Craig Button Under Fire for Comparing Matvei Michkov to a Russian Player Who Tragically Passed Away

Matvei Michkov is one of the most controversial prospects in years. His contract status in Russia is very worrying.

With this in mind, Craig Button, who released his consensus rankings today, put Michkov at sixth overall.

This is fine, but what is raising concern is his comparable player.

Valeri Kharlamov is one of the greatest players to never play in the NHL.

Passing away tragically in 1981 in a car crash, his career was cut short.

It is, however, confusing that Michkov's NHL Comparable never even played in the league.

It is remembered that the last player Button compared to Kharlamov was Nail Yakupov, the greatest draft bust in NHL history.

It doesn't take a genius to make the connection between Michkov and Yakupov, and clearly Kharlamov is their comp just for the sake of having a Russian.

Dissappointing decision by Button, who approaches nationality before player archetype.

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