Evgeny Kuznetsov Profile

  • Skating
    9
  • Stickhandling
    9
  • Defensive play
    5
  • Scoring
    9
  • Hockey sense
    8
  • Size
    5

Grade: 8B

History

2008-09: Evgeny Kuznetsov had a very busy season, skating with team Russia in a lot of tournaments with both 91 and 92 national team. He had no problems in playing with and against older players and this speaks loud about his talent. Kuznetsov has had also a very good season with Traktor’s junior farm team in the Russian first league. In April he played second line hockey at the U18s in Fargo and was the second top scorer of the team with 13 points.

2009-10: during this season Kuznetsov started getting into Traktor’s rotation in the KHL and this is another factor that speaks a lot about his skills. Not many junior players get a role in the KHL, and he managed to score nine points in 35 regular season games. He also skated with team Russia at the WJC and at the U18s, where he served as team’s captain. He was names in the tournament’s All-Star team. He was reported to try the CHL route, but then he signed a new 2-yr deal with Traktor.

Talent Analysis

Evgeny Kuznetsov is an entertaining player to watch as he is a gifted, creative offensive player with tons of skills in one-on-one situations in the offensive zone. He is very creative with the puck and is able not only to dance around defensemen, but also to find the open player with a good pass. He is also a very good skater with great acceleration and a very good top speed. He has top notch finishing abilities thanks to his great shot, but also because is very good in waiting for the goalie to make his move and using his soft hands at his advantage. As showed at the U18s he can be a good captain, but he needs to get rid of some undisciplined play that made him amassing too many unnecessary PIMs in certain tournaments. Just like all classical Russian players he needs to work on his defensive play and has to bulk up a bit as at 6’0”, 175 lbs his size isn’t impressive.

Future

Given his tremendous skills and excellent skating Kuznetsov has a big potential and can develop into a star. Since he signed a new contract with Traktor at the end of the season he will drop some spots during the selections, but he is definitely one of the top offensive talents of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Not many players have such a successful season in the Russian top league at his age, and this certainly means something. Evgeny Kuznetsov is under contract in the KHL until April 2012 with Traktor Chelyabinsk.

Quotes

I want to be picked in the first round. It doesn't matter which team will draft me. But I do want to be picked in the first round.
Evgeny Kuznentsov on May 29, 2010 @ HcTraktor.ru
I'm going to play in Traktor for two more years. I will go overseas only if Traktor allows me to. I don't want to argue with my native team.
Evgeny Kuznentsov on May 19, 2010 @ HcTraktor.ru
If Traktor isn't against it, I'll skate in the rookie camp of the team that will draft me. I really want to see how they train and prepare for the new season. And then I'll be back to Traktor.
Evgeny Kuznentsov on May 19, 2010 @ HcTraktor.ru

Kuznetsov Watch

  • September 23, 2010
    Kuznetsov played second line in 3-0 win over Amur. No points, 3 shots, 12:35 TOI
  • September 25, 2010
    Kuznetsov had 1 assist in 3-2 Traktor win over Sibir. 2nd line right wing. 1 shot on goal.
  • September 29, 2010
    Kuznetsov has been added to Traktor's injured list. Shoulder injury, out until October 5th
  • October 10, 2010
    Kuznetsov reactivated from injury list, will play against Avangard
  • October 11, 2010
    Kuznetsov back after shoulder injury. No points, -2, 11:43 TOI, 4 shots
  • October 12, 2010
    Kuznetsov played only four minutes during the first period of the game against Yugra, then wasn't iced anymore.
  • October 16, 2010
    Kuznetsov scores a SH goal when Traktor defeats Avtomobilist 6-1. 7:44 TOI, 2 shots, +1, 10 PIMs
  • October 18, 2010
    No points for Evgeny Kuznetsov when Traktor loses to Atlant 2-1 OT. 8:24 TOI, even, 0 shots
  • October 22, 2010
    Kuznetsov scores no point when Traktor loses to Lokomotiv 6-5. Playing on the third line he got 13:28 TOI, 2 PIMs, 5 shots, +1
  • October 27, 2010
    After his 2-goal performance Kuznetsov was given a bigger role, but doesn't get points against SKA. 17:15 TOI
  • October 29, 2010
    Kuznetsov skated in the 4th line when Traktor skated past Severstal 2-1 OT. No points, -1, 4 shots, 12:28 TOI
  • November 2, 2010
    No points for Kuznetsov when Traktor defeats Metallurg Mg 2-3 OT. 13:15 TOI, 2 shots, -1, no PIMs
  • November 5, 2010
    No points for Kuznetsov when Traktor loses 3-0 to Dynamo Moscow. Third line, 2 shots, 8:51 TOI
  • November 25, 2010
    Evgeny Kuznetsov gets GWG and 1 assist when Traktor defeats Neftekhimik 4-2. 3 shots, +1, 12:54 TOI

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