Ryan Sikes 
Photo Credit: Terry Wilson/OHLImages
Daniil Chayka, LHD
Vitals
- Age: 18
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 185 lbs
- Shot: L
Rankings
-
Ranked #29 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
-
Ranked #77 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
-
Ranked #28 by FCHOCKEY
-
Ranked #13 by NEUTRAL ZONE
-
Ranked #19 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
-
Ranked #44 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
-
Ranked #21 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
-
Ranked #5 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
-
Ranked #23 by SPORTSNET’S
-
Ranked #49 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
-
Ranked #41 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
-
Ranked #29 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
-
Ranked #39 by SMAHT SCOUTING
-
Ranked #13 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
Production
Quotables
A defensive-minded blueliner, Daniil Chayka generally doesn’t wind up on highlight reels, but he gets the job done. With his long reach and excellent mobility, Chayka is a zone entry killer. Thwarting plays before they even get a chance to generate offense or sustain pressure, Chayka should be a plus defender at the NHL level. After spending the last few years in Canada, first with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and then the most recent two seasons with Guelph, he has split time between the KHL, VHL, and MHL this season and has shown the ability to translate most of his defensive game to each level in Russia. – Dobber Prospects
Once his man is on the perimeter, he does a good job of taking away passing lanes and forcing them into a shot from a tough angle. Chayka’s long stick and quick movement are real assets here. He is willing to play physical to protect that ice and keeps his opponent to the outside in the cycle game. As he continues to grow, he should get even more physical in board battles and in protecting the front of net. – Last Word on Sports
Aside from his lack of physical play, I have enjoyed Chayka’s response to loose pucks and puck movement in general. Chayka is quick on his feet. He will quickly put on the jets to hunt down loose pucks, and he will keep his foot on the gas when attackers make sudden changes in direction. – Smaht Scouting
Video
While Chayka’s strengths are his reach and defensive game, his offensive game is still a work in progress. That said, there’s no denying his bomb of a shot from the point. If he can use his long frame to tap into his offensive and physical potential, the Russian blueliner could look like one of the best picks in this draft class.