Evgeny Svechnikov THW Close-Up:
Date of birth: 10/31/1996
Place of birth: Neftegorsk, Russia
Ht: 6’3″ Wt: 204 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: LW
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2015
Twitter: @ESvechnikov
THW The Next Ones Rankings (February): 22
Other Rankings:
THW War Room Rankings (January): 15
HockeyProspect.com (February): 18
Last Word On Sports (February): 17
Craig Button (March): 17
CS Final Rankings for North American skaters (January): 21
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It’s difficult for any young player to make the jump from Europe to North America, but it hasn’t phased Evgeny Svechnikov in the slightest. The rangy Russian winger is 2nd among rookies in points in the QMJHL and has already racked up an impressive season as the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles head into the playoffs.
Not often do you see 6’3″ forwards as powerful or as graceful on their skates as Evgeny. A smart positional player in the offensive zone, Svechnikov knows where to be in and around the net. He has a blistering shot coupled with quick release. But a fast shot means nothing without accuracy. Luckily for the young Russian, his aim is deadly.
A bit one-dimensional, Svechnikov is looked mainly for his scoring threat. In the Cape Breton games I’ve seen this year, I expected him to be able to use his body more against opponents. He used his frame to protect the puck, but rarely did I see him fight in board battles. His defensive game has many holes.
Evgeny Svechnikov may be a one trick pony, but if you’re looking for that one trick to be offense, he is definitely worth taking a gamble.
Where Will He End Up In June:
Many have pegged Svechnikov to go in the 17-23 range. He certainly has the skill to do so, but like fellow Russian, Ivan Barbashev, Svechnikov might fall to the very late 1st/early 2nd round.
Scout’s Honor:
“A powerful and skilled forward…has great strength and balance on his skates…decent speed and agility, but not a real burner…has the creativity and hands to skate the puck through defenders and then power his way to the net…has a heavy shot that when it hits its mark, is pro caliber…uses his strength and long reach to protect the puck well…not much of a defensive game at this point…goes through long stretches where he is ineffective or downright invisible…can be physical, but also undisciplined…has great upside, but some bust potential as well. (December 2014)”
“Svechnikov is a late-96 birthday who had an excellent tournament for Russia at last spring’s Under-18s. He was also part of Russia’s 2013 Silver medal winning U17 squad, and the silver medal winning team at the 2013 World Junior “A” Championships. In his first season in North America, Svechnikov is opening eyes with his offensive ability, putting up 23 goals and 56 points in 44 games so far. He has good size at 6’3″ and an outstanding wrist shot and release. He is a strong skater, who loves to drive the net and can finish in close when he gets there. He has the speed to take a defender wide and the power to fight through checks and get to the front of the net. Svechnikov also has excellent vision and passing ability. He could fall below this due to the Russian factor, but basing purely on skill Svechnikov is easily a first round pick.“
Ben Kerr – Last Word On Sports
Statistics:
Bio/Interview(s)/Links:
Interview with Hockey’s Future
Interview with SportsAndMoore.com
International Tournaments:
Svechnikov has played for Team Russia on nine different occasions. He’s won three silver medals.
ETA:
2-3 year
Risk/Reward Analysis:
Risk: 3/5 Reward: 4/5
NHL Potential:
Top-six scoring winger that can be utilized at even-strength and on the powerplay.
Strengths:
Quick release
Heavy shot
Soft hands
Powerful strides
Agility
Positioning in the offensive zone
Shielding players when breaking in on the wing
Crashing the net
Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:
Forechecking/Backchecking
Overall defensive game
Using his size more to win puck battles
Fantasy Hockey Potential:
Offensive: 8/10 Defensive: 2/10
NHL Player Comparison:
– NHL comparison: Mike Cammalleri…but taller
Video(s):
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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph