Even with the solid goaltending, the Monarchs still need to score, and Voynov has proven a capable threat from the blue line, sitting at fourth in the team with 21 points. The number is impressive on its own, but when you consider that he’s a 19-year-old kid from Russia who is still learning the English language, it takes on an added dimension.
“For a kid, to be able to play at that level and really be an effective player at that level, that’s a feat,” Hextall said. “It really is. Essentially, he’s a boy and he’s playing against men.”
Morris has also been impressed with Voynov.
“Slava’s a real complete defenseman,” Morris said. “Being a young player, you can see a great deal of upside. He breaks the puck out smartly and makes intelligent plays with the puck on his stick. Defensively, he’s such a good skater that he’s tough to beat. … I see a bright future for him.”