Maple Leafs Prospect Report: Nikita Korostelev

Jan 6, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) collides with the goal as Anaheim Ducks goalie Frederik Andersen (31) watches during an NHL game at Honda Center. The Maple Leafs defeated the Ducks 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Welcome to another edition of the Maple Leafs Prospect Report. Throughout the NHL season we will be updating you on the development, potential and realistic expectations for key Toronto Maple Leafs prospects with up-to-date stats, analysis and scouting reports.

A lot has gone on in Leaf land in the last little while. Our beloved Leafs teased us with playoff quality hockey, blowing through the early western conference road trip with ease. Then, the floor fell out and the team was exposed as the grind it out possession team lacking scoring punch that started the season off 1-7-2.

So, LeafsNation is back to being TankNation and cheering for good effort but ultimately losses, and a higher pick. Meanwhile, there is nothing but good news throughout the Leafs prospect pipeline.

More from Editor In Leaf

The Toronto Marlies have gone 31-8-2, despite missing top players William Nylander, Connor Brown, Kasperi Kapanen, Antoine Bibeau and Garret Sparks for significant stretches due to injuries, the World Juniors or call-ups to the Leafs. The Marlies lead the entire AHL by 7 points in the standings over the 2nd place team and have a ridiculous +58 goal differential. TJ Brennan is tied for the league lead in scoring with 38 points, and despite missing the last 13 games William Nylander is only 4 points back (tied for 6th) with 34pts in only 27 games played.

The Marlies are not the only ones doing well this season under the Leafs prospect umbrella. This week we’ll be using the Maple Leafs prospect Report to shine some light on how Mark Hunter’s 2015 Draft class is doing so far this year. 1st on our list, in inverse order of when the Leafs drafted them, from Russia with love is…

Nikita Korostelev

Get To Know Him:

Position / Jersey Number: RW / 35

Height / Weight: 6ft1 / 194lbs

Age / Shoots: 18 / Right

League / Team: OHL / Sarnia Sting

Draft Position: 185th Overall, 7th Round, 2015 Draft, Maple Leafs

The lanky Russian has a very hard, accurate shot, nose for the net, is relentless on the forecheck and his hand/stick skill level is borderline elite. Why did this seemingly sure-fire 1st three round pick fall all the way to the 7th round? Korostelev has the agility of a brick. He’s spent a lot of time with Leafs skating coach Barb Underhill and his stride is much improved this season. Overall speed and acceleration aren’t terrible, but ff he is to make it to the NHL, he will constantly need to be working on his skating and needs to add more consistency to his game.

Eliteprospects.com says:

"A deft skater that plays a skill-based, puck-possession game. Very creative with the puck: Korostelev can let loose an accurate bullet, utilize his stick-handling 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."

Upside: Top 6 Sniper and PowerPlay Specialist

Realistic Projection: Top 6 Sniper and PowerPlay Specialist

Chance Of Becoming NHL Regular: >5%

NHL Ready: 2019-2020

NHL Player Comparable: Mark Stone

After finishing last season with a top10 Points Per Game ration in the OHL, Korostelev has not started this season strong and has been in and out of the line with a variety of minor injuries. Sporting only 13 goals and 13 assists in 36 games played, his season thus far has been a bit of a disappointment. Hopefully he can be fully healed for the stretch run as Sarnia has loaded up for a shot at the OHL title.

Is Korostelev a steal by Mark Hunter? Does he have a better chance of becoming an NHL regular than I’ve laid out? Do you have a better comparable for him? As always, feel free to comment below or reach out to me on twitter @TorrinBatchelor and let me know what you think.

Stay Tuned for Stephen Desrochers next time on Maple Leafs Prospect Report.

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