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By Sean Patrick Ryan

Edmonton Oilers Prospects: #11 Kirill Maksimov

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2018 ranking: #3 overall

After being drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, Maksimov was considered a longshot at best to ever reach the NHL.

He was considered a poor skater at the time and despite exhibiting some high-level skill in his draft year, was still very raw.

The Oilers took a chance on the young Russian and it appears they found themselves a true sleeper two years later. Blessed with an NHL caliber shot and release, Maksimov finished his Junior career with 110 total goals, which was the most by any Oilers prospect since Connor McDavid.

Anyone that has watched him on a consistent basis will tell you, his shot and release are elite. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say Maksimov has the best shot and release in the entire Edmonton Oilers organization. If you also factor in his tremendous work ethic and determination, along with his ability to play in all situations, it’s not hard to see why he could be the best forward prospect to come along in a few years for the Oilers.