2018 Draft Prospect Profile: Andrei Svechnikov
The Columbus Blue Jackets won’t get him, but let’s learn about one of the most heralded prospects anyway! It’s not like we won’t see him.
Andrei Svechnikov
Position: Right Wing
Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
Date of Birth: March 26, 2000
Birthplace: Barnaul, Russia
Height: 6 feet 3 inches
Weight: 187 pounds
Shoots: Left
Andrei Svechnikov has the blueprint to be a future sniper and point scorer in the National Hockey League. Taller than Artemi Panarin, this Russian prospect has the ability to score and score in bunches like our Bread Man. Svechnikov scored ten goals in his first ten games in the OHL last season before he broke his hand and missed several months with an injury. Svechnikov ended the season with 40 goals and 72 points in just 44 games played, a solid 1.63 points per game average.
Svechnikov can do it all on the ice on the offensive side - he can skate, pass, stick handle, and score from anywhere. He is a threat to bury the puck in the back of the net any time he touches it.
Here is his scouting report from Last Word on Hockey:
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.
The defensive game is very much a work in progress. He needs to show a stronger commitment to play in his own end of the ice.
And here is his scouting report from Habs Eyes on the Prize:
Among Svechnikov’s best assets are his quick trigger shot, whether it comes from the slot or from a tight angle. His shooting percentage was at 22.99 per cent this past season, sixth best among OHL forwards. Svechnikov, of course, led all shooters in the top 10 of shot rates in goals. In addition, he averaged nearly four shots a game this past season, which means he isn’t afraid to shoot. The forward is also able to create chances for other teammates while in the attacking zone, normally from along the half-wall or behind the net, making the right passes to teammates who have better chances to score.
Svechnikov’s size, great hands, and skating ability are also strengths for the 18-year old. He’s able to control the puck fearlessly and isn’t afraid to use his skill to sidestep defencemen.