Konstantin Okulov is worth a look for the Montreal Canadiens

With many NHL teams in the midst of signing undrafted free agents and overseas talent, Konstantin Okulov is one such talent I feel, is worth a look for the Montreal Canadiens.

Needless to say, the Montreal Canadiens have had quite a hit and miss record with KHL players. The top professional hockey league in Russia has been seen by some as the 2nd best hockey league in the world, with others saying it’s a step behind AHL hockey.

The league has certainly had its fair share of talented players and has the money available to pay players more handsomely than the AHL for sure. However, the NHL has still managed to win out in bringing over some of its better Russian born talent, to admittedly mixed results, especially in the Canadiens case.

While forward Alexander Radulov put up an impressive 54 points off of a one year, $5 million deal, he was let go in free agency, with the Dallas Stars winning out the sweepstakes, despite him stating he wanted to play in Montreal. Jiri Sekac looked like a promising prospect coming out of Czech team Prague Lev, yet only lasted half a season in Montreal before being shipped off to Anaheim for Devante Smith Pelly. Depth signings like Jakub Jerabek played solid at best in a 25-game stint with the team before being dealt to Washington for a 5th round pick.

Despite their efforts, the Canadiens have yet to come out with any long term returns on KHL signings. However, I believe they could see a different outcome with this player. If you’ve been following the lesser side of the Canadiens trade rumors over this year, you’ve probably seen the name Konstantin Okulov come up every now and then.

The 6’00 tall forward got over his growing pains in his first few years in the league to come out as one of its premier home-grown players. With back to back seasons with at least 15 goals and 30 points, Okulov has attracted the interest of numerous NHL teams, with the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs emerging as front runners for his services.

A native of Novosibirsk, Russia, Okulov had the benefit of playing for a stacked CSKA Moscow team over the past 2 seasons, yet still managed to stand out amongst proven ex NHLers Mikhail Grigorenko, Anton Slepyshev, and former Hab Sekac. Possessing solid speed and hands, Okulov has been known for his playmaking abilities, being able to feather passes into very tight areas, and has showcased solid backchecking abilities as well.

However, like with most KHL stars, Okulov tends to take advantage of the lesser skill level of the KHL, making plays that would normally go south with a stronger, NHL level fore-check. As much as GMs want to see past it, the KHL isn’t as skilled as a league as the NHL, as evidenced by the number of NHL castoffs who end up in the league. Top non-Russia scorer in the league’s history, Nigel Dawes, played just 2 full seasons in the NHL. Long time AK Bars Kazan captain and league all-star Justin Azevedo, never played a game in the NHL, leaving after 4 seasons with AHL Manchester.

This is why KHL stars have been so hit and miss when transferring over to the NHL and is why teams have started to stray away from offering more high valued contracts for unproven players. League veteran Jan Kovar put up solid numbers before signing a 2-million-dollar deal with the Islanders for one year, being cut and subsequently released before the end of training camp. Radulov, on the other hand, was absolutely dominant in the league, and adjusted accordingly to the NHL, having already had the experience to boot.

Personally, I see Okulov as the perfect middle ground between a player like Radulov and Mikheyev, and a player like Sekac and Jerabek. He has just enough skill and potential to be worth an entry-level deal for sure but shouldn’t have the greatest of expectations placed him. Personally, I could see being a fine addition to the Canadiens middle six, and a potential upgrade over players like Jordan Weal and even Artturi Lehkonen if things work out.

At the very least, I think the Canadiens should show interest in Okulov, as he’s proven himself to be a consistent, reliable scorer in the KHL, and potentially a future contributor for the Habs. With Alexander Radulov having Canadiens feeling the Radulove for that short time, maybe we could see them feeling the Okulove, come next season.