Sidorov is slowly transitioning from a junior scorer into a more well-rounded professional player. His shot, creativity, and deking ability remain just as strong as last season, but he now has a better understanding of when to use his skills, though he is still very audacious. There is improved awareness and understanding of how to play within the Gulls’ defensive structure, which is both a good sign and a necessity if he is to realistically play in the NHL. Defense will never be his selling point. He will still need more time in the AHL to continue refining his habits and developing a style more conducive to the NHL. One of the Ducks’ better boom-or-bust candidates, there is clear upside here for any fantasy GM, but it comes with a real risk that he may not adapt enough to succeed at the NHL level. Probably still needs 2 more seasons in the AHL.

Sidorov has hit the ground running about as well as you could expect someone to do when joining the AHL. He has continued to bring his scoring touch to San Diego and is fifth in goals at the time of writing. While the offense has translated quite well to the professional game, Sidorov still has work to do in defense. There have been noticeable improvements from his WHL days, and those must continue. The Ducks are the lowest-scoring team in the NHL, so it is not hard to believe they could call up some offensive firepower if they think he is ready. Sidorov still needs another year in the AHL to learn the professional game, but what he’s been able to show so far gives hope that he could develop into a middle-six sniper. January 2024 – Sidorov is in his third season with the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL. In his first 147 WHL games, he had 97 goals and 163 points to go along with 22 points in 21 playoff games. His playing style reminds me a little of Markus Naslund, as Sidorov possesses a quick, hard wrist or snap shot and gets into position well to get his one-timer off on the power play. Grant Campbell