Russian Ranger Draft Picks

With Gordie Clark telling all of the beat writers that he thinks quite highly of Vladimir Tarasenko as a possible selection next week at the NHL Draft, I figured I would go through the Rangers' history of Russian draft picks. I think I covered pretty much every one and ran it through Russian hockey writer Dmitry Chesnokov of Puck Daddy/Sovetsky Sport just to be sure I got things right. As with picks from any country, it is a mixed bag at best. Of the 29 players, 20 have yet to play in the NHL and only five (of the other nine) have played more than six games for the Rangers.

1982
7th round, 141st overall: Sergei Kapustin (LW): At 29 years old, Kapustin was in the prime of his career but never made it to North America. A shame, as he was a true winner with the USSR dynasty of the 70s.

1989
10th round, 202nd overall: Roman Oksiuta (RW): Had not made it to North America before he was traded to Edmonton in 1992 as part of the Kevin Lowe deal.

1990
5th Round, 85th overall: Sergei Zubov (D):Perhaps the most underrated Ranger ever, Zubov averaged nearly a point per game over his time on Broadway before being unceremoniously dealt with Petr Nedved to Pittsburgh for over-the-hill Luc Robitaille and Ulf Samuelsson. After going on to win a second Cup with Dallas in '99, Zubov left the NHL in 2009 and racked up 42 points in 53 games over the KHL last season. He played 1,232 NHL games including playoffs - over a 1,000 of them after leaving the Rangers (1,035 to be precise).

12th round, 244th overall: Sergei Nemchinov (C): Sarge was a rock solid center who could be counted on defensively while adding a little bit of offense. He lasted nearly six seasons on Broadway before going to Vancouver with Brian Noonan for Esa Tikkanen's second Ranger stint and Russ Courtnall.

1991
1st round, 15th overall: Alexei Kovalev (LW): Speaking of two stints, Kovalev played 536 games in all as a Ranger tantalizing and frustrating us fans. Kovy was the first-ever Russian selected in the first round of the NHL draft and he showed why with stellar play in 1994. Eventually, however, his inconsistency sent him packing. Twice. The second being one of Sather's worse trades, dealing him for Josef Balej and a second round pick (that never panned out). He is still playing and pissing off fans, just up in Ottawa.

9th round, 191st overall: Vjateslav Uvaev (G): Uvaev never made it to North America, spending most of his career in Russia before a span in Italy.

11th round, 235th overall: Vitali Chinakhov (C): Never a big point scorer, Chinakhov spent his career in Russia.

1992
5th round, 120th overall: Dimitri Starostenko (W): Two seasons after Starostenko was drafted, he came to the States and gave the NHL a shot. He never made it. The Belarussian (close enough) spent parts of three seasons in Binghamton - and 11 ECHL games (where he had nine goals and two assists) - before giving up and going home. Having lived there, I don't blame him.

10th round, 240th overall: Vladimir Vorobiev (W): When I was in Binghamton I covered Vlad, and saw firsthand his size and ability. At 6'3. 200, Vorobiev had a nice package of skills and some good hands. He just didn't have that x-factor, the push to make himself great. He would get to the show - 31 games over two seasons with the Rangers - but was eventually dealt to Edmonton for Kevin Brown (who?). Vlad was still playing in Russia last year.

1993
3rd round, 61st overall: Maxim Galanov (D): Another guy I would later see in Binghamton, Galanov spent three seasons in the A. He got a six game stint in the show, which was enough for Pittsburgh to decide they wanted him when the Rangers put him on waivers; he went on to play 122 games in the NHL in all and is still playing in Russia. Galanov had good size and skated well but wasn't gritty enough

4th round, 86th overall: Sergei Olumpijev (C): Six-foot-four, 220 pound winger was drafted and came to North America to play in the O. After two seasons of juniors, he started on a minor league career that saw him play on seven teams in four leagues over five seasons. I had to have seen him when he was with Muskegon of the UHL but don't remember; I do recall seeing him with the RHI Sacramento River Rats, where he had just 19 points in 27 games (by comparison his teammate Gerry St. Cyr had 89 points in just one more game).

7th round, 162nd overall: Sergei Kondrashkin (RW): Never came to North America and was out of hockey five seasons after being drafted.

10th round, 242nd overall: Andrei Kudinov (C): Like Starostenko, Kudinov came over to play in Binghamton for a few seasons before going home. He scored 76 points for the baby Rangers in 155 games but, back in Russia would play his final season alongside Oksiuta of all people (kinda interesting coincidence).

11th round, 261st overall: Pavel Komarov (D): Komarov played four games over three seasons for the Binghamton Rangers. The only mention I could find of him with the Blueshirts was getting cut during training camp one season. Judging by his numbers, he was a defensive defenseman who wasn't a fighter but took a lot of bad penalties.

