Artamonov’s age-20 KHL season last year was a quietly fantastic performance that flew under the radar for many fantasy managers – 22 goals and 39 points in 63 games placed him seventh in under-20 points-per-game scoring in the KHL since 2009, putting him in the same historical company as age-19 seasons by Kirill Kaprizov, Matvei Michkov, and Ivan Demidov. That context made this season’s regression all the more disappointing. A mid-season split between Torpedo and Neftekhimik scrambled his situation, and just two goals and seven points across 50 games is a meaningful step back. He’s still twenty, and a capable shooter and better playmaker who adds grit to his game – the underlying profile that generated excitement hasn’t changed. But the near-term fantasy outlook dims until he finds stable footing in a single organization. A middle-six multi-category upside play worth holding, with the caveat that this year demands a response.

Artamonov’s age 20 campaign was a quietly fantastic performance in the KHL. Not only the proximity, but not all dynasty leagues are filled with folks who would pay attention to a player who sat 59th in KHL scoring. However, familiarizing yourself with the context of the league prospects play in will give you an edge.

One of the top youngsters in the KHL this season, Artamonov has been stellar in his second season with Torpedo. In 53 games, he has 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points, which is currently leading Torpedo in scoring. The explosion in scoring is, truthfully, better puck luck. He’s always had the hockey IQ and feel of the game to be in the right spot at the right time. This year, the shots that he gets are going in more often. Still a buzzsaw on the forecheck, the points starting to roll in is a nice development.

What a start to the year for Artamonov, as he currently leads Torpedo in points with 16 in 15 games. An eight-game point streak, in which he produced seven goals and eight assists for 15 points, has him being looked at more favorably by Torpedo coach Igor Larionov as Artamonov has been a staple of the top line since the point streak started, and even when it ended. Artamonov’s timing and IQ have been top-tier, but those chances that weren’t going in or getting finished last season finally are finding twine, which has led to this explosion from Artamonov. If he can continue this form, his long-term projection could undoubtedly move into a top-six role from the top-nine it is currently at.

Hurricanes fans were ecstatic when Nikita Artamonov was selected at 50th overall; most would have been happy if they took him at 27! The high-energy Russian winger bounces from player to player in search of the puck, and he uses his high hockey IQ to become an excellent playmaker.

Nikita Artamanov is the definition of ‘he’s got that dog in him.’ He is often the hardest-working player, getting stuck into battles with men twice his age playing in the KHL. His tenacious presence on the forecheck frequently leads to turnovers, which he quickly turns into scoring chances with accurate passes. He is a legitimately dangerous playmaker thanks to his precise puck handling and ability to get passes through lanes. He also firmly understands space and timing, particularly in the offensive zone. This puts him in an excellent position to score regularly, although his finishing is only about average. His strong work ethic allows him to overcome an inefficient stride that limits his top speed. That being said, improvements in his skating technique could unlock more upside in transition. (November Rankings: 15th Overall)

Artamonov may have sat far enough down the scoring leaderboard to miss some fantasy managers’ radar, but knowing the youngsters like him often play single digit minutes per game, and that his 22 goals and 17 assists in 63 games (0.62 PPG) put him seventh in U20 point-per-game scoring in the KHL since 2009. This is only one season, but his age 19 season last year sits 13th (0.42). This puts him in the same company as Kirill Kaprizov’s age 19 season (0.86 PPG), 19 year old Matvei Michkov (0.85) and 19 year old Ivan Demidov (0.75)

Artamonov is a capable shooter, a better playmaker, and adds some grit to his game. In year’s past, NHL GMs and fantasy managers alike could be a bit weary on if a player like him would make the trek across the pond, and he is currently without an NHL contract, but with the players mentioned above making high profile transitions to North America, it seems that pipeline has thawed slightly.

Artamonov is currently rostered in 53% of Fantrax leagues, but if he is available or possible to pry from a less astute manager, you could be rewarded with a decent middle-six multi-cat player who could a similar, but slightly muted version of teammate Andrei Svechnikov.

June 2024 Artamonov was selected in the second round, 50th overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2024 NHL Draft. Hadi Kalakeche