2002 NHL Entry Draft

DENIS GREBESHKOV

LOS ANGELES • ROUND: 1 OVERALL: 18

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Previous Team: Yaroslavl Lokomotiv (Russia Superleague)

Pre-Draft Rankings

NHL Central Scouting: 4  Midterm Rank: 4

The Hockey News: 18    Red Line Report: 26

Vital Statistics

Position: D • Height: 6-0 • Weight: 189 • Shoots: Left
Birthdate: Oct. 11, 1983 • Hometown: Yaroslavl, Russia

Pre-Draft Notes

Central Scouting Report: An excellent skater with good mobility ... strong passing skills and playmaking ability ... a steady, solid player in the defensive zone usually opting for the safe and simple play ... a stay-at-home defenseman ... an intelligent player with a good understanding of the game ... has a powerful shot ... a solid body checker who will not shy away from the physical aspects of the game.

THN Draft Preview: The Yaroslavl puppy farm hasn't dominated the draft in terms of Russian prospects for a few years, but this year's offering could surprise people. There are those who believe defenseman Denis Grebeshkov is a sleeper, that once he joins an NHL team and is exposed to a higher level of play, he'll become a solid contributor. Some scouts are weary of Grebeshkov because they feel he has average size and questionable character.

Red Line Report: Solid defenseman who's not afraid to join the attack. Moves the puck quickly, makes a crisp first pass, and thinks the game well. Good size and sees a lot of quality icetime on special teams. He's an outstanding PP quarterback with good vision who makes outstanding decisions in puck distribution. While his point shot is not a cannon, more importantly it is consistently low and accurate, and he doesn't get it blocked. He's very solid and consistent in his own zone. Not a big baggage smasher, but will take the body, and is always in the proper position. Good defensive zone awareness and is decisive in his movements. Not flashy, but a steadying influence along the blue line who's very dependable and consistent.
Projection: No. 3 defenseman with upside. Style compares to Danny Markov.

Pre-Draft Quotes

He is so smooth, and unless you sit down and watch him, you do not realize how smooth he is. He gets the puck and he moves it. He never gets into trouble and I have never seen him be aggressive because he has never had to be aggressive. He is always in the right position.

-- Anonymous European Scout, Hockey News Draft Preview

Does he want it? Does he want to be a player or is he easily satisfied? It is almost like he does not want to do things. You want him to be a playmaker, and I do not see that in him. That worries me. I don't see the drive.

-- Anonymous NHL Scout, Hockey News Draft Preview