of the top three has already been drafted, and the one at No. 2 Cam Dineen, well we’ll get to him in the next heading.
Possibly the most sought after aspect about Sergchev’s game is his breakout pass, something the Colorado Avalanche seem to have extreme difficulty with.
Here’s what Lastwordonsports.com have to say about Sergachev (I linked to the article because it’s a good read):
"Mikhail Sergachev can do it all in both ends of the rink. He is good with the puck on his stick, showing stickhandling poise and great passing skill. He effectively starts the rush with good breakout passes, and can also break down the defence with good passes on the power play. He has high-end hockey IQ, and makes the smart play with the puck on his stick. Sergachev has a strong slap shot and an effective wrist shot, both of which he can use to score from the blueline. He keeps the puck low and gets it on net, even through heavy traffic, allowing his teammates to set-up screens, get tip-ins, and pounce on rebounds. Sergachev’s offensive game is among the best of any blueliner in this draft class, and he could be a power play quarterback in the NHL in just a few short years."
And, here’s what Elite Prospects has to say about the kid:
"A dominant two-way defenceman whose tenacity and competitiveness characterize his style of play. Plays with a poise and confidence that facilitates his creativity with the puck as well as split-second decision making. Naturally fluid skater who is always looking to be engaged, if not the center, of each unfolding play. All-in-all, a diligent two-way defenceman who excels at finding ways to be a difference-maker in games. (Curtis Joe, EP 2016)"
He is touted as highly effective from the blueline, sporting a strong slap shot, and a smooth wrister, both of which he can use to get the puck on net.
He is also an extremely gifted skater, using his agility East and West to walk the blueline with ease, while using his speed North and South to start the rush, and get back on D when he overcommits.
Here’s some highlights:
It’s obvious he’s got patience with his game, as well as some soft hands. His shot is accurate, and he is good at creating the time and space necessary to get the shot off.
Sergachev is easily one of the top three defensive choices in the draft, and will almost certainly be drafted in the top ten, but that does not mean that the Colorado Avalanche will draft him.
Mikhail Sergachev’s Potential Fit with the Colorado Avalanche
Sergachev would be the perfect fit for the Colorado Avalanche two years down the line, when he’s had a bit more time to develop.
He will be a dominant two-way force, and is projected to mature into a bonafide top-two defensive player for whichever team drafts him.
His two-way abilities appeal to the current direction of defensemen on the Colorado Avalanche roster. And, he would easily supplant all defensive prospects for the Avalanche as their No. 1 prospect.
He may even become their No. 1 prospect overall, as players like J.T. Compher and Mikko Rantanen prepare to make their jump to the NHL.
However, that’s likely to be said about any of the players that they could potentially draft with this tenth pick.
Nonetheless, the Avs are not likely to draft Mikhail Sergachev for a couple different reasons.
More from Mile High Sticking
- Could Colorado Avalanche move on from Pavel Francouz next offseason?
- 4 goalies to replace Pavel Francouz if he has to miss time
- Colorado Avalanche make sneaky signing with Tatar
- Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog could return in 2023-24 playoffs
- Colorado Avalanche rookie face-off tournament roster
One of the reasons the Avs probably won’t draft him is because he might not be available when the Avalanche select their player.
But, the more obvious reason is because Patrick Roy has been pretty adamant about not selecting defensemen too early in the draft.
The Colorado Avalanche will also select No. 40 overall in the second round, and there are some good defensive talents available there.
Enter Cam Dineen, who is ranked No. 39 overall amongst North American skaters, and who scored 59 points in 68 games for the OHL North Bay Battalion this season.
That’s two points more than Sergachev had, but his skill set is nowhere near as complete as Sergachev’s.
He’s also a mite small for the Colorado Avalanche roster at 5’11” and 183 pounds, putting him on par with Tyson Barrie.
However, if the Avalanche do decide to trade Tyson Barrie this offseason, then he could turn out to be a good draft pick for the Avalanche in the second round.
I would be very surprised if Sergachev is available with the tenth pick, and even if he were, I would be more surprised if the Avalanche drafted him.
Next: Julien Gauthier's Draft Profile
On a final note, I think that the Avs could make a play for the fourth pick from Edmonton.
They would probably have to trade their tenth pick, and shop one of their NHL proven forwards for one of the Oiler’s defensive prospects and the fourth pick.
I think it would address a need for both teams, and the Avalanche could also secure a good winger with the fourth pick to ensure that they aren’t leaving any gaping holes in their forward lineup.