Top 5 goalie prospects in 2018 NHL Draft

By Nick McAdam | May 29, 2018

BOISBRIAND, QC - OCTOBER 27: Goaltender Olivier Rodrigue #33 of the Drummondville Voltigeurs protects his net against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the QMJHL game at Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau on October 27, 2017 in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada. The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada defeated the Drummondville Voltigeurs 2-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – MAY 17, 2018: Russia’s goalie Igor Shestyorkin concedes a goal in the 2018 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Quarterfinal match against Canada at Royal Arena. Canada won the game 5-4 in overtime. Anton Novoderezhkin/TASS (Photo by Anton NovoderezhkinTASS via Getty Images) /

4. Amir Miftakhov

Amir Miftakhov is the perfect balance between an aggressive and conservative goaltender. He’s usually found right in his blue paint for the majority of the contest and will stay there unless he absolutely has to come out of the crease.

Throughout the duration of his career, Miftakhov has flipped between Bars Kazan and Irbis Kazan in the VHL and MHL, respectively. That might be the thing driving him back, however, as both leagues are really unheard of when compared to other development leagues around the world.

Yet, Miftakhov has sublime save percentage and goals against average numbers in every season he has played. The 18-year-old only dipped above a 2.00 GAA twice in his young career, which is absolutely insane at a youth level where quick offenses and aggressive defensive play rests.

Miftakhov has represented Russia at the U18 and U17 levels in the WHC and WJC tournaments. The keeper put up more impressive numbers in both of those competitions. At the age-17 level, Miftakhov recorded a .958 save percentage in five games with a 1.77 GAA.

The confusing part is being able to predict where he’ll land in the upcoming draft. Miftakhov is ranked third in the European goalie draft class this upcoming year, which is actually behind Skarek. However,DraftSite has him going two positions above Skarek to the Detroit Red Wings.

It will be hard to find an option for Miftakhov once selected. Most likely, the Russian will have to go back to Kazan for another season or two.

Miftakhov would be a perfect fit for teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins with his speed and awareness in games. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Note: The picture does not match the player in this slide.

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