Dmitri Voronkov

March 2021 – Voronkov combines size and skating to become an effective, complimentary offensive threat. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he makes the NHL, but will likely do so in a bottom six support role unless he improves his pace and two-way play. He has scored a goal in his most recent contest to improve his point totals to 19 points (seven goals) in 53 KHL games, a respectable number for a 20 year old playing in the second best league in the world. The 41 PIMs are intriguing for anybody in peripheral leagues. Sam McGilligan

November 2020- Dmitri Voronkov continues to fly under the radar during his sophomore season with AK Bars Kazan. Despite a minor injury setback, he has carried over all the same gusto which we saw from his inaugural season, resulting in increased minutes. Deploying on the team’s second-line, Voronkov is up to 10 points, good for third among U21 skaters. As expected, it’s his play away from the puck which really sheds a light on the player he is to become. He is sturdy on his skates, he is hard on the puck, and he certainly does not shy of mucking it up in the hard areas – his ability to produce at a semi-regular pace is just icing on the cake. He has become a mainstay on the club’s top power-play unit, as his large frame provides a heavy presence in front of the net. His game continues to make strides, while his upside sits comfortably as a middle-six, multi-cat dream. Dave Hall

May 2020 – Voronkov surpassed all expectations this season as a 19-year-old rookie in the KHL. Despite a very minimal role on a stacked AK Bars Kazan team, the Russian pivot managed 12 points (five goals and seven assists) in just 34 matches. He carried that success over to the playoffs, where he produced a goal and an assist in a four-game playoff sweep. Furthermore, his WJC debut could not have gone any better. Despite losing in the gold medal game, Voronkov earned his rights as one of Team Russia’s top performers, contributing for three goals, four assists, 20 PIMS, and a plus-six rating. A season like this is excellent news for the Jackets, who have yet to sign for their 2019 draft pick. While he is likely a few seasons away, the heavy set forward is showing great potential in becoming a solid multi-cat option down the road.  Dave Hall

December 2019 – The 19-year-old Russian winger should find himself amongst those chosen for this year’s WJC. His 6’4 frame will add some much-needed sandpaper to the roster, while he can also chip in on the score-sheet from time-to-time. With such a heavy top-six, he will likely skate on the team’s third or fourth checking lines and should play the role to a tee. This will be Voronkov’s first crack at the tournament, giving CBJ fans their first good look at one of their recent 2019 draft-picks. He has the potential to be decent 30-40-point forward, but without a contract signed holds no real fantasy value.  Dave Hall

November 2019 – The 2019 fourth-round-pick has made the big club out of the gate, playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL. This is great news for the 19-year-old’s development as he learns to play in a top league early in his career. Through 14 games, Voronkov has one goal and two assists, averaging 7:28 minutes of playing time. The Russian-born winger has a high chance of making this year’s World Junior team which will allow for proper minutes to showcase his talents. The Blue Jackets have yet to ink their recent draft-pick so until they do, he carries no value to fantasy owners. Dave Hall   

June 2019 – Voronkov played last season versus men in Russia’s second-tier league and he looked good there. The 19-year-old is not an explosive skater, but he can surprise defenders at times with his speed. He has the puck skills to create space and occasionally flash top-end skill. Getting to the net is not a problem and he is not afraid to engage in physical play. Long-term prospect with numerous years of further development. No fantasy value as a result. Frank Pellegrini