Roman Kantserov Intel
5-9, 176
Shoots: left
Date of birth: September 20, 2004
Rank #76 by Corey Brunman (The Athlete)
Ranked #65 by Scott Wheeler (The Athlete)
Ranked No. 62 by the Standard Ranking
Ranked #72 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #32 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked No. 95 by Fluhockey / Chris Peters
Ranked #68 by DAILY FACEOFF
Ranked #51 by The Hockey News
Ranked #69 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #57 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #42 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #16 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU skaters)
Ranked #62 by HPR/SHANE MALLOY
Ranked 96 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #56 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #60 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Kantserov is under 5-foot-9, but he has plenty of other attributes that would make you think he’d sign up as a pro. Most important is the way he skates and plays fast. Kantserov can create a lot of controlled entries and make plays in transition. Kantserov has very good puck skills, showing impressive small area skill and ability to improvise with the puck. He can move the puck well while also being a shot threat from circles. His size is concerning though, and while he competes well and kills in the MHL, I don’t know if he’s so competitive that it would make him over the hump as a smaller forward to be a regular in the NHL. I think he can get a few games though.
As for talent, Kantserov belongs here in the fifties. But between his size, his 2004 birthday, and the constant uncertainty surrounding Russian players, I felt it was the right time while keeping the skill gap between him and the players behind and in front of him small. Kantserov has been one of the most productive players in the MHL over the past two seasons, scoring 61 goals and 120 points in 112 games in the 17’s and 18’s. Fast, modifiable hands, plus-level straight line and lateral speed, one-on-one dynamic boundary skill, and an offensive mentality. There are some risks involved in being accepted into the second round, but he’s the kind who could become a productive player in the KHL and then come to North America in his early 20s ready to make an impact as a supplemental top. – Nine scorers can play on power.