Each day over the next month leading up to the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, held on June 22 in Dallas, we will be taking a look at the top 31 prospects available, starting with the 31st and leading up to number one.
Next in the series of prospect profiles is our 2nd-ranked prospect, right wing Andrei Svechnikov.
Andrei Svechnikov
2017–18 Team: Barrie (OHL)
Date of Birth: March 26, 2000
Place of Birth: Barnaul, Russia
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 192 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: RW
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 1
NHL Central Scouting Midterm Ranking: 1
NHL Comparable: Vladimir Tarasenko
Andrei Svechnikov is a Russian offensive dynamo who played for the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League this season. The big winger possessing excellent skating and shooting drew some consideration to be the first overall pick this year, which says a lot about his ability, as expected first overall pick Rasmus Dahlin projects to be a generational defenseman. Svechnikov’s offensive tool box makes him a monster who is virtually impossible to defend.
Perhaps the biggest thing that stands out about Svechnikov is his amazing shooting ability. He can score seemingly at will with his vast arsenal of shots. While he usually defaults to his wrist shot, his snapshot, slap shot, one-timer and even backhand are all high-end shots. Each of his various shots have excellent power and accuracy and are released very quickly. His shooting makes him a threat to score from anywhere in the offensive zone. There is no doubt his shot is ready for NHL goaltenders. Svechnikov also has great hand-eye coordination, allowing him to make deft deflections to score as well.
Svechnikov possesses excellent skating ability. He has great top-end speed and good acceleration. He enjoys using his speed to beat defenders to the outside, and then uses his fantastic edgework to cut swiftly to the net, all while using his big body to protect the puck. Svechnikov’s agility makes him difficult to defend, as he can easily slip away from pressure into open ice. Svechnikov has a very powerful stride thanks to his strong legs, which also give him great balance and stability. This stability helps him around the net to gain and maintain positioning, as well as winning board battles in the offensive zone.
Passing and vision is another strength for Svechnikov. Svechnikov knows he is a scoring threat when he has the puck, and though he generally is a shoot-first player, he has no issues distributing the puck to his teammates, usually in very good positions to score. Svechnikov has the ability to thread the needle on difficult passes and also enjoys creative passing plays, particularly around the net. His passing ability makes him an even more dangerous offensive threat, as he is not a one-trick pony. His ability to read plays and execute his decisions makes him an elite offensive talent.
To round out his excellent offensive game, Svechnikov also possesses outstanding hands. He is a dazzling stickhandler, which he uses very well in one-on-one situations and in tight to the net. The combination of his great hands and skating makes him incredibly difficult to contain for defenders. Svechnikov is able to make moves at top speed, allowing him to be in control of the game. His hands are very quick, helping him to score on rebounds and quick net-front plays. Svechnikov’s high-end hands and shooting also allow him to be good in the shootout.
While not necessarily amazing in his defensive end, Svechnikov holds his own defensively. He is already a better defender than most highly skilled forwards. While he can have a tendency to not show as much effort defensively, he has improved. Svechnikov still needs to grow in his understanding of defensive coverage and positioning, but that will come with time and good coaching. Given his great skating and offensive ability, Svechnikov can transition play from defense to offense in a heartbeat.
Implications for the Blackhawks
Barring an unforeseen dealing of the second overall pick by Carolina, Svechnikov will be heading to Raleigh to help bring the Hurricanes back to the playoffs. As such, Hawks fans should get used to seeing the big Russian dominate offensively with the likes of budding star Sebastian Aho and former Blackhawk Teuvo Teravainen. Likely the only question regarding Svechnikov’s status will be what number he will be wearing, as veteran Justin Williams already wears Svechnikov’s familiar number, 14, in Carolina.
Timeline
Svechnikov is expected to jump right into an NHL lineup and contribute immediately. Given his likely destination in Carolina is sorely in need of some added offense, there is no reason to think Svechnikov will be headed anywhere other than Raleigh this fall.
Projection
There is no reason to think Svechnikov will not become an elite all-around scorer. He has the size, speed and skill needed to be among the best in the game for a long time. He will become one of Carolina’s premier players and could be a household name among hockey fans very quickly.
What others are saying
“Svechnikov checks all the scouts’ boxes; he has size and strength already…and is physically ready to play against men. Skating is above average, he has good acceleration, a powerful stride, and strong balance. He is a very smart player that can find gaps in coverage despite the extra attention he commands, he takes advantage of teammates and makes them better by exploiting his skill and vision. Perhaps his most significant skill set is his shot; he possesses a quick release that combines power, speed and accuracy. Svechnikov has a wide array of weaponry with deadly wrist, snap, and slap shot and one-timer options. His puck control skills allow him to carry the puck at speed, and beat defenders one-on-one or deke the goalie to score.”
— Peter Harling/Dobber Prospects
“Svechnikov has every offensive skill one would want in a player. He has a fantastic wrist shot with a bullet-quick release. He also has an excellent snapshot and a great one-timer. His shooting arsenal is elite, and NHL ready. His backhand is elite. A pure sniper, he can also tip-in pucks, and has the quick hands to finish on rebounds, or on dekes close to the net. Svechnikov can stick handle in a phone booth, beating defenders one-on-one, and in close to the net. He protects the puck well and has the power to control it down low and create in the cycle game. While he is best known as a sniper, he has excellent vision and passing skills as well. In the cycle game, he can play the role of playmaker for his linemates. Svechnikov is a smart and creative player, who is often one step ahead of the competition.”
— Ben Kerr/Last Word on Hockey