Getting to Know the Draft Picks: Volume 7 - Dmytro Timashov

After the Leafs selected Swedish defenseman Jesper Lindgren with their 4th round pick, they had a bit of a wait until the 5th round when they selected again. But when the time came, the Leafs went the skill route once again and selected forward Dmytro Timashov from the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL. This pick was their 7th pick in the draft and their 4th forward, and there's no surprise that given the Leafs' new drafting method, they took a player like Timashov. So, let's get to know him. Who is Dmytro Timashov, and what can he bring to the table?



A native of Kirovograd, Ukraine, Timashov grew up in Stockholm, Sweden, and spent his youth playing for SDE HF J18 of the J18 Elit, and also played for Djurgarden U16 where he recorded 15 points in 7 games. In his next season, he appeared in his first season with MODO J2O of the SuperElit league, and recorded 12 points in 16 games. He then played his second season with MODO J20 and recorded 41 points in 40 games. The next season, after being selected by the Quebec Remparts in the Import Draft, Timashov recorded 71 assists and 90 points in 66 games in his first year of competition with the Remparts. He was projected to go somewhere in the third round, but the Leafs managed to snag him up in the fifth, so you could consider him a steal for them.

Now, the most visible aspect to Timashov's game is his playmaking ability. He recorded more than an assist per game with the Remparts in just his first year of competition. His ability to see the ice and make plays is amazing, and he can make any defender look bad with his slick hands and deking ability. Though he only scored 19 goals over 66 games, Timashov likes to shoot the puck, but is more of a "pass-first" type of player. He's a very fluid skater and can locate teammates who are open on the ice and make plays with them. He also has a very high hockey IQ.

NHL ETA: 2018-19

Timashov's skill ability will get him far in the hockey world, but that doesn't mean the Leafs need to rush him. They will likely let Timashov play out his final two years in the Q before playing one year with the Toronto Marlies, and then he could get a shot at the Leafs' roster.

Player Comparable: Mats Zuccarello

Neither of these players are overly big or intimidating on the ice, but that's no reason to watch out for them. They both play with the "pass-first" mentality and can dance around the opposition with their skill and their slick hands, and neither lack the ability to score goals either.

Potential Ceiling: Top-six playmaker

It's hard to determine now how Timashov will pan out as an NHL player, but if all goes well it wouldn't be surprising to see him feature on the top two lines as an elite offensive force who can help the powerplay and set up his teammates for goals.

What do you think of Timashov, Leafs fans? Let me know in the comments.