Biography
Position: Right Wing
Shoots: Left
Height: 6’0"
Weight: 188 lbs
Birthday: 2/12/1985
Hometown: Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan
Draft: 2nd  round (44th overall), 2003 (Los Angeles)
Acquired: Signed to a try-out contract (September 2009)
Player Type: Playmaker
NHL Comparable: Tomas Kopecky
 
Career Projection
Pushkarev was brought in on a try-out basis late in training camp, and he re-established himself as a legitimate prospect in the pre-season. After playing for Omsk (Russia) for two seasons, and Calgary (WHL) for one, he made his AHL debut with the Kings organization in 2005-06 with the Manchester Monarchs. After putting together a nice rookie season of 38 points (19 goals, 19 assists, 95 PIM) in 77 games, he was called up to the NHL. He only played in one game, where he recorded an assist. The next season, he saw a larger stint with the team, scoring 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 16 games. He was demoted to the minors after this, where he would continue to produce with the Iowa Stars. His best AHL season was in 06-07, where he tallied 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists) in 49 games played. Last year (08-09), he bounced to the KHL where he only played 30 games, and recording 6 total points. This season with Wilkes-Barre, he has impressed a lot of members in the organization and next year he could be given a two-way contract. He is a very rare, interesting prospect that is still young and determined to make it back to "the show". His performance in the approaching AHL playoffs will be vital to his NHL future, especially if he has one in Pittsburgh.
 
Strengths
Good playmaking skills… above-average passing… maintains a very hard, and accurate wrist shot… finishes every check… plays a scrappy game which is very rare for a Russian winger… handsy, hard working player…
 
Weaknesses
Takes an occasional bad penalty… decisions with the puck on his stick are questionable at times… At times, he over-passes or shoots to early… needs to limit turnovers… doesn’t use his shot enough
 
Achievements/Awards
• None