We are less than two weeks away from the 2021 NHL Entry Draft (July 23-24), so it’s time to start researching the prospects likely to be selected in the first round. The Columbus Blue Jackets currently hold three picks in that round: #5, #24, and #31.
Fyodor Svechkov
Position: Center/Wing
Team: Lada Togliatti (VHL)
Date of Birth: April 5, 2003
Birthplace: Togliatti, Russia
Height: 6’ 0”
Weight: 179
Shoots: Left
Rankings
Ranked #15 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #13 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #18 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #20 by NEUTRAL ZONE
Ranked #30 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
Ranked #30 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #10 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #6 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Ranked #13 by SPORTSNET’S
Ranked #20 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #13 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #13 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #9 by SMAHT SCOUTING
2020-21 Stats
MHL
Games Played: 15
Goals: 4
Assists: 11
Points: 15
PIM: 35
VHL
Games Played: 38
Goals: 5
Assists: 10
Points: 15
PIM: 6
AD
Svechkov is a forward who has more than proven himself against his peers at the junior level, most recently scoring a point per game in 15 games in the MHL this season. He also collected 10 points in seven games in the U18 World Championships this spring. He scored just 15 points in 38 games in the VHL, his first time playing against adults. Luckily there’s more to his game than just scoring; he is a strong defensive forward and penalty killer.
Scouting Reports
He’s always scanning the ice for threats and options when he’s off of the puck, maintaining a detailed mental map of the ice so that he’s always prepared for what comes next. He waits for a clear change in possession to move up-ice in a controlled, supportive fashion. His sense of offensive timing is fantastic, and he has a really great knack for getting open off of the puck. – Elite Prospects
Very mature player but not a high-end skill guy; Adept passer and moves well with the puck in transition but can rush his own passes at times; Skating is average and he doesn’t generate tons of separating speed; Would like to see him move his feet earlier when preparing for breakouts; Hunts down the puck well and gets creative in how he out-muscles defenders in one-on-one battles; Very solid defensive player. Eric D., On the Forecheck
Svehckov played versus men this season, looked like he belonged at the pro level and had a solid U18 worlds to finish his season. He’s very skilled, showing a lot of confidence and creativity as a puckhandler. Svechkov can create for his teammates and shows half-wall playmaking ability to go with the plays he can make at pace. Off the puck, he’s physical, responsible defensively and killed penalties at the VHL level. The skating is fine but lacks the true quick twitch in his feet to push defenders back and pressure with speed. In a sentence, Svechkov projects as a middle-six NHL center who provides good value at both ends but may not be a big-time offensive player. – Corey Pronman, The Athletic