The Toronto Maple Leafs have selected 19-year-old Russian forward Vladimir Bobylev of the WHL’s Victoria Royals with their 122nd selection in the 2016 NHL Draft.
The Maple Leafs have now used three of their first seven day-two picks on overage talent (Adam Brooks and Yegor Korshkov being the first two). Bobylev accumulated 67 points in 72 games and a further seven in five games in the playoffs for Victoria. He will be 20 in April.
Bobylev was originally drafted by the Vancouver Giants in the 2014 CHL Import Draft, and put up just nine points in 52 games before re-entering the draft in 2015. After getting picked up by Victoria, his second season in North America was vastly improved, shooting up to 28 goals (he had just three in 2014-15) and 67 points.
Another swing at a late bloomer here by the Maple Leafs on draft day two with their second overage Russian pick.
Vladimir Bobylev Rankings
- Ranked #146 by McKeen’s Hockey
- Ranked #203 by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
Vladimir Bobylev Scouting Report
Courtesy of the 2016 NHL Draft Black Book
Bobylev is a pro-sized forward who has compiled an impressive statline in his second year of NHL draft eligibility. What immediately stands out for Bobylev is his heavy frame that he actually gets around the ice fairly well. His first few steps and straight line speed aren’t too bad at all for a player his size and he can look quite daunting while skating down the ice at top speed. He does have a bit more of a lumbering motion through his turns though. Bobylev had a giant improvement on his rookie season in North America, improving from mere 9 points in 52 games to hovering around PPG this season. Bobylev also showed good chemistry playing right wing with Tyler Soy and Jack Walker, which was quite a productive line overall. Along with Bobylev’s size his best asset is also his powerful wrist-shot which goalies and defenses have to respect, it’s not the most accurate but can cause troubles if given room. Bobylev also shows some upside with puck-protection and has improved his playmaking which has allowed him to excel on a line with two smaller skilled forwards. As a second time eligible, Bobylev brings to the table an interesting combination of physical tools and has proved that he does have some upside with a much improved second-year in North America.
Vladimir Bobylyov Statistics
SEASON TEAM LEAGUE GP G A TP PIM +/- POST GP G A TP PIM +/-
2013-14 Atlanty Mytishchi MHL 35 4 4 8 36 -1 | Playoffs 3 0 0 0 4 -1
2014-15 Vancouver Giants WHL 52 3 6 9 39 -2 |
2015-16 Victoria Royals WHL 72 28 39 67 60 45 | Playoffs 5 0 7 7 2 4
