Carolina Hurricanes Prospects: Sergey Tolchinsky Could Play in the NHL this Season
Between now and the start of the preseason, Cardiac Cane will preview every Carolina Hurricanes prospect as they enter the 2015-2016 season and what we expect from them in the coming year.
Player: Sergey Tolchinsky
Position: Right Wing/Left Wing
Date of Birth: February 3, 1995 (20)
Birthplace: Moscow, Russia
Height/Weight: 5’8″/170 lbs.
2015-2016 Team: Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), and/or Charlotte Checkers (AHL)
Scouting Report:
Tolchinsky is an undersized but offensively gifted scorer who has consistently put up big numbers at the junior level. His lack of stature will be a challenge at the pro level but his speed and offensive instincts suggest he can be an effective playmaker. (HOCKEY’S FUTURE)
Sergey Tolchinsky, the undrafted Russian winger who has taken the Triangle by storm, has one goal in mind for 2015-2016. He wants to play in the NHL. But before that question gets answered, enjoy an obligatory Tolchinsky highlight reel:
This summer at Hurricanes Prospects Development Camp, Tolchinsky seemed to steal the show from 2015 1st round pick Noah Hanifin. His stick handling got a lot of people’s attention. Multiple highlights circulated around Twitter. One of his breakaway dangles was even a SportsCenter Top Play. The Tolchinsky hype train officially left the station.
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Considering the 20 year old could play in the NHL this season, it seems absurd to think that he wasn’t drafted back in 2013. In his draft year, he wasn’t a point per game player and he was even smaller than he is now, so he was passed over by every team. The Hurricanes saw enough potential to invite him to prospects development camp that summer. He impressed and signed an entry level contract soon after.
The next two seasons, Tolchinsky showed he could excel in the OHL for the Soo St. Marie Greyhounds. He had two consecutive 90+ point seasons, each with at least 30 goals. In both those seasons he led the Greyhounds in points. More impressively, he was a +41 last year, compared to a -9 in 2013-2014. Bill Peters has taken notice of his potential.
“He skates well enough, he sees the ice, he thinks the game, so he’s got a chance.”– Head Coach Bill Peters
He also was a part of Russia’s silver medal World Junior Championship team, with whom he scored 4 goals in the tournament.
Those who showed up to this year edition of development camp saw some of the best dangles of the summer. It’s no secret Tolchinsky can puck handle with the best of them, that’s part of his appeal. He has the potential to score, and score spectacularly, which is something the ‘Canes lack and something people would love to see.
Of course his dynamic offensive ability comes with a tradeoff, he is only 170 pounds and only 5’8. Yet, guys have made their way through the NHL with similar statures. The obvious comparisons are Johnny Gaudreau and Tyler Johnson.
The important thing for players like Johnson and Gaudreau and their individual success have been their line mates. Both the Flames and Lighting have talented players to create open ice for Gaudreau and Johnson to score. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes, as it stands right now, probably lack the depth to allow a player like Tolchinsky to flourish into an offensive force. In a year or two, that might very well change. Also, Bill Peters coached Tyler Johnson in the WHL, so he knows how to deal with a player in Tolchinsky’s situation.
Tolchinsky can still make the team in October. That is very possible. He has more offensive potential than his competitors like Brock McGinn, Brendan Woods, and perhaps even Zack Boychuk. His defensive ability has improved and he is tenacious on the forecheck.
Unfortunately for Tolchinsky, the forward spots open on the ‘Canes are more suited for players who are bigger bodies. On top of that, players who are pure goal scorers, like Jeff Skinner and Alexander Semin, have struggled under Peters’ system. Both those realities don’t bode well for Tolchinsky.
“My expectation is for the best – to try and make the team, work as hard as I can and show my best,” – Sergey Tolchinsky
The Moscow native remains positive. He certainly thinks he can make the team out of training camp.
I see him playing in the AHL this year for Charlotte. He will be a Top 6 forward and will be able to display his skills to the ‘Canes brass.
On the other hand, who wouldn’t want to see him opening night? That’s the issue with Tolchinsky. He brings excitement, and lots of it. But, does excitement translate into wins? That’s up for Peters to decide.