Many players build their game around exceptional skill and figure out the rest along the way. When they make the jump to the professional ranks, they find their speed and skill advantages aren’t as significant anymore. They’re forced to change the way they attack, defend, and learn (seemingly) basic habits that were overlooked because of their offensive dominance.

Rodion Amirov (EliteProspects No. 17 for the 2020 Draft) is not one of those players. In the MHL — where many slower players rely solely on turning the corner on defenders to create — Amirov attacks the middle. When many players make a blind pass along the boards, Amirov fights to get his back to the boards to scan the slot for options. When many players idle, Amirov gets open, supports the puck, and makes defensive stops.

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