Pens Prospect Buzz: Zlobin “held his own” on a line with top talents Yakupov, Grigorenko in Canada-Russia series

Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, Anton Zlobin (TIOPS No. 29 ranked prospect), the team’s sixth round pick in the 2012 draft, is getting solid reviews among scouts for his play in the Canada – Russia series.

Team Canada took the series last night in sudden-death overtime period after game 4 was tied after three periods. Defenseman Scott Harrington (TIOPS No. 3 rated prospect) played for Canada and was the team’s captain for Game 2.

Zlobin played on Russia’s top line with 2012 first round pick Nail Yakupov and Mikhail Grigorenko, the Buffalo Sabres first round pick (12th overall) in 2012 draft.

Zlobin finished the series with 2 goals and former Atlanta Thrashers scout Grant Sonier who covered the series had good things to say about both players when reached for comment by TIOPS.

“Both played well, ” Sonier said. “Zlobin played on top line and held his own with Yakupov and Grigorenko….Harrington a solid defender, ” Sonier added.

Zlobin last month didn’t stand out much during the Penguins prospect camp but I’ve heard from multiple evaluators in the past month about Zlobin who contend that he’s one of those players who has to play with talented players. Zlobin at the Penguins prospect camp wasn’t playing with skilled players like he was with Yakupov and Grigorenko for Team Russia.

Zlobin, 19, had 40 goals and 76 points for Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL last season. His overall game is lacking at times but has some offensive upside and could rise quickly up the prospect board.. One assistant coach I spoke with in the “Q” who saw the games that were played in Halifax, said he liked Zlobin’s “attention to details” in his own end, which is a knock on him.