QMJHL: Lethal Karsums

Mike Simon & Steve Gionet provide their scouting observations on five Moncton Wildcats, including '04 draft eligibles' Martins Karsums and Bruce Graham.

Martins Karsums (2004), RW, Moncton Wildcats

Undersized Latvian import has the look of a pure sniper … excels at creating room for himself on the ice using his quickness and tricky puck work … a very good skater who receives high grades in the areas of agility, acceleration and foot speed … displayed some slick moves with the puck both in traffic and around the net … also demonstrated very good accuracy on his shot in addition to a quick release … didn’t shy away physical play either, as he dished out a few good bodychecks through the game … listed at just 175 pounds, so, naturally, bulking up will dictate his success at the next level … left the impression that he has the potential to be a solid two-way pro, but only if can develop into a more committed and driven defensive conscience.

Bruce Graham (2004), C, Moncton Wildcats

Blessed with an imposing 6-foot-6 frame, Graham obviously has the physical attributes to be a power forward, but doesn’t always show that side of his game as fully as he could … displays nice hands for a big man … won’t shy away from the rough stuff, but doesn’t go looking to make enemies either … a remarkably fast and smooth skater given his size … acceleration is also outstanding … excels in puck battles in the corners and showed good fight along the boards.

Steve Bernier (SJ), RW, Moncton Wildcats

An excellent stickhandler with a scorer’s touch and also solid playmaking skills … able to use his large frame along the boards … steadily showing more of a physical edge and better attention to his checking assignments … a decent overall skater, although he would greatly benefit from improved acceleration.

Konstantin Zakharov (STL), RW, Moncton Wildcats

A speedy winger with excellent acceleration … Zakharov has impressed with his exceptional passing and playmaking skills, and also proven that he is a lethal finisher around the net … on the downside, he could use more of a physical punch to his game … also needs to pay better attention to his defensive duties, as he has a tendency to drift around at times, awaiting a breakout pass.

Nathan Saunders (ANA), D, Moncton Wildcats

A physical, defensive defensemen who plays with a hard physical edge … displayed solid checking and hitting abilities … also showed good defensive awareness as well as the tools to chip in offensively from time to time.

Jimmy Sharrow (ATL), D, Halifax Mooseheads

A very mobile defenseman, Sharrow has really shown off his fine offensive abilities thus far this season, leading the Mooseheads in points … his skating and puck skills are both first-rate, however, he needs to develop more of a physical side to his play, and also develop more consistency, as his performances can vary from game to game.

Stephen Dixon (PIT), C, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles

Stickhandling is very good, as is his vision of the ice … a speedy skater with terrific acceleration … gradually developing into a premier playmaker with Cape Breton this season.