Bruins Select D Roman Bychkov 154th overall in NHL Draft

The Boston Bruins made their third selection of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and second of day two on Saturday afternoon. After an hour wait between picks, the Bruins selected D Roman Bychkov 154th overall. The Russian blueliner played in 40 games for the MHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in 2018-19. He scored two goals and added 13 assists for 15 points on the season.

Bychkov also appeared in three games for Lokomotiv’s NMHL team. He failed to post a point in those three contests. Bychkov was the 34th ranked European skater on NHL Central Scouting’s list. He is described as a competent puck distributor with soft hands.

Bychkov’s scouting report is brought to us by draftsite.com.

Russian defender Roman Bychkov with a good backward pedal, puck skills, good hockey IQ, and stick handling ability. On the small side and this point, but displays fluid feet and strong stride and terrific puck handling skills. His strength is his ability read the ice and use his stride, agility, and edging, coupled with his high end stick-handling skills to push the pace, and then dish the up yo an open teammate. Has the willingness to engage along the wall, and although he does need work on his gap control, he will close shooting lanes with his stick and even block shots. Has a good first pass in transition, but prefers to not be the primary on zone entries, but likes to jump in as the trailing rover. 
Needs to get bigger and stronger, and his shot needs more mustard.