Dmitry Kugryshev Profile

  • Skating
    7
  • Stickhandling
    7
  • Defensive play
    6
  • Scoring
    8
  • Hockey sense
    7
  • Size
    8

Grade: 7C

History

2006-07: Dmitry Kugryshev played a leading role in CSKA-90 junior team, and at the end of the season he was called to represent Team Russia as underager at the U18 WJC, in which he did very well with two goals and four assists, outscoring many older players and winning the gold medal.

2007-08: Dmitry Kugryshev kept on progressing and started playing for CSKA-2, where he scored more than one point a game. He was then called for the 2008 WJC, once again as underager, where he scored four points in seven games. He was then supposed to star at the U18s, but he suffered from a serious shoulder injury during the third game of the tournament. At the end of the season he was drafted in the second round of the NHL draft by the Washington Capitals and in the first round of the CHL Import Draft by the Quebec Remparts.

2008-09: Dmitry Kugryshev played his first season in North America and it was very good for him as he scored 34 goals and 74 points in 57 games, grabbing the Michel Bergeron Trophy for the best offensive QMJHL rookie. He was also included in the CHL All-Rookie team. On the international stage he disappointed at the WJC with only two points under his belt.

2009-10: Dmitry Kugryshev returned back for another season with the Remparts and he furtherly improved his production, with a total of 87 points. Unlike the 2008-09 campaign, the Remparts reached the playoffs, in which Kugryshev scored more than one point a game (ten points in nine games). Kugryshev didn't skate at the 2010 WJC as head coach Vladimir Plyuschev decided not to call him. At the end of the season Kugryshev signed an entry level deal with the Washington Capitals.

Talent Analysis

Dmitry Kugryshev is a skilled winger who plays solidly also along the boards, something that most Russian prospects lack of. He is a good skater, without a top notch speed, but with good acceleration and first step. Kugryshev isn't a physical player, he lacks the size for that, but he's not hurt nor intimidated by the opponents' physical play and tries to throw the body around when he can. He must work on his defensive play, because even if he gets back and tries being useful, he doesn't have the instincts. He also needs to work on his passing play and creativity, but he's more a scorer, in spite of his statistics. Kugryshev has a good, fast shot, but needs to improve its accuracy. Kugryshev is definitely an intriguing prospect with the skills to play either on a scoring or a checking line.

Future

Dmitry Kugryshev is a well rounded player with definite NHL potential. He doesn't have a star ceiling, but can become an effective NHL player also thanks to his versatility in playing different roles. He's going to have some AHL seasoning before having a serious shot at the Capitals' lineup.

Quotes

I was extremely happy – to be picked at all, and to be picked by them. There are a lot of Russians on the team, and the team itself is really good. Went there for the training camp. Loved everything: the City, the Team. Honestly, everything was awesome.
Dmitry Kugryshev on December 23, 2008 @ IceDaily

Kugryshev Watch

  • September 22, 2010
    Kugryshev was sent down to the Hershey Bears of the AHL