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5 prospects in 2018 NHL Draft who will be big steals

By Nick McAdam

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Sampo Ranta #8 of the Sioux City Musketeers skates during the game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Day 1 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 28, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Sampo Ranta #8 of the Sioux City Musketeers skates during the game against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders on Day 1 of the USHL Fall Classic at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex on September 28, 2017 in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Alexander Khovanov #13 of the Russian Nationals turns up ice against 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 *** Alexander Khovanov
PLYMOUTH, MI – FEBRUARY 16: Alexander Khovanov #13 of the Russian Nationals turns up ice against 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 *** Alexander Khovanov /

1. Alexander Khovanov

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How Khovanov is projected to be in the fourth round is actually questionable. The Russian comes from a great background of youth hockey and most importantly, his numbers have stayed consistent throughout the course of his young career.

Khovanov comes from an outstanding development side for Russian players in AK Bars Kazan. The winger scored 28 goals and over 60 points in the course of just two season there, so then he quickly transitioned over to the MHL with Irbis Kazan.

There, Kohvanov produced right around the same pace of goals and assists with eight and 14, in each respective category. Russia took great notice in this prospect when calling him up to the U17 side where he produced five goals and two assists in just five games.

The question had to appear about whether or not he could play on North American ice. With the Moncton Wildcats in the QMJHL, Khovanov again proved his consistency with 13 goals and 23 assists in the regular season and the playoffs combined.

Kohvanov has that special ability to roam where he wants to in the offensive zone because he’s great at getting open for his teammates. The 18-year-old has a perfect release from just about anywhere above the opposing blueline.

He often tracks to the boards to participate in puck battles which is unusual considering his size, but Khovanov is still willing to do it. An active stick will enable the forward to win the puck in the neutral zone while his pace will help him jump-start an attack.

Khovanov surely has to be the steal of the draft. The best part is that any team could get him; regardless of the fact of if they made the playoffs or not. Keep an eye out for this player, because he’s making a lot of decisions that are doing wonders for his career.

Next: 5 players who will go off in the Stanley Cup Final

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