Regardless of the "Russian Factor", Nikita Scherbak Intrigues

At 6'2" and 174-pounds, Scherbak fits the mold of the kind of larger forward Wild GM Chuck Fletcher and assistant GM Brent Flahr greatly desire. As an 18-year old rookie with the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades, he led his team in scoring with 28 goals and 50 assists for 78 points and a negative-6 rating in the process of leading all WHL rookies in goals, assists and points. In addition, he outscored the next closest Blades teammate, center Nathan Burns, by 35 points.

Scherbak is a few years away from the bright lights of the NHL, but there's a ton of upside with this kid that Fletcher should find tough to pass up on if he's still available at 18th overall. The "Russian Factor" will cause him to drop, no question. However, every year these talented, elite-level Russians fall to teams who aren't afraid to take a flier on guys with through-the-roof ceilings. Maybe it's time Fletcher does the same.