The TSN Insider’s Forecast: Aside from Pat Kane, no draft eligible player played the game at as high a level this season as Russian forward Alexei Cherepanov. He set a goal scoring record for an 18-year old in the Russian SuperLeague and, next to Kane, he was regarded as the most dynamic presence at the World Junior Championship. But he has two considerable knocks against him. One of them he has no control over. He’s a Russian. And in the absence of a transfer agreement between the Russian federation and the NHL, many NHL teams will be hesitant if not completely opposed to taking a Russian prospect, especially in the first five or six picks of the draft. But make no mistake, his talent level is consistent with a No. 1 to No. 5 pick. The other criticism, though, is that for as highly skilled and talented Cherepanov is, he is tremendously inconsistent, maddeningly frustrating and a player who only turns it on when he feels like it. “Talented but temperamental,” one scout said. “He’s either the best player on the ice or he’s not even there. There’s no in between. When the effort is there, he can dominate and score goals like no one else in the draft. When the effort isn’t there, you feel like giving him a shake.” If teams in the top five pass him over, there is no telling what’s to become of him in this draft. At some point, though, transfer agreement or not, someone has to step up on a player this talented.

From NHL Central Scouting: An offensive winger with great acceleration and a nose for the net. Has a quick release and can shoot at top speed. Has good puckhandling and makes good decisions with the puck. Works hard at both ends of the ice. Doesn’t shy away from being hit, but needs to add a physical presence to his game and improve his consistency from game to game. Named the Top Forward at the 2007 World Junior Championships where he helped lead Team Russia to a silver medal he led all scorers with eight points (5-3-8) and was also selected to the Tournament All-Star Team. Broke Pavel Bure’s record for goals by a rookie in the Russian Elite League.

From ISS: Alexei is a very talented player right, something that is obvious the moment you see him. His dynamic skating, vision, knack for scoring and great speed shows that he will be able to be make a big impact when he goes to an NHL training camp.

I finally agree with you…That would be a sweet deal…Get rid of those two…Sounds good

Personally…to me im happy NYR chose him over Esposito.

Hopefully this kid is damn good…He looks like he can do some damage…Hopefully