Toronto Maple Leafs: Breaking down second-round forward draft targets

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Matvei Guskov, Centre, London Knights (OHL)

You really can never go wrong with any player from the London Knights. The CHL organization brings in the best pieces from around the world to help compete for a Memorial Cup every season.

The Knights took Guskov with the 42nd pick in the 2018 CHL Import Draft. The native of Nizhnekamsk played his minor hockey in the CSKA Moscow system, even playing eight games last season for Krasnaya Armiya Moskva – The Red Army’s junior squad.

He made the jump to the CHL this season and had the chance to play on a Knights side that – surprise – finished second overall in the Ontario Hockey League just behind the Ottawa 67s.

"“Guskov‘s skating is the jewel of his game, as he has a fluidly rangy stride and crossover, and can gain speed carrying the puck, looking like a pro when he does so. Guskov also seemed to do a good job using his big body along the boards to keep pucks in the zone. Overall, he has tools that show some high-end potential.” – Zach Thompson, Future Considerations"

In 59 games this season, Guskov posted 12 goals and 30 points. In the playoffs, he put up four points in 11 games. While the stats from this season don’t jump off the page, it’s his play that should get fans excited.

London played him on the wing this season, and as a player learning the North American style for the first time, that’s the perfect thing for Guskov. At the next level, however, he does project as a centre. He plays a 200-foot game and, while he does have a good shot and scoring ability, he also excels at setting up his teammates.

Guskov’s father, Alexander, was a defenceman who played 17 seasons in the KHL. In a few years, he should find a nice spot for himself in an NHL organization.