[Pike] Rapid City has been eliminated from ECHL playoff contention. I would imagine that a few Flames prospects – likely Rory Kerins, Ilya Nikolaev and Daniil Chechelev – join the Wranglers for the AHL playoffs.
Rapid City has been eliminated from ECHL playoff contention. I would imagine that a few #Flames prospects – likely Rory Kerins, Ilya Nikolaev and Daniil Chechelev – join the Wranglers for the AHL playoffs.
— Ryan Pike (@RyanNPike) April 15, 2023
by hideyoshisdf
1 Comment
ECHL stats:
Kerins (2020 6th rounder, age 21): 38GP, 17G, 20A, 37PTS
Nikolaev (2019 3rd round, age 21): 40GP, 13G, 20A, 33PTS
Chechelev (2020 4th round, age 22): .894, 3.58GAA
Kerins had 118 points (43G, 75A) in his 20 year old season for the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL last year and 2 points in 6 AHL games this year. He’s being kept in the ECHL not because of skill, but because they want to ensure he has first line minutes.
Nikolaev had 72 points in 58 games for the Tri-city Storm last year. This year he’s played in 5 AHL games with 0 points.
Chechelev had a .894 and 3.64GAA last year. This year in the ECHL 28 goalies have a save percent of .900 or better. I’ve watched him play a few times though and there does seem to be a lot of athleticism and talent if he can just put it all together