Solidly built and skilled, Firstov is a hard-working power forward who has an impressive hockey IQ. He has elite skating ability due to his explosive and powerful stride. He has good size and combined with his consistent effort level, he projects to be a high-motor player with scoring upside at the professional level. Looking great in all three zones, he always seems to the in the right position and is able to keep pucks in front of him on the forecheck. He brings it every shift and is consistently positioned well in the cycle with teammates. He knows when to throw the puck in deep and is able to recover it and make plays in the offensive zone. Showing that he has good hands, he makes creative plays with the puck, even when facing high-traffic situations. He’s able to find open areas, he reads the game well and is always looking to score or make a play every time he touches the puck. He has a heavy shot that is hard, accurate and NHL ready. Although he can improve his defensive play, he has an active stick and is adept at breaking up rushes. A real force on the ice, he looks like the type of player that coaches would like to employ in all situations. Highly competitive, he could still stand to bulk up his frame moving forward.

– FCHockey’s 2019 NHL Draft Guide