Fansided

2018 NHL mock draft: Post-NHL draft lottery

By Derek Grochowski

PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes
PLYMOUTH, MI - FEBRUARY 16: Andrei Svechnikov #7 of the Russian Nationals controls the puck in front of Jack Hughes #43 of the USA Nationals during the 2018 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament game at USA Hockey Arena on February 16, 2018 in Plymouth, Michigan. USA defeated Russia 5-4. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Andrei Svechnikov; Jack Hughes /
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September 16 2015: Jarmo Kekalainen General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets talking to media during Media Day held by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images)
September 16 2015: Jarmo Kekalainen General Manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets talking to media during Media Day held by the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus Ohio (Photo by Jason Mowry/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) /

18. Columbus Blue Jackets: W Vitali Kravtsov 

Kravstov showed up when it mattered this season for his KHL team Traktor. He picked up 11 points in 16 games. He was a teenager playing in a high-level professional league filled with former NHL players. After a disappointing first half of the season and missing the Russian World Junior squad Kravstov rebounded well. He has great speed that causes defenders to back off and give him space as he breaks into the offensive zone. He has tremendous hands and great shot. The extra space he gains with his speed is all he needs to generate all of his offense.

For his age and the level of competition, he plays at he is a good defender. He needs to continue to grow but he has talent. He uses his speed to get himself into a good position, cause turnovers and generate offense. His speed in transition applies well to today’s style in the NHL. He will soon be an effective winger in the KHL and turn that into a job in the NHL.

The Columbus Blue Jackets play a gritty style under John Tortorella. They are built with heavy wingers who finish their checks and force mistakes. There are plenty of talented young defensemen in the Columbus organization. Seth Jones, Zach Werenski and Ryan Murray are top defensemen in this league all under the age of 25. The hockey world knows how good Artemi Panarin is and the talent he has. Adding a player like Kravtsov to the lineup in a few years will give them a great complimentary piece for Panarin. The two Russian forwards can feed off of each other and collect a lot of points.

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