2021 NHL Draft Profile: Fyodor Svechkov
BORN April 5, 2003, Togliatti, Rus.
2020-21 Togliatti Jr. POS C
HT 6-0 WT 179 SHOOTS L
INTERNATIONAL SCOUTING SERVICES No. 8
Scouts were already impressed with Svechkov’s all-around game and came away more impressed when he centered two underage players at the World Under-18 Championship on what might have been Russia’s best line.
Svechkov has some high-end skill, but what has scouts really excited is the balance in his game. He can play all three forward positions, and while he can handle first-line minutes, he’s likely suited to a middle-six role at the NHL level. “He has high skill, and he’s a good skater, smart, creative and puts in an honest two-way effort,” said one scout. “There’s nothing not to like about this guy.”
Svechkov’s skating probably only rates as average at this point, but there are no deficiencies in his footwork that would prevent him from making the NHL. His awareness in the offensive zone is improving and, while he does play with a certain panache, he’s not afraid to drive the net and go to the scoring areas. “He’s got a surprising amount of structure in his game for a guy who is an offensive player,” said another scout. “He’s got skill, but he also makes those little plays. He’s got a very balanced game.”
BEST CASE | Mika Zibanejad
This excerpt is from The Hockey News' Draft Preview issue. Purchase a digital copy of the issue here or subscribe to The Hockey News here.
