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Artur Kayumov didn’t have the impact most expected in his first KHL season, largely due to missing more than a month with a broken collarbone. The Russian forward raised eyebrows in a positive way at the World Junior Championship, when he was among the team’s leaders in scoring. After Lokomotiv Yaroslavl fell in the Gagarin Cup playoffs, Kayumov won the MHL title with Loko Yaroslavl. He has moved up 10 spots from last year’s Top 25 Under 25 series.
Position: Forward
Birth date: Feb. 14, 1998 (age 20)
Acquired via: 2016 NHL draft — 2nd round
Most recent stop: Loko Yaroslavl — MHL
Size: 5’11, 176 pounds
Contract: Unsigned
Last year’s ranking: No. 25
Breakdown
The Chicago Blackhawks made a third of their 2016 draft picks in the second round. The first two picks of forward Alex DeBrincat and defenseman Chad Krys have been well talked about, with the former leading the Hawks in goals as a rookie this past season. Kayumov, the last of the second-round trio, hasn’t received much publicity. That was until this past season when he had a breakout World Juniors tournament after a collarbone injury derailed the start to his KHL campaign.
Kayumov showcased his ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates in five games. The left-handed winger skated on Russia’s second line and tallied three goals and two assists, which ranked second on the team to St. Louis prospect Klim Kostin.
3:2 - Артур Каюмов #RUSSUI #U20 pic.twitter.com/nbbsEnGdKo
— Хоккей России (@russiahockey) December 28, 2017
Here’s a look at Kayumov (28) pic.twitter.com/MQ1BMkmfOM
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) December 29, 2017
Going through some of the video I took last week. Here’s an isolation on Artur Kayumov for a shift: pic.twitter.com/ibTN5ZoLsX
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) January 2, 2018
Kayumov ended up recording two goals and an assist in 20 KHL games for Lokomotiv. He added one goal in five playoff games.
Artur Kayumov knows well where the puck should be placed to get his first goal of the KHL play-offs. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/IpuqNyBqHd
— Russian Prospects (@RUSProspects) March 17, 2018
What’s next in 2018-19?
Kayumov is signed with Lokomotiv through the 2019-20 season and is expected to take on a larger role with the team. But his agent told Scott Powers of The Athletic that Kayumov could be willing to come to North America next season.
Kayumov, like his countrymen Andrei Altybarmakyan, has not attended the Hawks’ development camp since he’s been drafted due to his KHL contract. The KHL’s deals often prevent players from attending NHL team development camps.
A move to North America likely means a trip to the AHL for a spot on the Rockford IceHogs’ roster. By coming overseas, the Hawks would finally be able to have a hands-on role in Kayumov’s development.