Hockey's Future continues their list of the Top 50 prospects in the NHL with 11-25, where Evgeni Grachev checks in at 25...25. Evgeny Grachev
Grachev is a prototypical power forward, who was drafted in 2008 as a center, but spent much of the 2008-09 season playing on the left wing for the OHL Brampton Battalion. At 6’3, 212 lbs, he can occupy whatever space he chooses and has the ability to make things happen in front of the net. Grachev is expected to play the wing in the NHL. At 19, Grachev may not play with the New York Rangers the entire 2009-10 season, however, even if he starts the season as a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack, he is expected to become a mid-season call-up to the NHL team.
...i definitely hyped-up Grachev too much in my mind going into training camp as I was a bit disappointed in his performance. Not that he made any glaring mistakes, I just expected more. I need to remember the kid's only 19 and never played professional hockey before. I really hope the Rangers send him down to Hartford so he can find his game at the next level and be ready later this year to make an impact if/when he is called up.
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Given the hype, it's easy to be a little let down with Grachev but I think he was really impressive in camp. Most power forwards take longer to mature into NHL players as these kids figure out how to control their big bodies. Grachev is ahead of the curve for most young power forwards. He looked a little skittish, but he showed good control, no fear of traffic and contact, and--like you said--no glaring mistakes. If he gets called up and flashes any of that bottled-up offense later this season as 19/20yr old, be excited! Be very excited!
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