11th round, 268th overall: Maxim Smelnitski (C): Like the last five Russian Ranger draft picks, Smelinitski came over, saw Binghamton and left for home. His tenure was the shortest - just one game.

1994
4th round, 100th overall: Alexander Korobolin (D): At 6'4, 225 you had to think he had some grit but he managed to make it through 21 games in Hartford before running home to Russia. He had one point (a goal!) and 22 PIM.

6th round, 135th overall: Yuri Litvinov (C): Litvinov never played on this side of the world and didn't play much on the other side either; he managed just 133 games over six seasons in Russia before quitting.

9th round, 209th overall: Vitali Yeremeyev (G): Ok, he is really from Kazakhstan but I had to include him. Yeremeyev was the first pick of the 9th round; following him in the same round were Tim Thomas, Johan Hedberg, Evgeni Nabokov, Tomas Vokoun and John Grahame. Yeah. Four games as a Ranger, four losses. He returned to Russia after that and became a cult hero for Dynamo Moscow fans (according to Dmitry, himself a diehard Dynamo fan). Yeremeyev won the championship in 2005 alongside some guy named Ovechkin and is still playing at a good level - 16-11-2, 2.37 and .920 last season for the 10th place team.

1995
5th round, 110th overall: Alexei Vasiliev (D): Like Yeremeyev, Vasiliev is still contributing in the KHL. Before going back there, he played 171 games for the Wolf Pack and helped Hartford win the Calder Cup in 2000. Unfortunately he didn't show he could help the big boys, going pointless with one minor penalty in his one game on Broadway.

8th round, 195th overall: Ilja Gorohov (D): Gorohov played one game here in America, and it was with the Las Vegas Thunder in 96-97. The defenseman returned to Russia and has steadily played there ever since. He played last season with Salavat alongside Vorobiev, Max Kondratiev and Dmitri Kalinin (as well as other familiars NHL renegade Alex Radulov, Viktor Kozlov and Oleg Tverdovsky).

1995
3rd round, 76th overall: Dmitry Subbotin (F): A career Russian-leaguer, Subbotin never came to play for the Rangers or their affiliates and was actually selected off our roster by Columbus in the 2000 expansion draft. He didn't play for them either.

1999
8th round, 226th overall: Evgeny Gusakov (LW): Gusakov is a curious case. He showed up to camp in '99, showed off his massive frame (6'6, 210 lbs) and was promptly sent to Baie-Comeau of the QMJHL. He had a decent time (53 points in 67 games) and would get one scoreless game in Hartford before the end of the season. Gusakov went back to the Q the next season, had 31 points in 32 games and then essentially fell off the map. He went to Belarus in 2001 and played 44 games, then managed 15 games over the next two seasons in Russia. Injuries maybe?

9th round, 254th overall: Alexei Bulatov (LW): Bulatov was on the '99 training camp roster as well but I guess he didn't like it here and the team had no qualms with letting him go home afterwards. He played 21 games for three different teams that season in Russia.

2001
2nd round, 40th overall: Fedor Tyutin (D): Oh Toots. Dealt to Columbus for flash-with-no-substance Nik Zherdev, Tyutin was a strong defensive player and he complimented Dan Girardi well. He actually hit players around the Ranger net and was smart on both sides of the ice. And Glen, in his wisdom, replaced the youngster with Kalinin a day later. Ugh.

8th round, 230th overall: Leonid Zhvachkin (D): Selected right after Aaron Voros of all people, Zhvatchkin went to training camp and was assigned to Hartford but never played in the A. He ended up with Guelph in the OHL alongside Tyutin. Where Toots was gone the next season, Zhvachkin or Zvachkin or Zhvachin (depending on where you look) stayed another year, was traded and went home in the offseason not to return to North America.

2006
2nd round, 54th overall: Artem Anisimov (C): It is fair to say that the jury is still out. After pathetically tepid play for much of this season, Anisimov found his game with Prust and Shelley during the stretch run. Arty said he felt more comfortable on the ice with them there, so of course John Tortorella has already said he will break up that line this fall.

2007
1st round, 17th overall: Alexei Cherepanov (RW): RIP. Cherry dropped down the draft board for some reason and everyone was happy to see a Jagr replacement. But whether it was heart problems (myocarditis) that killed him or alleged steroids, we'll never know if he would have come over here to play and if he would have been any good.

2008
3rd round, 75th overall: Evgeny Grachev (C): After being hailed as another big Russian who will swoop in and save us, Grachev made the jump to the AHL last season and was underwhelming by all accounts. He managed 28 points in 80 games and was accused of disappearing many nights. Whether we chalk it up to a transition season or his true colours has yet to be seen.

