Sasha Pastujov

May 2024 – The long-awaited pro debut for Sasha Pastujov has arrived and man do the Ducks have a future top-6 forward. In his first season in the AHL, Pastujov averaged half-a-point per game with 23 points in 46 games. Like the reason he was drafted, his playmaking ability puts him at the top of the pipeline for the Ducks and he should be seeing games in Anaheim in the upcoming season assuming he has a successful offseason. A recommendation would be to add a few pounds to make him an even more dangerous body on the ice. David Calabretta 

September 2023 – Pastujov had a dominant 2022-23 season split between the Guelph Storm and Sarnia Sting. He scored a combined 41 goals and 98 points in 60 games. He was a key piece in the Sting’s playoff run. In addition to his offensive skill, Pastujov has put in the work towards becoming a better 200-foot player. He is set to play for the San Diego Gulls this year and hopefully give them a scoring boost. Naftali Clinton

May 2022 – Originally committing to Norte Dame, Pastujov signed with the Ducks after being selected and decided to play in the OHL with the Guelph Storm. Playing in the O gave him a lot more game action and he finished the season with 34 goals and 42 assists in 65 games. A skilled, top-six winger, he possesses great vision with the puck and a deceiving shot. He’ll continue to develop in the junior ranks and play a big role for Team USA at this years World Junior Championship. Lucas Main

July 2021 – Pastujov was selected in the third round, 66th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2021 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

March 2021 – Pastujov has been an offensive force for the U18 USNTDP squad, currently leading the team in scoring with 20 goals and 26 assists in just 27 games. He has been dominant on the powerplay where there is more time and space for him to set up and dissect defensive coverages. He will look to carry that part of his game over to the NCAA next season when he begins to play at Notre Dame. Pastujov possesses some of the best pure offensive skills in the draft class, utilizing his great shot and strong passing ability to generate scoring chances with consistency in the USHL. The concern, however, is just how much his lack of overall mobility and pace will hold him back as he climbs the ranks. He skates with an awkwardly wide stance and lacks extension in his stride, struggling to close on the forecheck and in defensive transition. Though he is able to generate decent speed when given space to get going, he lacks agility and his wide turn radius makes it easy for opposing defenders to angle him off. Despite all this, Pastujov has found a way to produce offense at every level because of how he thinks the game and recognizes space in the offensive zone. He can get his shot off quickly and does well to drift in and out of traffic, creating lanes for his teammates to get him the puck. For as impressive as Pastujov can look with the puck on his stick, his defensive effort and awareness often leaves plenty to be desired and his lack of foot speed can compound matters in his own end. Even with his warts, Pastujov’s offensive skillset is enticing and if he can improve his skating ability while rounding out his off-puck game, he could be a productive scoring winger in the NHL. Nick Richard