Daniil Ustinkov

A passionate Swiss defenseman who plays with some bite. I view him favorably as a long term developmental prospect, who is more  than willing to take charge offensively, make aggressive pinches, and creative passes. But reality set in when he was matched against the more elite talent in this last Winter's World Junior U-20s, where he couldn't handle the more skilled opponents on the rush who blew by him and he got caught moving his feet numerous times. His past tourneys showed a much better player, so there is hope he develops. S very good four direction skater, especially backwards, but his skating seemed better last season. May get own the wrong side of the puck, usually when he attempts to do too much. He can be counted on to carry the mail, in the first big scouting event the U-20, he was barely used on the power play, which is one of his strengths as well as his bite. Has a rocket point shot. He has good size , plays rugged, handles pucks and moves them quickly. 

                                                            --Bill Placzek-