The Arizona Coyotes stood pat in the NHL Draft Lottery and will pick 7th. Mikhail Sergachyov is a defenseman for the Windsor Spitfires and a potential draft candidate for the Coyotes front office.
Howlin’ Hockey is evaluating possible Arizona Coyotes draft options for their two first round picks this NHL draft, which are situated 7th and 20th overall. This edition of draft evaluations features another top defensive prospect, ranked as the 8th overall prospect and 2nd overall defenseman, according hockeyprospect.com‘s “Top 30 Prospects”.
Mikhail’s last name in English translates to Sergachev, so if you see a different name while browsing mock drafts, assume its the same guy.
Physical Make Up
According to Elite Prospects, Mikhail Sergachyov is 6’2 and a strapping 205 pounds. He is another European left-handed defenseman, hailing from Nizhnekamsk, Russia. He was born on June 25th of 1998, making him merely 17 years old.
Junior Hockey Stats, Trends and Other Insights
Sergachyov’s stat line over 67 games on the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires was 17 goals and 40 assists totaling 57 points. He also had 56 minutes of penalties served and held a +/- line of +15.
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He has tremendous scoring upside but also seems to have problem staying out of the penalty box. New Coyotes General Manager and purveyor of ‘money puck’ John Chayka may look past the penalties as immature features of a possible top pairing defenseman.
Sergachyov’s slap shot is brutal; it handcuffed almost every goalie he faced in the OHL and when a goalie managed to stop the shot, the momentum of the puck bouncing off the tendy found its way to a teammate’s stick often. This kid’s talent ceiling is high, but if his maturity is stunted and he can’t keep himself out of an NHL penalty box, he could be a very bad defensive draft pick like former Arizona Coyotes first-rounder Brandon Gormley.
I think his play seems to be a meld between two current Arizona Coyotes. He appears to have the defensive know-how of Zbynek Michalek while having the offense nose to drop deep into the offensive zone like Connor Murphy. What he isn’t that those two are is physical; Murph and Z rack up hits and blocked shots like crazy where as Sergachyov appears to have a nose for being a true-blooded two-way defenseman.
That isn’t to say he can’t hit hard, but he doesn’t throw it around like those two do.
Other scouting on Sergachyov from analysts :
"“Windsor Spitfires defenceman Mikhail Sergachyov (No. 10) can do it all. He’s an excellent skater with the quickness to jump into the attack and the requisite footwork to operate in tight areas and beat pressure. He has a very good shot and the smarts to get into offensive spots where he can make a contribution. He also can deliver body checks that make life unpleasant for opponents.” – Craig Button, TSN"
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"“I’m getting a big Ivan Provorov vibe from Sergachev. Scouts think he’s one of the most NHL-ready players in the draft thanks to his size, skill and potential and he has done it all as an OHL rookie. Sergachev heads into the playoffs on a seven-game point streak, ending among the offensive leader for both rookies and blue liners.” – Ryan Kennedy, The Hockey News"
"“Plays with a poise and confidence that facilitates his creativity with the puck as well as split-second decision making. Naturally fluid skater who is always looking to be engaged, if not the center, of each unfolding play. All-in-all, a diligent two-way defenceman who excels at finding ways to be a difference-maker in games.” – Matias Strozyk, Elite Prospects"
Most Comparable NHL Player: Keith Yandle
Not many analysts have a realistic NHL comparison to Sergachyov, but descriptions and highlights of his play are reminiscent of the way former Arizona Coyotes defenseman Keith Yandle wheels and deals.
He’s smooth, smart and has a wicked shot, but is prone to making some mistakes. He has tendency to jump into the offensive zone and knows how to handle a breakaway like a forward but is aware of his place on the defensive end of the ice.
Neither are fast, but they strategically burst their speeds when need be.
First, take a look at Sergachyov’s highlight reel:
Now watch a few of old Yands clips from his Arizona/Phoenix days, including his tribute video after he was dealt to New York for Anthony Duclair and this year’s 20th overall pick:
I dunno about you, but I’d say there is a little bit of resemblance.
How Sergachyov fits in with Arizona Coyotes
If you caught the Sergachyov highlight video, you may have heard a familiar name. If the first person you though of is Christian Fischer, then you’re a winner.
Fischer is one of the Arizona Coyotes’ top prospects and is anticipated to fight for a roster spot at training camp. Drafting Sergachyov would immediately make him feel at home because of his current teammate, especially if they eventually made it onto the power play unit together.
Pairing wise, I’d likely see Sergachyov put with a player a little bit more defensively minded, say Connor Murphy or Zbynek Michalek.
One last Arizona fun fact: Sergachyov’s Windsor teammate and Winnipeg prospect Brendan Lemieux hails from Paradise Valley and played youth hockey in Scottsdale.
And people say Arizona isn’t a viable market for ice hockey…
Next: Arizona Coyotes Captain Shane Doan Praises John Chayka, Plans To Return
Likelihood of Sergachyov Being Drafted By Arizona: B-
Sergachyov is very well-rounded defenseman with undeniable offensive talent. But he is a penalty liability and we all know Arizona doesn’t need more penalty minutes.
However, should top defensive prospect Olli Juolevi, which Howlin’ Hockey profiled here, be taken before the 7th pick, the odds of Mikhail Sergachyov suiting up in #31 for the Arizona Coyotes don’t look too bad.