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Maple Leafs: Nikita Korostelev Is Enjoying A Bounce Back Season

By Eduardo Razo

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Mark Hunter announces Mitchell Marner (not pictured) as the number four overall pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs as commissioner Gary Bettman looks on in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Nikita Korostelev in the 7th round in the 2015 NHL Draft, many thought that the he would become a steal. However, after a rough season last year, Korostelev is slowly earning back the label of a late round gem.

Prior to being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Korostelev posted 53 points (23G, 29A) during his draft year with the Sarnia Sting. In his final rankings, Bob McKenzie ranked him at 69, so this could only help his cause as a late-round steal.

Furthermore, his scouting report on elite prospects made Maple Leaf fans salivated even more:

"A deft skater that plays a skill-based, puck-possession game. Very creative with the puck: can let loose an accurate bullet, utilize his stickhandling ability to create chances, or make a seeing-eye pass to an open teammate. Good hands around the net and relentless on the forecheck. Doesn’t shy away from the physical game. All-in-all, a very creative sniper that can set up, score, and play physical. (Curtis Joe, EP 2014)"

Nonetheless, it wasn’t his production during his draft year that saw him fall to the 7th round; the knock on him going into the draft was his skating.

Regardless of his skating, to get a talent like his in the late rounds of a draft can only be viewed as a steal.

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That was until he suited up for his post-draft year in which he had a disappointing season last year when he only registered 42 points (23G, 19A).

In a season in which more was expected out of him, he regressed and left fans wondering if Mark Hunter had with on the Russian.

Also, with the influx of prospects coming into the Maple Leafs system, Korostelev was starting to become a distant memory for many fans. Instead of having the late-round gem label, he had now earned “oh well it was worth a shot” label.

Going into this season, the bar was really low for him. Hockey’s Future had him ranked as the 10th best right-winger in the Maple Leafs system. Players such as J.J. Piccinich and Fabrice Herzog are ranked ahead of him, it seemed like Korostelev’s stock had it rock bottom prior to the start of this season.

However, this season looks to be different for him. With both Pavel Zacha and Travis Konecny in the NHL, Korostelev will be one of the go to guys to provide some offense for the Sting this season and so far he has delivered.

With 11 games into his season, Korostelev has regained the attention of Maple Leaf fans with his impressive play and a few goals that will undoubtedly be considered goal of the year. As of right now he is in the top five in goals scored in the OHL with 11 and has a total of 16 points.

This great start can be attributed to Korostelev working on his skating over the summer to try and fix the biggest flaw in his game. Also, he attributes seeing Sting teammates like Zacha, Konencny, and Jakob Chychrun all reach the NHL as a motivating factor for him.

In addition, his fast start has now earned him a spot on the Russian team for the CIBC Canada Russia Series and ultimately it would be a shocker not to see him on Team Russia for the World Juniors in late December.

His early season success, this could be the season in which he has a breakout year that many Maple Leaf fans envisioned when he was tabbed a late-round gem. Furthermore, according to his head coach Derian Hatcher, Korostelev can reach the 50-goal plateau if he could find his scoring touch on a consistent basis.

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With 11 goals in 11 games, it is safe to say that 50 goals is a goal that could be reach if things continue this way for the 19 year-old.

For those who are wondering, Korostelev does not have an entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs. However, it would not surprise anyone if the club rewards him with a contract as a reward if he continues this pace throughout the OHL season.

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