All the way from St. Petersburg, Russia, Pavel Buchnevich is coming to New York City on an entry-level deal with the Rangers. The 20 year old is hoping to crack the Rangers roster out of camp and begin the season with the big club.
Buchnevich does not know New York City and doesn’t even speak English. He knows the game of hockey though. “He’s an intense player,” said Rangers European scout Vladimir Lutchenko. “He has skated well, has been strong on the puck and possesses good vision. He makes quick, smart decisions with the puck, and makes plays with his creative vision.”
“He has the ability to create something out of nothing with his tricky moves and his quick shot and surprising release. He plays a complete game and is an excellent prospect,” said European scout Jan Gajdosik.
Rangers Director of Player Personnel, Gordie Clark had high praise for the Russian prospect as well. “His skills and his passing are incredible.”
“I felt the age was a bit different, even at 20 it’s still considered to be young,” Buchnevich said. “I felt I needed the time to physically get prepared in Cherepovets and SKA St. Pete’s and get more experience and get older.”
During the 2015-2016 KHL season, Buchnevich played for Severstal Cherepovets and SKA Saint Petersburg scoring 37 points in 58 games. During the 2015 World Junior Championships, his Russian team finished in second place while Buchnevich scored 6 points in seven games.
Everyone, including Buchnevich are well aware that although the KHL which is widely considered to be the second best league in the world and the NHL’s top competitor, are great competition, the NHL is a far greater challenge.
The Rangers felt that Buchnevich was ready to come over to North America last season but Buchnevich decided to stay home.
“Obviously a physical game, there is less space and less time to make decisions, less space and time to make plays,” said Buchnevich through a translator. According to scouts, Buchnevich, while not a physical player by any means, does not shy away from the corners or physicality and is not afraid of getting hit.
Buchnevich is a smart player though and will be looking to play a fast, smooth game rather than a physical one. He considers himself a playmaker. “I think I’m not quite a goal scorer. I may be, but I’m a thinking player, a cerebral player, a playmaker.”
The Rangers, who have been among the NHL’s top teams the past several years, undoubtedly took a step back last season after the Penguins eliminated them in the first round. The short postseason sprung the Rangers into a retooling mode this offseason and the Rangers will surely be hoping that Buchnevich is NHL ready and can help the team.
“He’s coming over and he’s going to have a real good chance at being able to try and be a regular player on the New York Rangers next year,” Clark said. “I’ve watched him grow these past few years and there’s a level of excitement for me now that he’s coming over and to watch him and hear him say that he’s ready to come over and give it a shot.”
“He is going to get every chance to prove that he does not belong,” said Clark.
Buchnevich doesn’t have any doubts that he is ready.
“If I weren’t sure, I wouldn’t come here,” said Buchnevich.
