RUS: Energized CSKA Red Army Club Lead by Youth

CSKA Moscow lost some veteran players over the summer, but the club's strong developmental system is paying dividends in the form of some youth stepping up and contributing in key roles. The team's new top line is comprised of Denis Parshin (Col), Alexander Nikulin (Ott) and Sergei Shirokov (Van).

Parshin has been CSKA's brightest and most versatile forward. He is known for his puck handling, but has been delightfully aggressive and quick on his feet during the first few games of the season. The young forward gets numerous scoring chances and interacts well with his linemates. Diminutive in stature, he still does not play physical hockey, but never hesitates to drive through traffic or battle behind the net.

Nikulin has become the squad's top center. He possesses size, speed, and puck handling ability. The young pivot enhances the first line with a knack for ragging the puck up ice and making quick passes on the fly. He has also been strong defensively, compensating for defensemen like Anton Belov who has contributed heavily in the offensive end of the ice. The line's cohesion is still a work in progress however, as Nikulin has made several no-look passes while skating in transition that didn't precisely meet their targets. He needs to use his size better on defense as his coverage has come up lacking on at least one occasion. Overall, Nikulin's contribution has been excellent and he has fully taken over the reins as CSKA's top center.

Shirokov continues to be one of the club's top young players, following up a solid 2005-06 campaign despite the departure of former linemate Nikolai Lemtyugov (StL). Shirokov is not very big but does not hesitate to get his nose dirty and fight hard against the boards or venture through traffic areas. His drive and tenacity have really become apparent as he continues to create scoring chances despite size and physical mismatches. His puck handling is also noteworthy, though at times he needs to improve his decision-making with the puck and move it to his linemates a little sooner.

In addition to the newly formed offensive line, CSKA's two 86 born defensemen, Kirill Lyamin (Ott) and Anton Belov, who shockingly remains undrafted, have both made a significant impact. The young blueliners took on key roles as the club's top defensive pairing.

Belov has really come on with his aggressiveness, speed and tantalizing offensive upside. He joins the rush, helping his club to create significant offensive chances. Belov also plays physically in his own end, though at times he gets into trouble being a little over-zealous with a hit near the boards. Strong defensively, it is his contribution in the offensive zone that demands the most attention.

Lyamin, while not a standout like Belov, has fully re-integrated himself as a key member of CSKA after spending last season predominantly on the club's third or fourth defensive pairing. He offers a physical presence on a nightly basis and possesses a powerful slap shot from the blue line.

This young nucleus has a unique opportunity with CSKA to take on leadership roles while also learning from a group of experienced veterans like one-time NHL prospect and resident passing center Vadim Epanchintsev and fringe NHLer David Nemirovsky. To date, this special group of youngsters has taken full advantage of their opportunities and significantly boosted their NHL stock.