With their first round selection in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, 26th overall, the Montreal Canadiens select:
Nikita Scherbak, RW, Saskatoon (WHL)
6-2, 174 lbs., Shoots L, Russia
CSB: No. 15 | ISS: No. 25 | THN: No. 18 | HP: No. 14
2013-’14: 65 GP, 28 G, 50 A, 78 PTS (Saskatoon Blades)
Nikita Scherbak is a skilled but gritty forward who has a strong shot and offensive senses plus the ability to evade would-be checkers by using his quick agility and slick hands. He puts pressure on opposing defenses every game. Has some work to do with regards to rounding out his defensive game. An intelligent player who has shown to be very coachable, Scherbak’s game is featured around strong skating, creative vision and a willingness to engage physically in puck battles at both ends of the rink.