Welcome back to The Journey, where we track the development of prospects as they excel in junior, make the NHL, and push towards stardom.

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Before we dive into this week's deep dive into the Russian talent pool, where I go over a few prospects who are becoming breakout stars and also those quiet achievers—don't forget to check out the 2024 Dobber Hockey Midseason Guide! It's packed with rest-of-season outlooks, prospect updates (including names to watch as potential late-season call-ups), players to monitor ahead of the Trade Deadline, advanced stats, and so much more. The entire Dobber team puts in the work year-round, so show your support and grab your copy today in the Dobber Shop. Now, let's get to it!

Maxim Tsyplakov – LW

New York Islanders

Tsyplakov is quietly putting up solid numbers with the Islanders. Not enough to contend for the Calder race, but respectable nonetheless. Through 43 games, he has recorded 7 goals and 12 assists, averaging 0.44 PTS/GP. His 12.1% shooting efficiency demonstrates his ability to capitalize on opportunities, while his 97 hits highlight his physical edge. With an average of 16:14 TOI and 41% power-play usage, his deployment has been steady. However, his special teams impact remains limited, with just two power-play assists and no goals this season.

Maxim Tsyplakov delivers a MASSIVE hit on Quinn Hughes 😳
pic.twitter.com/03KCMe57HP

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) November 15, 2024

While his numbers are modest, they're consistent with what you'd expect from an Islanders team that often appears stuck in mediocrity outside of Ilya Sorokin, who, himself, has been underwhelming this year. That said, Tsyplakov's underlying metrics point to real potential. With focused development, he could become a consistent 25+ goal, 50+ point player. Not to knock the Islanders again, but it's hard not to think that on another team, his production might be higher.

The world needs some Maxim Tsyplakov NHL highlights.

What a player the rookie has been for the #Isles. Here are some of his best plays at the midway point of the season🎥 pic.twitter.com/b8WjP8mcBI

— Isles Den (@IslesDen) January 10, 2025

Dmitri Buchelnikov, LW

Detroit Red Wings

Buchelnikov, 21, is making his mark in the KHL with HC Vityaz. The Red Wings' 52nd overall pick in 2022 has taken a positive step forward in his second full season, recording 13 goals and 23 assists over 38 games. His 36 points has him ranked as the top points leader on the team. Last season, Buchelnikov posted 29 points in 55 games. This year, he has already eclipsed that total in fewer games, boosting his points-per-game from 0.53 to an impressive 0.85.

His strengths lie in his speed and off-puck positioning, making him a dual threat as both a scorer and playmaker. Notably, his NHLe score has climbed from 35 to 56, reflecting his steady progress toward becoming NHL-ready. His blend of speed, scoring touch and skill puts him in a middle-six forward position in Detroit's future plans. He has one year remaining on his KHL contract and he appears to be on track for a smooth transition to North America

Dynasty Watch – Dmitri Buchelnikov

Buchelnikov is only one point off the KHL points leader. As a 21 year old he is on pace for the KHL record for his age, and has posted the fastest speed of the season.

Only 9% rostered in Fantrax, his contract expires in 25-26. pic.twitter.com/SNhPg0nMcO

— Mason Black (@NHLRankKing) November 18, 2024

Ivan Demidov – RW

Montreal Canadians

There's not much new to report here, other than the fact that Demidov is absolutely fantastic. We all cannot wait to see him in the NHL, and I am sure Canadiens fans are eagerly counting down the days until his arrival. Now in his first full KHL season, and like many young prospects, his development has been a mix of peaks and valleys. His transition to the KHL hasn't been without its challenges, but his production has remained steady. Playing for SKA St. Petersburg, a powerhouse team in the league, Demidov is more than holding his own. So far, he's posted 32 points in 43 games, which is pretty remarkable when you consider he's just 19 years old.

Ivan Demidov does it AGAIN with a spin-around backhander 😱

(via @hockeynewshub) pic.twitter.com/a7l7UER2bq

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 13, 2025

Now, his defensive game could use some polishing, but let's be honest, Canadiens fans aren't exactly losing sleep over that, I hope. His elite talent and relentless drive make it clear that he'll be a force to reckon with once he hits the NHL stage.

Goodness! Ivan Demidov!

