1-10 Of THN Future Watch Top 75 Prospects (3)

3)

C. Evgeny Kuznetsov (Capitals)

Age: 18
Date of birth: May 19, 1992
Place of birth: Chelyabinsk, Russia
Ht: 6-0
Wt: 172
Shoots: L
NHL Seasons: 0-R
Drafted by Washington in 2010 (1/26).

2010-2011 SEASON STATS:

2010-11  Chelyabinsk Traktor         KHL    44   17   15   32   30
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SCOUTING REPORT: 

"Very dynamic skill level. Extremely quick, soft hands. Controls the puck like he's got it on a string and holds onto it for an extra split second, giving linemates time to cut to open ice for his decisive feeds. Superb patience around the net - outwaits goalies and always forces them to make the first move. Tremendous natural sniper who buries his chances."   - Red Line Report 2010 Draft Guide 

"A very smooth puck handler who can beat defenders one on one, Kuznetsov requires very little time or space to score goals and can do so off the rush or with his very good shot from almost anywhere in the offensive zone."   - International Scouting Services 2010 NHL Draft Guide 

"He really has that high-end Russian skill. I don't want to say (Ilya) Kovalchuk or (Alex) Ovechkin because that's not right, but he is that style of player."    - A scout, quoted in The Hockey News Draft Preview 2010
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PATTYB NOTES: He played a HUGE role for Russia in the WJC and is putting up incredible numbers as an 18 year old in the KHL. He is extremely talented but I would be very concerned about his actual desire to leave Russia and play in the NHL. This quote that he said a while back, "If Ovechkin, Malkin and Datsyuk Played in Russia, I Wouldn't Even Think of Leaving for the NHL", really raised some red-flags as it definetly sounds like he is not incredibly into playing in the best league in the world. Another move that raised some eyebrows was back in February when it was announced that he would not be coming to the NHL next season and would re-sign in Russia....here was his reasoning for it: "I'm not ready for the NHL. I don't want to play 5-7 minutes on a 3rd or 4th line, especially go to the AHL. To play in the NHL, then 15-20 minutes on the 1st- 2nd line...I am going to extend my contract with Traktor in the near future and we'll see"