Islanders Scouting Report: Valentin Zykov

June 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; General view of the stage and draft board order as commissioner Gary Bettman announces the third overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft at CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

[CONTRIBUTION BELOW WRITTEN BY KEVIN KOPF!]

NEW YORK, NY–Valentin Zykov is one prospect to which the New York Islanders should pay much attention come the 2013.

This 6’0, 207 lbs. right-winger/power forward may very well be that extra piece to the slowly-but-surely emerging puzzle that is now the new New York Islanders.

•  Background Check

Valentin Zykov, born in St. Petersburg, Russia, started his competitive playing career in the CSKA Red Army Tournament in 2011, all in the U17 division.

Moreover, Zykov racked up 50 goals and 39 helpers. After finishing the season, he moved on to the U19 Junior A Challenge and 2012 U17 World Hockey Challenge.

In the 52 games he spent there Zykov had a measly 5 goals and 6 assists, and had 104 penalty minutes, the second most in tournament history.

Zykov played 67 games for Baie-Comeau, his first North American season. He was second on the team in scoring, with 40 goals and 36 assists. The team went on to win its first 10 playoff games.

• His Place on the ‘Island’

Valentin Zykov is your general power forward/corner player. He works in the dirty areas and can be your grinder on any line.

But for all intents and purposes, Zykov would take another year before visiting the Island, then afterwards either see scattered NHL time, while pulling vast amounts of duty with the Bridgeport Soundtigers.

When it is all said and done, expect Zykov in Blue and Orange once Brooklyn becomes a reality, where fellow Russian Mikhail Prokhorov runs the arena—another variable that may influence Zykov’s stay.

Valentin Zykov could be your second line winger by 2014-2015, and may be playing along side Ryan Strome. Food for thought, indeed.

•  Bottomline

Keep Zykov, and pass on Jonathan Bernier and Thomas Vanek

–Kevin Kopf @kevinakopf