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NHL draft tracker: Valentin Zykov, Baie-Comeau Drakkar

Valentin Zykov has given himself a tough act to follow.

As a Russian who was assimilating to new culture and style of play, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar right wing became one of just three 17-year-olds across the Canadian Hockey League to join the 40-goal club, hitting the mark on the nose. In doing so, the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder established himself as a premier finisher among the NHL's draft class and made a case to be — and this is probably a conservative guesstimate — a top 15 to top 20 pick in the June 30 draft. Zykov ended up being named top rookie for the entire CHL, ahead of the top yearlings in the WHL and OHL, who happened to be Central Scouting's top-ranked skater Seth Jones and Erie Otters wunderkind Connor McDavid.

"It was much better than my previous season," says Zykov, who is rated seventh among North American-based skaters by NHL Central Scouting. "I improved myself and a lot more scouts saw me here."

While Zykov's 40-goal, 75-point campaign was dazzling, it was ultimately about gaining a foothold in North America. The 18-year-old St. Petersburg native does have ample room for improvement with his defensive acumen and skating. If those pieces are gathered, there is good reason to project that he could have an offensive impact in the NHL by the time he reaches his early 20s. He came away from the season satisfied that he was able to sustain himself across the long haul of a QMJHL season, which also including posting 10 goals and 19 points in 18 playoff games while helping the Drakkar reach the President's Cup final.

"It was good for my first year. I was able to play in the top six forwards. I learned how tough it was. From the season to playoffs, even after 68 games, everyone goes harder."

1. When you come back next season, what area of the game do you really want to improve?

"Defence. The decisions I make in my own end. I need to be better with working and helping get the puck out of the zone."

2. What is your reason for wearing No. 73?

"It's my favourite number. Seven is for good luck and three represents God, the Holy Trinity."

(So it's not a Big Bang Theory reference. — Ed.)

3. How much credit do you give to Drakkar coach Éric Veilleux for your improvement this season?

"He's the best coach I've ever had. Just the effort. He and the other coaches in Baie-Comeau work so hard for the team. He always tells me that I am the best Russian... because I am the only Russian."

4. Which NHL player(s) do you watch because he, or they, play a style of game like the one you aspire to play at that level someday?

"I like Pavel Datsyuk but I don't play the way he plays! There's lots of guys I admire. It's hard to pick one."

5. Do you have a favourite North American TV show?

"I don't really watch a lot of TV, except NHL games."

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet. Please address any questions, comments or concerns to btnblog@yahoo.ca.