Marat Khusnutdinov Interview: 2020 NHL Draft

Photo Courtesy of SKA-1946 St. Petersburg

By: Clare McManus

Marat Khusnutdinov is a Russian prospect eligible for the 2020 NHL draft. He spent his young years playing with Vityaz Podolsk where he was able to put up significant numbers. This year Khusnutdinov played in his first MHL season, scoring 13 goals and adding 25 assists for 38 points in 44 games with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg. 

Khusnutdinov is a 5’9” two-way center who brings speed and fancy puck skills. He has a quick release shot which is also very accurate. Not to mention his high-end skating skills enables him to shoot from all areas on the ice making him very dangerous to play against. Defensively he likes to throw his body and is not afraid of contact.

Question: So first question. When did you start playing hockey and who was your favorite player growing up?

Answer: I started at four years old and my favorite player is Sidney Crosby.

Question: What do you like most about the position you play and what kind of playing style do you bring to a team?

Answer: I participate in defense and attack. I like that role a lot. 

Question: Reflect on your season with SKA-1946 St. Petersburg of the MHL?

Answer: The year was good. I learned a lot of new things and experiences.

Question: What's your mindset during a game, any pre-game rituals?

Answer: The main ritual before the game is a good sleep and breakfast. Then of course, music and stick winding haha.

Question: Yeah that sounds good. Now about the NHL draft. I’ve seen you move up in quite a few draft rankings. Where do you think you’ll land in the draft?

Answer: I really want to try and get into the first-round.

Question: Obviously the NHL draft is postponed until further notice. How does it make you feel to not know when the draft will be held?

Answer: It’s tough. I just really want to impress a good team and show them why they should get me.

Question: Since the corona virus outbreak, what have you been doing to stay as healthy as possible? Have you done any sort of training?

Answer: Since I am home now I train everyday and try and keep fit.

Question: Are there any rinks open near you or parks you could train at?

Answer: Just now I have my house which has enough space to train. ISOLATION lol!

Question: That’s good you have space to train. Are there any areas surrounding your game that you would like to improve before the NHL?

Answer: To play NHL you need to improve everything. For this I train everyday.

Question: Now lastly. What pushes you through the tough times in hockey?

Answer: Mostly my family and my teammates. 

Question: Well thank you so much for doing this. I wish you the best of luck in the draft. I’ll be rooting for you.

Answer: Thank you. Glad I was able to talk.