Observations:

February 2015 – Zharkov, who is in the final year of his two-year deal with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL, is having great difficulty playing at the professional level in Russia. Only appearing in eight games this season with Torpedo, Zharkov has spent the majority of his campaign in Russia's second-best league the VHL. Skating with HK Sarov he has managed two goals and seven points in 35 games. While his output seems meagre, Zharkov is only now turning 21-years-old. It seems to be a case of adjusting to a higher level of play as Zharkov proved he can score at the junior level. It remains to be seen whether or not he will return "across the pond" after this season. The future hasn't dimmed yet as Zharkov has many more years of potential development ahead of him but the Oilers would most definitely prefer him to try his hand professionally back in North America. Tyler Thomson

September 2013 – In the summer, Daniil Zharkov signed a two year deal with the KHL’s Torpedo Nizhny Novogorod leaving his NHL future very uncertain. Zharkov was eligible to play in the AHL for the 2013-14 season, so he decided that his best course of action would be to turn pro and play in his native land of Russia. In 59 games with the OHL’s Belleville Bulls, Daniil Zharkov scored 25 goals and 43 points. The Edmonton Oilers were clear that they would welcome back their 2012 3^rd round pick if he decided to return in the future to play North American professional hockey. Brendan Ross

October 2012 – Daniil Zharkov was named to the 2012 Subway Super Series Team Russia Roster slated to compete in a six-game series against the Canadian Hockey League all-star teams from the QMJHL, OHL and WHL in November. Brendan Ross

June 2012 – The Edmonton Oilers made sniper Daniil Zharkov their third round selection (91st overall) at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.  Zharkov finished the 2011-12 OHL season with 23 goals and 36 points in 50 games for the Belleville Bulls. Brendan Ross

March 2012  – The former USHLer is known for having a pair of slick hands and a deep repertoire of elusive moves. Amid a torrid scoring pace in December, Daniil Zharkov was being touted as an early-first round pick for the upcoming 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The tall Russian sniper recorded 15 goals in his first 17 games for the Belleville Bulls, before being snake bitten for his next 13 contests. John Canario

Fantasy Outlook: C-
Despite tremendous skill, his inconsistency should raise a red flag. He carries some risk and could be a few years away from challenging for an NHL gig.

Footage:
Daniil Zharkov taking defender outside and finishing:

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Daniil Zharkov Statistics

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