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First Round Targets: ANDREI SVECHNIKOV

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Photo credit:Miranda Zilkowsky Photography
Cameron Kuom
5 years ago
Brother to the Red Wings 2015 1st round pick Evgeny Svechnikov, Andrei Svechnikov’s chances of landing in HockeyTown are a mere dream. With so much promise, Svechnikov within the last year has been the only player to have consideration for first overall not named Rasmus Dahlin. He has all the tools to become a perennial 35 goal scorer in the NHL and that might be the low-end. He’ll be in the NHL next season and if it’s not in a Carolina Hurricanes uniform, someone is getting fired.

Rankings

Ranked #1 by The Draft Analyst
Ranked #2 by HOCKEYPROSPECT.COM
Ranked #2 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #2 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #2 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #1 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)

Stats

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The stats speak for themselves – 40 goals in 44 games in his draft year is just absurd. Playing for the Barrie Colts this past season, he was unstoppable at even-strength. We are talking about one of the best draft years ever from a OHL player.
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Via The Draft Analyst

LOOK AT THIS! The numbers he put up are clinically insane for a projected 2nd overall pick. He holds the highest 5v5 goals per game and the second highest primary points per game, only trailing some guy name Connor McDavid. I could talk about what he did in the USHL two years ago, but I think its clear what he did this past season puts into perspective just how crazy it is that he isn’t the projected number one pick. This is a franchise player.

Eye Test

Svechnikov is the best goal scorer in this draft. He has the ability to score from everywhere on the ice. He can beat defenders off the rush and drive wide right to the net, he can score garbage goals, and he can make you look silly one-on-one while sniping your goalie.
He has a full arsenal of ways to score because of his wicked shot and hockey IQ. He is a powerful skater, which allows him to force his way past defenders with the puck – by far the best puck protector in this draft. If you have the puck all game, who cares about defense, right? Well he is defensively refined as well. Not elite, but all 18-year-old kids could get better defensively.

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Is it a Motor City Match

It has always been meant to be…
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP5GnPABCfj/?hl=en&taken-by=andrei_svechnikov_14
Unfortunately, the hockey gods weren’t kind to us. It won’t be possible to trade up to get him. He’s a Carolina Hurricane and that is it. Maybe one day the brothers will be reunited.
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