Prospect Top 20: Goalie Igor Bobkov
via ducks.nhl.com
The Ducks selected Igor Bobkov in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Bobkov is listed at 6’6″-230 lbs. So, he has great size for a current NHL-caliber goaltender. However, we still don’t really know if he can be an NHL-caliber goaltender. The Russian has spent time in the AHL in three different seasons, but this past season was his first full season of professional hockey. Bobkov has also spent time with the London Knights and the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League. However, he has posted a sub-3.00 GAA only once, which was a four-game span with the Syracuse Crunch in 2011-2013. He has not enjoyed much success outside of international play, which led him to receive as much hype as he has received. In 2009, he led the Russian U18 Team to a silver medal at the 2009 World U18 Championships and won the “Best Goaltender” Award. He had a chance to stake his claim for the #1 job with the Norfolk Admirals this season, but was unable to do so and lost it to fellow prospect Frederik Andersen. With John Gibson now done with his junior career, Bobkov might have to settle for time in the ECHL and the Fort Wayne Komets. Bobkov appears to has lost his chance at an NHL career, at least with the Ducks.
via ducks.nhl.com
Age: 22
Position: Goalie
Glove-hand: Left
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 230 lbs.
Scouting Reports:
“It was a rough year overall for Igor Bobkov. After biding his time and finishing up his career in the OHL as an overager, the jump to Norfolk was made and it looked as though he would be penciled in as the Admirals starter. However, Frederik Andersen completely stole the job from Bobkov out of camp. Bobkov, now a backup, started out well getting starts here and there but fell into a six-game losing streak in November which ultimately defined his season. He could put up tremendous efforts and steal games with his athleticism, but too often a quality start was followed up with an absolute howler. It is going to be real tough sledding going into into next season for Bobkov. He stands as the backup as of right now behind a very poised Frederik Andersen, but they will have to contend with an incoming potential superstar in John Gibson next season. Unless a major change is made to his mentality or his game, Bobkov could be looking at potential ECHL duty in the future.”via HockeysFuture.com“A tall goalkeeper who uses the slightly older portrait goalkeeper technology. He based his play on his size and mobility. He has fast legs. Needs to improve his picking glove and improve their technique.” (Translated from Swedish)via EliteProspects.com
Next up in the series will be winger Chris Wagner.
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