Prospect Spotlight #2 - Dominik Badinka, Joel Nystrom, Alexander Perevalov
A group of a Czechian, Swedish, and Russian men walk into a bar
Welcome back to the Prospect Spotlight, where I look at prospects seasons who have ended and see how they did and what they project to be next year.
Today, in almost a direct contradiction to the series, we are talking about 2 guys who are still playing hockey (this was written before the Wolves Game 2) and a Russian. Those players being Dominik Badinka, Joel Nystrom, and Alexander Perevalov. Let’s start with a RHD from the SHL.
Dominik Badinka
After a DY where he got some slightly better playing time, Malmo improved in the defensive department and move Badinka to 3LHD, which is fine. It’s always nice for defenders to have the ability to play both sides of the puck and it’s better to start this when they are younger. In 57 games played (including playoffs), he had 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points. It’s not a big improvement in the points department, just a 1 point increase from last year, but it’s an improvement.
With Badinka, his offense isn’t his primary focus. He was effective as a more shutdown defenseman, even if the minutes didn’t necessarily line up with that role. His range with his skating and stick create a problem for opposing forwards and his size plays to his advantage (6’3). There is the intrinsic caveat that he is still figuring out the best way to use his size to his advantage and he could use to put on a few extra pounds, sitting at just 185 pounds.
When I watch his tape, I can see the offensive potential. He likes to take the puck in from the blue line from time to time and is effective in holding possession. His passing is strong and crisp, but he sometimes struggles with accuracy. His shot can be good, but again it comes in flashes.
Next season projection: A good role with the Chicago Wolves. Depending on how things shake out, I’d imagine the right side of the blue line in Chicago has already played a game together. That being Charles-Alexis Legault as 1RHD, Joel Nystrom as 2RHD, and Dominik Badinka as 3RHD.
Joel Nystrom
I am a big fan of Joel Nystrom’s game, as I have said before. He’s been one of the strongest defenders in the SHL over the past few years and has been a big asset for Farjestad. In 57 games played (including playoffs), he had 6 goals and 22 assists for 28 points. He already gathered his first AHL point in the few games he has played with the Wolves so far.
The first thing to know about Joel Nystrom is just how strong of a skater he is. In terms of the prospect pool, Nystrom has a real case for being the best skater out of the whole bunch. He’s fluid, he’s agile, he has solid four way mobility. Everything you want out of a defenseman. He’s contributed on the power play, he’s contributed on the penalty kill, and he’s been a big minute eater at even strength at times.
I really only have two drawbacks with Nystrom. The first being his size, standing only 5’11. I know EliteProspects says 6’2 and the SHL website said 6’2, but he is 5’11 as I have seen and been told. I wouldn’t really even put this as a drawback to be honest because his skating offsets any concern I have there. The other slight area of development is the continuation of getting more dynamic. His skills are good, but nothing is truly dynamic in his game, in my opinion.
Next Season Outlook: A good contributor on the Wolves. He should be the 2RHD and maybe get some power play time, depending on who else the team besides to bring in. He should also get some penalty kill time.
Alexander Perevalov
Moving from Omsk to Metallurg Novokuznetsk seems to have revitalized Perevalov as a player. Whenever we do the Canes Prospects awards, which I have *tentative* plans for in the summer at some point, he will easily be one of the nominees for Most Improved Prospect. In 54 games played (including playoffs), he had 11 goals and 20 assists for 31 points. Very important to note the difference in points between his time with Omsk and Metallurg.
With Omsk: 21 GP, 3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points, -8
With Novokuznetsk: 33 GP, 8 goals, 17 assists, 25 points, +15
Perevalov has a wicked release. He can generate some crazy power with his shot and he has a willingness to shoot. His playmaking has made good steps. His defense isn’t the worst I have ever seen, but it isn’t groundbreakingly good. Sometimes, he might get a little lost out there but those mistakes became very infrequent when he got his move away from Omsk.
Next Season Outlook: A top 6/top line player for Metallurg Novokuznetsk. A full season with the team that has seemingly revitalized his stock as a prospect.