Philipp Kurashev

July 2022 – Kurashev is coming off a decent sophomore year with the Blackhawks. He struggled at the beginning of the 2021-2022 season, posting just five points over a 20 game span. He was sent down to the AHL and played only three games with the Rockford Icehogs posting three points during his time there. He was brought back in the New Year and while his development was nothing impressive, his game play was. Although Kurashev’s numbers may not have translated to the stat sheet, his shooting did not decrease. In fact his shots per 60 increased from 1.4 per 60 minutes last season to 1.5 per 60 minutes this season – all with a decrease in ice time. Kurashev found ways to become a more effective player by being more aggressive on the fore check, stronger in the defensive zone and drawing penalties. He is showing signs of being a strong middle-six forward for the Blackhawks, something they so desperately need. Puneet Sharma

February 2021- All he needed was a chance. Kurashev was given that chance in the second game of the 2021 season and hasn’t looked back. All of the promise that has been talked about is being displayed on a nightly basis. His game still has a lot of room to grow but he now looks like a full-time NHL’er and a top-three center for this team going forward. Tony Carr

October 2020- Kurashev is currently playing with Lugano of the National League. His first full season did not go as planned as he battled injuries most of the year. Despite that, he still managed to put up pretty good numbers. Much is expected of the 2018 fourth-round pick. Tony Carr

April 2020 – Kurashev may not be the most talented player on his team at the moment, but his tenacity and ability to cause a disruption to his opponent’s attack to stand out. He has most recently played on a line with fellow forechecker Anton Wedin, creating a high-intensity, aggressive combination for the Rockford Icehogs. At the moment, he is looking like a promising bottom-six NHL prospect with additional upside as his offensive role in the AHL continues to develop. Kevin Wong

December 2018 – Kurashev has been named to the preliminary roster for Team Switzerland for the upcoming world junior hockey championships. Averaging well over a point-per-game in the QMJHL this season, Kurashev looks to improve on last years performance and should be counted on as a leader for the Swiss team. Tony Carr

November 2018 – The first thing you notice when watching Kurashev is his tremendous skating ability, not only with his speed but his handling of the puck at that top speed. When he battles for the puck you realize how big he is and that he does not get pushed off the puck easily. Like most teenagers, he has some gaps in his game but they are all teachable skills so the onus will be on him to put the work in. His future is very bright. Tony Carr