Bulat Shafigullin

June 2022 – Shafigullin has improved his game each year he has spent playing between the MHL and the KHL. Putting up 15 points across 49 games with Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk of the KHL, he showed he is here to stay at the professional ranks. Shafigullin is very smart without the puck and can find his way into open ice making him a threat for his lethal one-timer. He battles for positioning in front of the net and can attack from a multitude of areas on the ice. On top of this, he owns a heavy wrist shot that finds its way through traffic and can get it on net often. Shafigullin is under contract for another season in the KHL, and with his desire to come to North America unknown at this time and a loaded pool of prospects for Los Angeles, he may have no interest in joining the Reign. It will take at least one more season to know if Shafigullin will come over once his current deal expires. Sean Crocker

July 2018 – Shafigullin was drafted 82nd overall in the 2018 NHL draft, but he could be one of the biggest sleepers of the draft. We can already read and watch people comparing him to Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lighthing. One solid comparison line between the two is that they both played most of their draft year in Russia’s MHL. Shafigullin compiled an impressive 36 points in 22 games this season in the MHL while Kucherov had 58 points in 41 games in his draft year giving a slight edge to Shafigullin in points-per-game. Those very early links between the two scoring wingers should although be taken very lightly as Kucherov has developed into one of the NHL’s most talented snipers since his draft year in 2011. Another factor that should has anyone thinking before drafting 6-1 left winger too early in dynasty format leagues is the fact he has yet to play at the international level and only showed his talent in a russian junior hockey league for now while Kucherov scored 21 pts in 7 games at the U-18 WJC at same age. That being stated, He should definitely be a good stash-and-wait candidate for those who have the room and patience for it. Carl Sinclair