Russia’s first round at 2003 NHL Entry Draft

On the 21^st and 22^nd of June, 2003, NHL’s brightest minds gathered in Nashville for the annual amateur NHL Entry Draft.   While being touted as one of the deepest drafts in NHL’s history, as the first round of the ceremony went on, it became increasingly apparent that the hype did not include the prospects coming from Russia, some of whom dropped deeper in the order then expected.  Fortunately, all t

The day started off quickly for the Russian contingent, with the Columbus Blue Jackets selecting Nikolai Zherdev fourth overall. While the young Ukrainian forward from Russia was favored to earn the top overall spot in the 2003 draft early this past season, his lack of exposure outside of Russia shifted him down, behind three North American players.  Zherdev appeared very pleased with being selected fourth overall, though he did acknowledge his hopes to have gone higher in the order.  He then went on to brush off the issue of the draft order, promising to prove wrong those that passed on him.   The talented forward looked composed and attentive while answering the media’s questions. This was quite a feat, considering that due to visa difficulties at the US embassy, he had to endure a 17 hour journey from Russia that stopped over in New York and Atlanta before finally landing in Nashville on Friday evening, right before the draft.   He then attended interviews with two NHL clubs on Friday night and two more on Saturday morning in the hours leading up to the draft. Throughout this grueling ordeal, he functioned on little sleep and a case of jet leg.  Columbus officials appeared to be very pleased with their first selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, who, as they later acknowledged, they did not expect to still be available at the fourth overall spot.  

As Nikolai Zherdev was wrapping up his post selection interviews, the turn came for the Montreal Canadiens to select at the tenth overall spot.  The famed Canadian hockey club selected Andrei Kostytsin from Belarus.   A well known young skater, Kostytsin came onto the radar way back in December of the 2001-02 season, while skating for Belarus’ U20 squad at the 2002 IIHF U20 World Junior Championships. At just 16, the young forward showed impressive signs of maturity and great potential.   During the 2002-03 season, he shined at both, the U20 and the U18 IIHF WJC tournaments, significantly boosting his stock at the draft.  During the summer of ’02, the young forward switched clubs, signing with CSKA Moscow and moving to Russia from Belarus.  Kostytsin did have a strong training camp with the Super League club, and received some ice time early on in the season.  Unfortunately, he failed to make an impact and was relegated back to the junior squad, hence, having a relatively quiet season with his club team.  A major sticking point of concern with this, seemingly can’t miss prospect, has been his health, as he is an apparent epileptic.  A team drafting Andrei Kostytsin stood the risk of the young player’s career being over before it even started.  However, Kostytsin, who was very quiet and reserved during the post selection interview, could not help himself and was very clear on this issue:“I have seen several doctors over since coming to North America, on the request of the NHL, all test results have been good.   I want to concentrate on playing hockey, it’s never been an issue for me.” Only time will tell if the Canadiens orchestrated a great steal when drafting Kostytsin at the 10^th overall pick. 

 As the draft rolled on through the first round, many young players heard their names called and walked jubilantly towards the stage on the floor of the Gaylord Entertainment Center.  Interestingly, Kostytsin was the last player from the former Soviet Union to be selected in the first round, with talents the likes of Mirnov and Glazachev remaining overlooked until later in the draft. 

Nikolai Zherdev

1^st Round: 4^th Overall

NHL Club: Columbus Blue Jackets

HF Outlook: Zherdev will likely spend at least the 2003-04 season back in Russia with CSKA.  He may remain there for the 2004-05 season as well, but in all likelihood, Columbus will want to see their prized first pick in camp next summer. 

Andrei Kostytsin

1^st Round: 10^th Overall

NHL Club: Montreal Canadiens

HF Outlook: After spending the majority of the past season with CSKA’s junior squad, Kostytsin should earn a spot in the club’s lineup this summer.  His situation is similar to that of another future star drafted by Montreal, Alexander Perezhogin, who needed two seasons after being drafted to establish himself as a full fledged star and scoring threat at the Super League level.  Kostytsin may make some significant strides this coming season, but Montreal should be patient with him, leaving him in Russia for at least two seasons.