Sergei Boikov

February 2019 – Boikov’s shoulder troubles kept him out of the entire 2017-18 season, but he has returned for 2018-19. He looked strong in training camp and is still a capable skater and good in corners. He still has his nasty edge which is always a good sign after injury. With 6 points in 36 AHL contests, he wont be called up for offense anytime soon, so he joins a laundry list of “just ok” defensive d-men with modest upside compared to some blue-chips in the system. Unlikely to see extended NHL action anytime soon. Hayden Soboleski

April 2018 – There has been no official word on Boikov’s shoulder injury in the last 7 months which is not a good sign. Fingers crossed he returns to the AHL in 2018-19 but he has been leapfrogged my many other d-men prospects this year and his fantasy value at this point greatly diminished. Hayden Soboleski

September 2017 – Boikov has suffered a dislocated shoulder and is out indefinitely. He was not going to compete for an NHL spot this season anyways, but he needs playing time in order to improve so this injury certainly hurts his development timeline. He’s getting passed on the depth chart very quickly as the organization continues to add d-men. Hayden Soboleski

May 2017 – Boikov travelled between the AHL and ECHL in 2016-17, in an unimpressive first full pro season. His 16 points and 69 PIMs in 63 AHL games was more-or-less the expected fantasy output from the nasty blueliner, but his overall game just wasn’t at the level to warrant excitement. If he develops into a bottom-pair NHL defender one day, he will certainly be a peripheral stats producer, but it looks like he requires more seasoning. Hayden Soboleski November 2016 – Boikov has had a less-than-stellar start to the season, and has been assigned to the ECHL. This is likely to keep his ice time numbers up, as he should develop into a workhorse type player. His hitting edge is still very much alive – he has recently returned from a one-game suspension for elbowing. Hayden Soboleski October 2016 – Boikov has been assigned to the AHL after participating in Avs training camp and rookie tournament. He has made enormous strides over the last year, and should step straight into a significant role in San Antonio. He impresses on the ice by being difficult to play against in his own end, while still possessing the high-level skating ability needed to effectively transition the puck up the ice. Dont expect any fantasy value from Boikov in the form of points, but he could become a minute-muncher with big hit totals. Hayden Soboleski April 2016 – Boikov’s excellent year will wrap up in San Antonio, where the AHL Rampage has signed him for the remainder of the year. This is an excellent sign of how capable the organization believes him to be and indicates he will be making the jump to pro sooner rather than later. Hayden Soboleski January 2016 – Russia went home with silver at the WJC but Boikov’s play should leave Avs fans happy. He played a shutdown role which included time on the penaly-kill, and routinely crushed opposing players along the boards. He was a physical presence throughout the tournament and did not look out of place or overmatched among the best of his peers. Hayden Soboleski December 2015 – Boikov has made the Team Russia WJC squad. Hayden Soboleski December 2015 – Boikov has been invited to tryout for the team Russia WJC roster after posting a solid 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 29 games so far this season. Hayden Soboleski September 2015 – As expected, Boikov has been reassigned to the QMJHL after particiating in training camp with the Avalanche. He will play this season with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, where he already has one point in one game. He hopes to build upon last season’s 21 points (three goals, 18 assists, 64 PIM and impressive plus-11 on a bad team) in 64 games, and will surely be relied on as a leader going into his third season with the club. Hayden Soboleski Boikov’s gretest asset is his skating, where he can fly up the ice both with and without the puck. He was among the best skaters (both in speed and technicality) in Avalanche Rookie camp, and he was a noticeable member of Team Russia in this year’s Canadian Summer Showcase, where he often kick-started the forecheck by carrying the puck smoothly out of his own end. He also provides a welcomed physical presence, as he is not afraid to shut down opposing players or add some penalty minutes to the scoresheet. At 6-foot-two and 194 lbs while still possessing excellent skating skills, Boikov has the size to be an effective all-around defenceman at any level. He will work on improving his hockey senses, his shot, and essentially his all-around game in the QMJHL this season, and will surely push for AHL and NHL roster spots down the road, where his fantasy relevance will depend on his ability to contribute adeqaute point numbers while maintaining good PIM and +/- statistics. Hayden Soboleski