Edmonton Oilers 2018 Top 25 Under 25: #20 Ostap Safin

Edmonton’s fourth round selection in 2017 clocks in at 20th overall in our Top 25 under 25. Let’s see how he got there.

Playing in his first season with the Sea Dogs in St. John, southpaw winger Ostap Safin averaged nearly a point per game (26-32-58) in 61 games in the Québec Major Junior League. Safin had nine games with Bakersfield this past year, he scored one goal. Previous to that, Safin spent the previous three years with HC Sparta of the Czech league.

Safin is 6’5” and about 195, but he glides effortlessly with the puck. He’s got some definite playmaking chops to go with his gifted skating. He’s got a knack for knowing where the puck is going to end up, and he’s got an uncanny ability to set up the one timer or tip-in goal. Safin is not afraid to mix it up after the play.

Safin was signed to a three year entry-level deal in March. He may play in Bakersfield this year, else he my return for one more season with the Sea Dogs in the Q.

WHAT DOES A GOOD YEAR OF OSTAP SAFIN LOOK LIKE IN 2018-19?

Upward progression is key. With the rare exception, the QMJHL’s NHL equivalency is usually smaller than one would hope. A return to the QMJHL should see those numbers proceed upwards. If he returns to the QMJHL, it would be nice for him to average a point per game (or more). He nearly did that this year, so it would be great to see a little bit more of that in his 19 year old season.

Should we see him in Bakersfield, it would be nice to see him establish himself as a regular on a line that sees him join the rush and utilize his play making ability to set up the shot. Thirty points in Bakersfield would be a good start for a young man who was drafted 115th overall.