Leafs prospect enjoying a breakout season in the KHL

When the Toronto Maple Leafs announced Russian winger Yegor Korshkov's name with the 31st pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft, it's safe to say that many Leafs fans, myself included, wore a bit of a puzzled look for a few moments, especially given the fact that there were some 1st round sliders available at 31.

Two that come to mind are Erie Otters (OHL) winger Alex DeBrincat, who went 39th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks after exploding with 127 points in 63 games in his draft year and Everett Silvertips (WHL) netminder Carter Hart (though many scouts had him firmly planted in the 2nd round), who was coming off of a sensational campaign, having compiled a stellar 31-6-3 record, with a .947 SV% and a sparkling 1.60 GAA, being selected 48th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Of course, it's easy to look back and say "that's the player the Leafs should have taken at 31", but in this case, I know many people who felt that DeBrincat was the pick at 31, but I digress.

Now, here we are 4 seasons later, and after a bit of a slower development path, Korshkov has one North American season to his credit (16G + 9A = 25P in 44GP in 2019-20 with the AHL's Toronto Marlies), but finds himself back in the KHL enjoying a breakout season with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, currently sitting at 8 goals and 9 assists, for 17 points in 25 appearances, playing big minutes in a prominent role for his club.

Though KHL success does not always translate to NHL success, Korshkov does have the benefit of having recorded a goal in his only NHL appearance, which may not necessarily guarantee him any future success, but it does show the big Russian's ability to find the back of the net at the highest level, regardless of how small the sample size is.

Korshkov, 24, has one season remaining on his current contract at $925K, and will become an RFA next off-season. Given his non-existent NHL resume, it his next contract should still be relatively inexpensive, which is exactly what the Leafs need. He is also 6'4", 215 lbs, which is also exactly what the Leafs need.

Aside from his size and his undeniable ability to produce at the pro level, Korshkov also possesses NHL-caliber speed, smooth hands and a high hockey IQ - all of the tools needed to succeed in the best league in the world. I would not be surprised to see Korshkov play with the Leafs at some point in 2020-21, which says a lot about my opinion of the player, given the immense depth that the Leafs have on the wing heading into this season. In other words, I believe Korshkov absolutely possesses the skills that may force someone out.

MUST READ

18 minutes ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau The truth about Dylan Larkin and Steve Yzerman may have just been revealed by Elliotte Friedman

1 hour ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Elliotte Friedman just dropped another major update on the failed Leafs-Canadiens blockbuster

2 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean This towering forward with multiple 30-goal seasons has unexpectedly become available: Alex Tuch

3 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean After a failed first attempt, Kent Hughes is closing in on a major trade

4 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Edmonton Oilers may land their long-awaited No. 1 goalie in blockbuster trade

5 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Gavin McKenna hit with unexpected blow before the NHL Entry Draft

6 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Elliotte Friedman shares surprising update on Dylan Larkin's next destination

6 hours ago  |  By David St-Jean Brayden McNabb finally reveals how serious his injury really is

MORE STORIES