Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of www.russianprospects.com
- Name: Evgeny Grachev
- Position: C
- Shoots: Right
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 202 lbs
- Birthdate: 1990-02-21
- Eligible for Draft: 2008
- Drafted: 2008
- Hometown: Yaroslavl, Russia
- Acquired: 3rd round (#75 overall), 2008
- Playing In: Europe
Evgeny Grachev
Prospect Grade: 0.0 (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
RussianProspects.com contributed to this profile.
2007-08: The season has been Grachev's most successful, as he played well for Russia's U18 junior national team and averaged more than a goal per game for the junior Lokomotiv 2. Still, while Grachev definitely brought size and knows how to use his body, the games against the Canadians demonstrated that the young forward still needs to become quicker on his feet and in his decisionmaking, as well as to become more skilled in controlling the game physically with his imposing 215lb frame.
Talent Analysis
Evgeny Grachev is a tempting project prospect due to his size, physical presence and offensive skills. The young forward is an above average skater and is also a slightly above average puck hander, presenting an interesting overall package. His primary weapons in the offensive zone are his above average wrist shot and his drive towards the net to clean up the rebounds and put in the puck. While Grachev’s physical presence is impressive for a player his age and who is raised in the European hockey system, he needs to continue to improve in this area as he continues to rise through the ranks in Russia and potential in North America. With all that said – his size is still his main asset that makes him so attractive. His faceoff skills continue to develop and while he has ways to develop, he is already developing his skills in this area and promises to be strong. A concern is whether he can continue to develop his overall skills and skating to keep raising his game to the next level. At this point he has only skated in the juniors and while being relatively impressive there, he is yet to get a shot against professionals. This means he could end up being another talented center following Artem Anisimov (with more physical presence), who continues on track to being an NHL player…or he could end up being a Artem Kryukov type player who doesn’t fulfill his potential. Fortunately, unlike the Buffalo Sabres former first round selection, Grachev already filled out his impressive 6’3 frame and remains more or less injury free thus far in his career.
Future
After clearing up some visa issues, Grachev has decided to play in North America for the 2008-09 season. Drafted by the OHL Brampton Battalion in June's CHL Import Draft, it is expected that he will play major junior hockey for at least one season.
Stats
Stats Coming Soon...
Profile Last Updated: August, 24th 2008
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