NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Vladimir Kuznetsov

Get to Know Vladimir Kuznetsov

Date of Birth: February 18, 1998 (18)
Place of Birth: Yekaterinburg, RUS
Ht: 6’2” Wt: 215 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: Left Wing/Right Wing
Team: Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

Statistics

What Scouts See

Future Considerations
Kuznetsov is a pretty skilled, but subdued player. He is efficient with his energy, only getting on his horse when he feels pressure or sees a potential break. He has good puck control on the
rush and has a big, strong body and an ability to use it to overpower opponents and protect the puck. Kuznetsov is a solid skater who has a very strong stride; it takes him a few long strides to
get moving, but he looks like a bull on skates once he gets some speed behind him.

He has the ability to carry the puck with a defender on his back en route to the net. He’s a formidable presence once at top speed. Kuznetsov uses his speed/size/skill combo to gain the offensive zone, pushing the play into the offensive zone on the set up. He has a strong shot, and can play the point on the power play. Defensively, he shows good awareness as he recognizes danger and reacts to stifle opponents using his strength and speed. Kuznetsov covers for teammates and works hard to get himself into position to block passing or shooting lanes or edge off attackers. He spends a lot of the game coasting; he can be very impressive, but then disappear for long stretches.

He’s got a great frame and a high ceiling. He showed us some great flashes of dominant play, but throughout this season, he was inconsistent in his play and we were left wanting more from him. He is a high-risk, high-reward prospect.

What BSN Avalanche sees

Kuznetsov is a strong player with a big presence on the ice. He has good positioning and a clean pass. His skating is average, and he often appears lumbering and slow. At times he seems disconnected form the play, but when he’s engaged, he’s hard to physically contain because of his size. He’s certainly hard to push off the puck, and when he parks himself in front of the net, defenseman have to use positioning to take him out of the play because he won’t be moved.

Highlights

NHL Potential

Kuznetsov projects as a grinder who will get limited NHL minutes at best. For an NHL club that values size and toughness, he could become a regular on the fourth line. He’s a natural protector and looks out for his teammates, dropping the gloves when he has to. He’ll certainly do well in the AHL, however, and could be a reliable call up.

Expected Draft Position

Another polarizing player, Kuznetsov could go as high as mid-second round, according to Central Scouting, or as low as late in the third (Future Considerations). He’s a big, strong player, however, so we might see a team go off the board and take a flyer on him early.

How Vladimir Kuznetsov Fits in Avalanche Organization

The Avalanche already has a player like Kuznetsov in Patrick Bordeleau, making Kuznetsov a redundant addition. Still, his physicality might put him on the Avs’s radar for a third or fourth round selection.