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With their final pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, the Colorado Avalanche select Shamil Shmakov a goaltender from Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk in the NHL.
The second goalie of the day, Shmakov is a 6’6” 18-year old that put up a tremendous .932 sv% in the Russian junior league last season.
It’s an interesting pick, Shamil Shmakov becomes the second goalie drafted by the Avs on the second day of the draft and the third one Joe Sakic has acquired this weekend. If nothing else, the young Russian adds more depth to a system that badly needed it.
Shmakov was a re-entry in the draft after being passed over last year. His style needs a ton of work, but apparently his rebound control is good. He’s an unorthodox goaltender that apparently likes to get by on his massive size and athleticism. He’s a long-term project with a potentially high reward.
Here is a very interesting assessment of his playing style:
Biggest wild card I saw this year in net was a D+1 in Russia Shamil Shmakov. 6'6" who played like Tim Thomas. If he can refine his game a bit and stay under a bit more control, he could be one to watch.
— Will Scouch (@Scouching) June 14, 2018
Frolunda's U18 goalie Erik Portillo is interesting. Could take a flyer late.
Tim Thomas you say?