Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of http://russianprospects.com
- Name: Ilya Zubov
- Position: LW
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-0
- Weight: 200 lbs
- Birthdate: 1987-02-14
- Eligible for Draft: 2005
- Drafted:
- Hometown: Chelyabinsk, Russia
- Acquired: 4th round (98th overall), 2005 by OTT
- Playing In: Pro
Ilya Zubov
Prospect Grade: 7.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
Ilya Zubov, born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, was a 4th round selection of the Ottawa Senators in the 2005 draft. In his draft year, the talented center was one of the top forwards out of Russia. Considered by many to be a “safe” early pick, Zubov has made great strides and shown a good attitude and maturity to go along with his impressive hockey skills.
2002-03: Zubov played in one professional game for Traktor in Russia’s High League, picking up one minor penalty. He also skated on the Russia ’87 squad, notching 2 points in 3 games.
2003-04: Zubov became a professional as he joined Traktor’s division 2 team in Russia’s High League. Skating in 33 games, Zubov accumulated 7 goals and 7 assists. His +8 rating was tops on his team and he was an important player who saw significant ice time. In the playoffs, Zubov was a go-to player and he notched 3 points in 8 games. Traktor made it to the semifinals, but lost to Molot. During the series, Zubov, despite being just 18 at the time, was entrusted to a crucial penalty shot on which he scored. Zubov also participated in several tournaments as the youngest member of Russia’s U18 ’86 squad.
2004-05: Along with centering the top line on Russia’s U18 ’87 squad, Zubov continued to play an important role for Traktor in the Russia High League. In 42 games, Zubov picked up 9 goals and 17 points while going +6. In tournament play, Zubov was extremely impressive, scoring 2 points in 3 games at the 4 Nations Tournament, 3 points in 4 games at the 5 Nations Tournament, and a remarkable 8 points in 4 games at the U18 World Junior Championships, leading Russia to the Gold medal.
2005-06: Zubov graduated to the Russian Elite league joining Spartak. In 43 contests, he recorded 14 points. During the playoffs, Zubov scored 4 points in 3 games. Zubov was once again a star at international tournaments, this time at the U20 World Junior Championships when he scored 6 points in 6 games as Russia captured the Silver medal. Zubov also skated in the 4 Nations Tournament.
2006-07: At the end of 2005-06, Spartak folded and Zubov was moved to Khimik. After a brief 16-game stint (2 points), where he did not have an opportunity to develop due to an overflow of veterans, Zubov was shipped to Ufa where he played out the remainder of the season. Zubov played 26 games, scoring three times and registering 10 points in total, for Ufa. In the playoffs, Zubov notched 5 points in 8 games as Ufa fell to CSKA Moscow in five games. Zubov played at the World Junior Championships once again and tallied 4 points in 6 games as Russia captured the Silver medal.
Zubov made his first trip to North America, participating in the Development Camp during the summer of 2007. He has signed a contract with the Senators.
2007-08: After several seasons with Russian clubs, Zubov made his professional debut on Oct. 6 with AHL Binghamton as it faced Albany. He recorded his first professional goal in the match. Zubov was recalled to Ottawa on Jan. 15, marking his Senators debut as the team faced Washington. He recorded three hits and played 14:38 minutes; this was his lone NHL appearance of the season. Zubov was ranked seventh among all B-Sens in points and second among Binghamton rookies in scoring.
2008-09: Zubov spent the entire summer in Ottawa training with NHLers Chris Neil and Chris Kelly. His dedication showed on the ice, as Zubov’s scoring totals increased considerably, from 38 points in 74 games to 52 points in 63 games. However, Zubov slumped offensively yet again during the last half of the season. Whether it was still due to conditioning, losing linemate Ryan Shannon to the NHL, the coaching change that occurred, or a combination of all three is uncertain.
Talent Analysis
Zubov is a very offensively gifted forward, one of the best 1987 born Russian forwards. A speedster with a very smooth stride, Zubov is strong in tight spaces and can dangle extremely well. Zubov possesses a precise and very dangerous wrist shot which he uses often. His above average on-ice vision allows him to distribute the puck well and make needle-threading passes. Primarily an offensive player, often skating as the pivot on the top line, Zubov is no slouch in the defensive zone as he works very hard to help out his team in the backend. He possesses decent size but does not use it often enough and isn’t very comfortable playing in traffic areas. Zubov has the ability to play wing, but is a natural centerman, though he needs to work on his faceoffs.
Future
Zubov has an impressive package of skill and natural offensive instinct making him a good candidate to become a top-six forward at the NHL level.
Another summer in Ottawa could put Zubov over the top, allowing him to make Ottawa. His offensive potential would be most welcome.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: October, 16th 2009
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