It's a 5-game goal streak! pic.twitter.com/9832RYRhoG

— KHL (@khl_eng) January 3, 2025

Igor Chernyshov – LW

San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks prospect Chernyshov, a 2024 second-round pick, enters his first season in North America with a mix of potential and challenges. After being sidelined by an injury that led to offseason shoulder surgery, Chernyshov is now working towards his debut with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda.

Last season in the KHL, Chernyshov suited up for 34 games with Dynamo Moskva, tallying just 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist). However, his time in the MHL with MHK Dynamo Moskva painted a much more promising picture of his offensive upside, as he racked up 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in just 22 games. He has been active and off the injured non-roster list and is slowly inching closer to hitting the ice for the Barracuda. While he hasn't made his season debut yet, that opportunity could be just around the corner.

Alexander Nikishin – D

Carolina Hurricanes

Nikishin is quickly becoming one of the most exciting defensive names outside the NHL. Standing at 6-4, the left-shot blueliner has the complete package: size, smooth skating, a booming slapshot, and the ability to quarterback a power play while locking things down defensively. Over the past two seasons, he's established himself as a force in the KHL. While his production has dipped slightly this year, with 20 points in 36 games, he's still one of the league's premier scoring defensemen, proving last season's breakout was no fluke.

Alexander Nikishin with a ROCKET that tied the game for SKA!! pic.twitter.com/aHuHF4MBwB

— Canes Prospects (@CanesProspects) January 13, 2025

Drafted by the Hurricanes in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Nikishin hasn't crossed the pond yet, sticking with SKA St. Petersburg. His contract runs through 2024-25, but Carolina GM Eric Tulsky has hinted that Nikishin could head to North America once his KHL season wraps up in late March. Depending on SKA's playoff run, his arrival might coincide with the NHL postseason and we may get an early look at him in the playoffs. Long-term, Nikishin projects as a cornerstone of Carolina's blue line and a potential game-changer for their playoff ambitions. What a beauty of a shot!

Alexander Nikishin is perfect yet again! pic.twitter.com/vFjLS3oW1U

— KHL (@khl_eng) January 11, 2025

Sergei Murashov – G

Pittsburgh Penguins

Murashov's name is one to watch, especially with Pittsburgh's current goalie conundrum. With Tristan Jarry now in the AHL, his days as a Penguin appear numbered. Sure, there's a chance he resurfaces in the NHL, but probably not in Pittsburgh. Right now, the Penguins are rolling with Alex Nedeljkovic, though it's pretty clear the organization doesn't see him as a long-term solution, frankly, neither does anyone else.

Joel Blomqvist, who's already been called up a few times this year, seems to be the next guy in line. He'll likely get a good look, but let's not pretend there are not any concerns about how ready he is. Enter Murashov. The 20-year-old is currently turning heads in the ECHL with the Wheeling Nailers. He has already rattled off 12 straight wins setting a franchise recorded and also earned himself the ECHL Rookie of the Month honors back in December.

This past weekend, Sergei Murashov etched his name into the history books! ✍️📚

On Friday, December 27th, Wheeling Nailers' G Sergei Murashov set a FRANCHISE RECORD for longest winning streak in net. He then extended that streak on Sunday to 12 straight games! #ForgeTheFuture pic.twitter.com/NbrUftvKQv

— Wheeling Nailers (@WheelingNailers) January 2, 2025

Murashov's season has been stellar: a 15-2-1 record, a .923 SV%, and a 2.32 GAA. Sure, it's the ECHL, so let's not get ahead of ourselves, but you can't ignore his strong play. A call-up this year is a long shot, but with Pittsburgh's back end in shambles and their veteran core refusing to embrace a rebuild, never say never. Murashov still needs time to develop, but he's a definite bright spot in the Penguins' pipeline.

❌ SERGEI, HOW?! ❌

Nailers G Sergei Murashov with a CLUTCH stop on the Indy Fuel to keep the game 1-1!#ForgeTheFuture pic.twitter.com/rCm8Oi9bPc

— Wheeling Nailers (@WheelingNailers) January 9, 2025

Thanks for reading! See you next week. For more content/fantasy hockey analysis, or if there’s a prospect, you’d like me to cover, follow and message me on X @Punters_hockey.