Red Wings: The Three Best Russian Prospects in the Draft

PLYMOUTH, MI - DECEMBER 12: Daniil Chayka #5 of the U17 Russian Nationals takes a slap shot against the Slovakia Nationals during day-2 of game one of the 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament at USA Hockey Arena on December 12, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Slovakia 6-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
PLYMOUTH, MI - DECEMBER 12: Daniil Chayka #5 of the U17 Russian Nationals takes a slap shot against the Slovakia Nationals during day-2 of game one of the 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament at USA Hockey Arena on December 12, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. Russia defeated Slovakia 6-1. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
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Fyodor Svechkov – C/LW

Svechkov is an obvious choice for Detroit if he is available at the 23rd pick. I’ve already done a prospects analysis of Svechkov, so I’ll keep the explanation short and sweet: he’s a two-way player, a potential center and a high-compete player. Historically, he’s the type of prospect that Yzerman covets and he’d be a perfect fit in Detroit’s current offensive scheming under Jeff Blashill.

Svechkov’s floor is pretty low, as most of his skills (High hockey IQ, good offensive instincts and shutdown defense) project very well in the NHL. While he might not have the high ceiling of an Aatu Raty or Fabian Lysell type prospect, Svechkov is an organizational fit for Detroit and has the potential to fill the need of centers down the pipeline.

Player stats sourced from eliteprospects.com