Evgeni Svechnikov
Position: Left Wing
Current Team: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, QMJHL
Date of Birth: October 31, 1996
Place of Birth: Neftegorsk, Russia
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 205 lbs
Shoots: Left
Svechnikov is all offense, all the time. He’s a perfect blend of size and skill, and though calling him a power forward is a stretch, he isn’t afraid to battle for pucks. He’s got a pro shot, and uses it with deadly accuracy.
The easy player to compare him to is Nikita Kucherov of the Lightning, who is continuing to light it up for Tampa as part of the “Triplets” line. Svechnikov will be a terrific addition to an NHL team’s top six.
Scouting Reports
Incredibly skilled offensive winger. Has a remarkably accurate shot to go along with some magic hands. Could be better defensively, but his game is based around his acute sense of what is happening on the ice in the offensive zone. All-in-all, a deadly player who possesses good size, elite-level skill, and smooth skating. – Elite Prospects
Svechnikov has adapted very well to the North American game since coming over to Cape Breton this season. He currently sits second on the team in points per game. The big Russian got off to a blazing start, but then tailed off a bit partly due to injuries.
He has generally been a consistent performer for the Eagles and his longest drought without registering a point has been two games. It’s a testament to Svechnikov that he has performed so well during his first season on this side of the pond on a team that failed badly to live up to expectations in the first half of the season.
He is a Tier II prospect for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Despite the potential for the Russian factor, he should absolutely be a first round pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. Has the chance to be a tough to contain power forward at the pro level. – Hockey Prospectus
A Good Fit in Columbus?
In short, yes. We’ve generally carried the narrative here that the Jackets will and should draft a defenseman with their top pick, but if they decide to either trade down from 8th, or package assets to move into the mid-to-late first round, Svechnikov would be a home run pick for the Jackets.
He’d have other Russians to learn from, and would add another highly skilled forward to the organization.
Svechnikov in Action