http://www.hctraktor.ru/news/stepan-gorbunov-rad-chto-florida-vibrala-menya-na-drafte-nxl-imenno-tuda-i-hotel-uiti

Fantasy Summary

An imposing skater that can play both forward and defense, Gorbunov skates well for his size, and as he continues to refine his game, could be an excellent bottom-six piece who can add points and penalty minutes.


Observations

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October 2024 – Gorbunov started his season off hot in the MHL, with Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk playing over 20 minutes a night in the first six games. His play earned him his first professional call-up playing in the VHL. While held scoreless, Gorbunov got his first taste of higher competition. It did something because he scored four goals and eight points in two games when he was sent to the MHL. He dominated puck possession in these games and displayed a high-end puck protection ability. Gorbunov stayed hot when he was back in the VHL, going on a six-game point streak against professional competition and scoring seven points in his last seven VHL games. The offense is starting to come together for Gorbunov, and he will become an integral member of his club’s KHL team one day. He looks much more confident and is making the right strides. If Gorbunov can stay hot, he may earn an NHL contract next summer when his contract in Russia expires. James Connelly

July 2024 – Gorbunov’s draft year numbers may look subpar, but there is more to the story than just what they show. Standing at 6-5, Gorbunov has an NHL frame and is one of the youngest players from the 2024 draft class, less than a week away from being eligible for the 2025 draft. He split time between being a forward and defenseman and being an all-around utility player for Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk. He skates decently for his size and will need to make that a strong point in his game if he wants to stick at the highest level, but with such a raw player, there is loads of intrigue about what is to come for him. James Connelly

Attributes
Fantasy Upside 5.5
NHL Certainty 4.0
Country RUS
Position C
Roster Type Europe
Shoot/Glove Left
Date of Birth August 11, 2006
Height 6‘5”
Weight 196 lbs
Drafted 2024 Round 6; Overall: 169

Stats

 Season Team League GP G A TP PIM      Playoffs GP G A TP PIM 
 2021-2022 Traktor Chelyabinsk U16Russia U1636 27 3562 20|        
  Traktor Chelyabinsk U17Russia U173 0 22 0|        
  Team Urals U16Districts Cup U168 3 58 4|        
 2022-2023 Traktor Chelyabinsk U17Russia U1735 19 2847 45|        
 2023-2024 Traktor Chelyabinsk U18Russia U182 1 01 2|        
  Belye Medvedi ChelyabinskMHL40 10 1222 10|Playoffs10 2 13
 2024-2025 Chelmet ChelyabinskVHL24 7 613 10|        
  Belye Medvedi ChelyabinskMHL9 6 713 4|        

Highlights