Chicago Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov was ranked the No. 29th best Russian player by Russian newsoutlet Sport-Express on Wednesday.
Our (Sport-Express’) annual top-50 of the best Russian players out there. Top-10 is here https://t.co/kxvXEBwlVl
top-11 to 50 here https://t.co/1vUhUPJBbb
Since the players’ names are on pictures, here’s the list: pic.twitter.com/tcbYqS8UDA— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) June 13, 2018
Anisimov is the lone Russian on the Hawks’ roster. The 30-year-old reached the 20-goal mark for the third consecutive season with Chicago in 72 games during the 2017-18 campaign. His 31 points (20 goals, 11 assists) was his lowest total since a 27-point performance with Columbus in 2014-15 in 52 games.
Anisimov also scored eight points (three goals, five assists) in as many games for Russia during this year’s World Championship tournament.
Chicago prospect Max Shalunov is ranked No. 40. The 25-year-old winger continued his dominant play in the KHL, posting career-highs in goals (20), assists (20) and points (40) in 46 games in his first season with CSKA Moscow after being traded from Sibir Novosibirsk. He added three goals and five points in 17 playoff games.
Shalunov played with Anisimov at Worlds, and tallied three goals and six points in eight games.
Former Hawk Artemi Panarin comes in at No. 6 on the list. The 26-year-old winger scored a career-high 82 points in his first season with Columbus after being traded last June for Brandon Saad.