Alexander Perevalov

July 2022 – Perevalov was drafted 71st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. Pat Quinn

October 2021 – Alexander Perevalov is not a household name for the 2022 NHL Draft, but is making a strong case to become one. After a mediocre 2020-2021 MHL season where Perevalov put up only 6 points in 17 games, he started making waves with his performance in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He started the tournament on Russia’s fourth line but after a strong start, he got bumped up to the top line. In his second season playing for Loko Yaroslavl of the MHL, Perevalov is currently leading the league in scoring with 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 11 games.

Perevalov is a well-balanced, offensively-minded player. His strongest skill is his puck handling ability which is especially impressive in tight under pressure. He always seems to shake off opposing players to open up passing and shooting lanes. Perevalov’s skating is not elite but he has a good stride, is strong on his edges, and his motor always seems to be running, allowing him to be a part of every play. It’s very rare not to notice Perevalov when he is on the ice. He is also very aggressive on the forecheck and backcheck, creating opportunities off mishandled exits by the opponent. The inconsistent part of Perevalov’s game is his defensive ability. He is thinking offense more often than not and it sometimes hurts him when his team is in their own end. This is something that should improve over the course of the season in the MHL, as his club is giving him top line minutes as well as time on the penalty kill. Overall, Perevalov is an exciting prospect whose draft stock is on the rise. Zack Szweras