by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Inside the Rink.
The 2023 NHL Draft will be here before you know it, and Draft 412 will preview some of the prospects who will be probable first round picks. Draft 412 will go over the strengths and weaknesses of each prospect and where they should land in the NHL Draft.
Name- Daniil But
Pos- LW
Team- Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
HT/WT- 6’5” 203 lbs.
Born- 2/15/2005
Home – Yaroslavl, Russia
Daniil But is another polarizing prospect in this year’s draft that has scouts predicting him all over the place. I have seen some scouts say But is a top-10 talent, while others say he is a mid-to-late 2nd round pick. Draft 412 believes he is somewhere in the middle.
The first thing that stands out about But is his size. Already 6’5” and only turning 18 in February, But has great puck skills for a man with his length and his shooting mechanics are on point. A power forward who can set up in front of the net and make a goalie’s life miserable, But possesses a hard shot with accuracy. He will be a power play weapon from the high slot, and he does a good job in changing the angles of his shots to keep a goalie on his toes.
As with many larger players But has problems with his skating. As of right now, his skating is subpar and could hold him back from entering the professional ranks. He sometimes does not take advantage of his size when it comes to physicality and needs to work on his puck protection in the offensive zone. He opens up too often to allow defenders to steal the puck.
Tage Thompson is an easy comp for any skater 6’5” or above who has offensive skill. But will have to work on his skating and physical play to become a successful mid-six forward in the NHL.
Final Analysis
Daniil But has the body type and ceiling that NHL Scouts hope for. The problem is there are things that he really needs to improve. Draft 412 has But going late first-early second round.
Round 1/2- #27 on Draft 412 big board.
--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----
Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
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2022-23 Yaroslavl Lokomotiv KHL 15 2 0 2 4 1 0 0 0 0
2022-23 Yaroslavl Loko Jr. Rus-M 26 15 11 26 22