Passed over twice, Ruslan Gazizov is bolstering his NHL Draft stock at Memorial Cup

Heading into the 2024 Memorial Cup, many were hyping up top-end NHL Draft-eligible prospects like Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh, Sam Dickinson, and Sam O’Reilly of the London Knights.

However, one player who isn’t as high on everyone’s draft board is proving that he has a lot to offer.

London Knights forward Ruslan Gazizov is currently listed as the 192nd-ranked prospect among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The overager has been passed over twice, but he’s back on the radar after the great season he has had with London.

The Memorial Cup has been a great opportunity for Gazizov to play on a big stage, and he has wasted little time making an impact. He scored twice, including the game-winning goal, in London’s 4-0 win last Saturday against the QMJHL champion Drummondville Voltigeurs, his best game of the tournament.

Gazizov also scored the Knights’ first goal against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Monday as part of a 5-4 win. He was one of four players to have scored three goals during the round-robin.

The Russian winger admits that the environment and intensity of playing in the Memorial Cup have made it an enriching experience.

“Great atmosphere with the four best teams in junior hockey,” Gazizov said. “It’s really competitive, so it feels like every day is an opportunity to prove yourself.”

Gazizov came to London after being selected in the first round of the OHL Import Draft in 2021. Despite leaving his family, he admits that London was the perfect place for him to settle in.

“(It’s been a) unforgettable experience,” Gazizov said. “I came over at 17 years old. Learned a new culture, new language. I met my new teammates and it’s been excellent.”

Early in his OHL tenure, the Omsk native’s production was fine, but nothing special, with 76 points in his. Yet, something flipped for the 20-year-old this season. His confidence has grown, especially while playing on a line with Philadelphia Flyers prospect Denver Barkey and Winnipeg Jets draft pick Jacob Julien. Gazizov scored 36 goals and 45 assists for 81 points, career bests by far, finishing third on the Knights in scoring behind Barkey and Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan.

He admits that he had another rocky beginning to the 2023-24 campaign, but the patience shown by coach Dale Hunter and his teammates has allowed him to flourish.

“I just trusted my coaches and teammates and got better as the year went along,” Gazizov said. “[Hunter] taught me the defensive side of the game. My defensive game has progressed so much over my three years in London. He helps guys transition from junior to pro.”

Gazizov believes some aspects of his ability will translate to the next level.

“I’m a key player. I can help my team win games. I want to bring a winning mentality to the rink every day and be an asset to any team,” he said. “I believe in my hockey IQ and my passing ability. My vision is one of my biggest strengths, and it would work in the pros.”

With his finishing touch, Gazizov’s shot has been on display throughout the year. It’s a shot that Knights netminder Michael Simpson has seen pretty frequently in practice a number of times.

“He’s been a big player for us throughout the playoffs and the regular season,” Simpson said. “He’s got a good shot, and likes to score. So, when you stop him [in practice], you like to let him hear it a little bit.”

Although he may not have been as efficient in the playoffs, Gazizov still scored seven goals and 14 points in 15 appearances, helping the Knights capture their first OHL championship since 2016. He scored four goals and six points in the final series against the Oshawa Generals.

With a “coming-out-party” of a season, Gazizov hopes the dominos fall into place, and that he is taken by a team in next month’s NHL Draft.

“I just hope for the best. I feel I did everything I could to try and help my team win games. Now, we’ll wait and see.”

The Knights will face the Saginaw Spirit in the championship game at 7:00 PM ET on Sunday night, another chance for Gazizov to make another lasting memory.

“It’s a dream of any kid who plays junior hockey in Canada to play in this tournament. Not everyone gets the chance to be here and to be in the final tomorrow is special. I can’t wait.”