Detroit Red Wings: A look at their past five first-round picks
By Cory Mello
Evgeny Svechnikov: Missed entire 2018-19 season
It’s safe to say Svechnikov had a season to forget. Unfortunately, Svechnikov tore his ACL before the regular season even began, requiring ACL surgery. Drafted 19th overall, Svechnikov played in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins for his entire rookie season. Svechnikov’s passed with flying colors showcasing his size, strength, and shooting ability. Svechnikov had a promising season finishing with 20 goals, 31 assists, 51 points, in 74 games. Everything appeared to be heading in a great direction for the 20-year old left-winger.
With his great rookie season in the AHL, Svechnikov was awarded an NHL call-up with the big squad appearing in two games. Though he didn’t register a point, he scored a beauty of a shootout goal against the Ottawa Senators. With his two-game stint coming to an end, Svechnikov was returned to the Griffins to embark on their Calder Cup aspirations. With a very talented roster, the Griffins were able to get it done and beat Tampa Bay Lightning affiliate, Syracuse Crunch in six-games to capture their second championship. Svechnikov played a major role in winning the 2017 Calder Cup, finishing with 12-points in 17-games.
After a promising rookie season, Svechnikov looked poised to make the Red Wings out of training camp for the 2017-18 season. The Red Wings believed another season in the minors would prove to be the most-beneficial for Svechnikov and opted for his season to begin there. Svechnikov failed to improve, or continue his play tallying only seven goals, 16 assists, 23 points in 54 games.
Despite a rather uneventful season, Svechnikov earned a 14-game stint with the Red Wings where he spent most of the time between the third, and fourth line. With limited playing time, Svechnikov scored two goals, two assists, and four points.
Looking to prove himself worthy of becoming a regular on the Wings’ this is where Svechnikov ran into a significant injury. As mentioned earlier, Svechnikov tore his ACL and missed the entire season. At 22 years old, it’s now or never for the former 19th overall draft pick. Entering his final season on his ELC, Svechnikov has to prove he deserves to be a part of the Red Wings future plans.
This will be Svechnikov’s toughest test yet as it won’t be easy with many talented prospects all competing for a limited number of spots open. If he fails to deliver, I doubt Yzerman will sign him after this season. We shall see if Svechnikov shows why the Detroit Red Wings drafted him 19th overall.