The 21-year-old Russian prospect Nikolay Goldobin is vying for a spot on the Vancouver Canucks and might even have the potential to show signs of former top-liner and compatriot Alex Mogilny.

Give him time, said Dave Babych.

“When he has it in front of the net or in another scoring position, he knows what to do with it,” said the retired Canucks defenceman, noting the style breaks down simply: If you get open, the centreman will feed you the puck. “He reminds me of Mogilny.”

The Playbook Dave Babych on Canucks prospects Juolevi, Goldobin, Chatfield and Subban September 25 2017 Your browser does not support the audio element.



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“He seems like one of those opportunists who wait for that. Coaches aren’t maybe that patient with guys who have that type of talent,” Babych told SN 650 today.

After talking with player agent Igor Larionov, who represents Goldobin, Babych said the young skater has a lot more to show. “If Igor endorses him, and I think the world of Igor … I would listen.”

Not that Babych sees this happening any time soon, but if Goldobin was to play an entire season alongside the Sedins, “I bet he puts up a 40 spot.”