Post by Bob McKenzie on Jan 31, 2020 15:36:19 GMT -5
SCOUTING REPORT
2. Sergei Gonchar - Defence - Russia - Traktor Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Gonchar began his professional career in 1991 with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Soviet Championship League. He also played two seasons for Dynamo Moscow.
Gonchar had seven points in his first season (31 games played) and showed huge potential, as he transferred smoothly to the North American style of hockey. He broke out as a top-notch offensive defenseman in his second season and followed that up with several seasons of high offensive production, including six straight seasons of 30 or more points. Despite his immense talent, Gonchar never won a Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman; the closest he ever got was finishing fourth in voting three times.
Overall, Gonchar was an offensively skilled defenseman with an excellent eye for the game. A good skater with good stickhandling. Had a good opening pass and was generally a good passer. He was a lethal weapon on the power play, a world class player and also played sound defense. With a devastating wrist shot and smooth skating skills, he liked to shoot from the blue line, but he was never very physical player.
Gonchar is a two-time Olympic medal-winner with Russia. He earned a silver medal at the 1998 Olympic Games and a bronze medal at the 2002 Olympic Games. In addition, Gonchar also competed in the 1993 World Junior Championship, two World Cups and three World Championships.
PROS:
So Fast. So Good.
CONS:
AWARDS
1997-1998 NHL Playoffs Most Goals by Defenseman (7)
2001-2002 NHL Most Goals by Defenseman (26), NHL Most Points by Defenseman (59)
2002-2003 NHL Most Goals by Defenseman (18)
2003-2004 NHL Most Assists by Defenseman (47), NHL Most Points by Defenseman (58)
2006-2007 NHL Most Assists by Defenseman (54)
Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2008
Named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2002 and 2003
Won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 as a player, and in both 2016 and 2017 as a development coach.
2. Sergei Gonchar - Defence - Russia - Traktor Chelyabinsk (Russia)
Gonchar began his professional career in 1991 with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Soviet Championship League. He also played two seasons for Dynamo Moscow.
Gonchar had seven points in his first season (31 games played) and showed huge potential, as he transferred smoothly to the North American style of hockey. He broke out as a top-notch offensive defenseman in his second season and followed that up with several seasons of high offensive production, including six straight seasons of 30 or more points. Despite his immense talent, Gonchar never won a Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman; the closest he ever got was finishing fourth in voting three times.
Overall, Gonchar was an offensively skilled defenseman with an excellent eye for the game. A good skater with good stickhandling. Had a good opening pass and was generally a good passer. He was a lethal weapon on the power play, a world class player and also played sound defense. With a devastating wrist shot and smooth skating skills, he liked to shoot from the blue line, but he was never very physical player.
Gonchar is a two-time Olympic medal-winner with Russia. He earned a silver medal at the 1998 Olympic Games and a bronze medal at the 2002 Olympic Games. In addition, Gonchar also competed in the 1993 World Junior Championship, two World Cups and three World Championships.
PROS:
So Fast. So Good.
CONS:
AWARDS
1997-1998 NHL Playoffs Most Goals by Defenseman (7)
2001-2002 NHL Most Goals by Defenseman (26), NHL Most Points by Defenseman (59)
2002-2003 NHL Most Goals by Defenseman (18)
2003-2004 NHL Most Assists by Defenseman (47), NHL Most Points by Defenseman (58)
2006-2007 NHL Most Assists by Defenseman (54)
Played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2008
Named to the NHL Second All-Star Team in 2002 and 2003
Won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009 as a player, and in both 2016 and 2017 as a development coach.