Observations:

January 2017 – Jevpalovs' improved skating this year influenced much of his progress. He is trusted in defensive situations, sets the tone on the forecheck and chips in with the odd goal and assist. While more offense likely is expected of the former QMJHL star, the transition from juniors to pro can change a player's game, even from the AHL to NHL as a player like Barclay Goodrow demonstrates. The points are off the pace from last season, but the off-puck play is improved. Zachary DeVine

October 2016 – Jevpalovs’ skating, a key weak spot in his game last year at the AHL level, looks to have improved over the summer. His speed and quickness look at least a measure better than viewings late last year. After an impressive stat line in the QMJHL, Jevpalovs spent some time with the ECHL, helping the Allen Americans to the Kelly Cup. He has a terrific shot and if the skating has improved, Jevpalovs could be a breakout player for the Barracuda this year with the talent influx for the Sharks farm team. Zachary DeVine

March 2016 – Nikita Jevpalovs has had a decent first professional season in North America. After a fantastic final season in the QMJHL where he accumulated 100 points in just 64 games, the Latvian native started this season playing for the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL before being relegated to the team's ECHL affiliate for a stretch. Once recalled to the AHL in early February, the 21-year-old Jevpalovs has been a staple on the team's shutdown line and has produced four goals and 12 points in 48 AHL contests. The young winger possesses good strength and projects to become a bottom six player for the big club somewhere down the road. Cam Robinson

June 2015 – Jevpalovs took yet another step forward in his third season with Blainville-Boisbriand of the QMJHL, placing fourth in the league in points with 100 (49 goals, 51 assists). He served as alternate captain and also went plus-37 with 30 PIM before adding six more points in five playoffs games. After scoring 100 points this year as an overage player (building upon 39- and 54-point seasons before that), Jevpalovs has nothing left to prove in the QMJHL and should earn a spot in the AHL in 2015-16.

San Jose signed Jevpalovs to an entry-level contract in January of 2015 amid his breakout season in Quebec. He has spent three seasons in the league and improved offensively each year, while also representing Latvia internationally in U20 competition for the last three years and captaining the U18 team before that. Jevpalov’s combination of size, skill, and agility is exactly what every team looks for, and he impressively manages to play a strong game without ever injuring himself. After being passed up at the draft twice (2012, 2013) and again after participating in Philadelphia’s training camp in 2014, it seems as though he will finally get the chance to prove himself next season for San Jose in the AHL. Hayden Soboleski

Fantasy Outlook: C

Looked a bit slow in the AHL last year, but continued work on his skating will help Jevpalovs stick with the Barracuda.

Footage:

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