2009
7th round, 200th overall: Mikhail Pashnin (D): Pashnin was also drafted first overall by CSKA Moscow and went on to collect five points in 44 games with them. He is signed through next season but will come to the summer prospect camp and the Rangers are still quite high on him.

2010
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 "Russian Ranger Draft Picks: Unveiling the Talent Pipeline from Russia to New York"

The New York Rangers, one of the NHL's most iconic franchises, have a rich history of drafting and developing talent from around the world. Over the years, Russian players have made a significant impact on the team's success. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the Russian Ranger draft picks, their contributions to the team, and answer frequently asked questions about the role of Russian talent in the NHL.

Russian Rangers: A Storied History

The New York Rangers have a long-standing tradition of scouting and drafting talent from Russia. Russian players have not only contributed to the team's success but have also left a lasting mark on the NHL as a whole. Let's explore the journeys of a few notable Russian Rangers:

1. Sergei Zubov (1989 NHL Draft): Sergei Zubov was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round of the 1989 NHL Draft. He went on to become one of the most influential Russian defensemen in NHL history. During his time with the Rangers, Zubov showcased exceptional offensive skills, recording 89 points in the 1993-94 season, when the Rangers won the Stanley Cup.

2. Alexei Kovalev (1991 NHL Draft): Alexei Kovalev, a first-round pick by the Rangers in 1991, was known for his electrifying playmaking abilities. His skill and creativity on the ice made him a fan favorite in New York. Kovalev played a crucial role in the Rangers' Stanley Cup victory in 1994.

3. Pavel Buchnevich (2013 NHL Draft): Pavel Buchnevich, drafted by the Rangers in 2013, represented a new generation of Russian talent. His blend of speed, scoring ability, and physical play made him a valuable asset to the team. Buchnevich's development in New York highlighted the ongoing success of Russian scouting efforts.

4. Igor Shesterkin (2014 NHL Draft): Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers' standout goaltender, was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft. He quickly became a rising star in the NHL with his outstanding goaltending skills. Shesterkin's arrival in New York brought hope to Rangers fans and reinforced the team's commitment to developing Russian talent.

The Impact of Russian Players in the NHL

Russian players have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of the NHL. Their contributions extend beyond individual success to impact the league's overall competitiveness. Here are some key points to consider:

Skill and Creativity: Russian players are often celebrated for their skill, creativity, and playmaking abilities. They bring a unique style of play that adds excitement to the NHL.

Goaltending Excellence: Russian goaltenders, like Igor Shesterkin, have demonstrated exceptional skills between the pipes. They have become a force to be reckoned with, further diversifying the league's talent pool.

Global Fanbase: Russian players have garnered a global following, expanding the NHL's fanbase and international appeal. Their presence helps bridge cultures and unite hockey enthusiasts worldwide.

Championing Diversity: The success of Russian players in the NHL promotes diversity and inclusivity in the sport. It encourages young talents from various backgrounds to pursue their dreams of playing in the league.

FAQs on Russian Talent in the NHL

1. Are Russian players more likely to be drafted as forwards or defensemen?

Russian players are drafted in various positions, including forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. The choice of position depends on the player's skills and the team's needs.

2. How do Russian players adapt to the North American style of play?

Russian players often undergo a transition period to adapt to the NHL's physical and faster-paced style of play. Many spend time in the AHL or junior leagues to acclimate before joining the NHL.

3. What challenges do Russian players face when coming to North America?

Language and cultural differences can pose initial challenges for Russian players. They must also adjust to the smaller NHL rink size and the North American lifestyle.

4. What role does scouting play in identifying Russian talent?

Scouting is crucial in identifying Russian talent. NHL teams invest in extensive scouting networks to evaluate players in Russia and other international leagues. Relationships with Russian hockey organizations are also important.

5. How has the NHL benefited from the influx of Russian talent?

The NHL has benefited from the influx of Russian talent by becoming a more diverse and competitive league. Russian players have contributed to the league's global appeal and enhanced the quality of play on the ice.

The New York Rangers' history of drafting and developing Russian talent is a testament to the global nature of the NHL. Russian players have not only left their mark on the Rangers but have enriched the league with their skill, creativity, and passion for the game. As the NHL continues to attract talent from around the world, the contributions of Russian players serve as a reminder of the sport's ability to unite fans and athletes across borders, making it a truly international phenomenon.

Russian Pucks

After enjoying an episode of MSG Vault (with some awesome film of the '52 Wings beating on the Blueshirts) I remembered reading that the KHL season opener was this morning and it was being streamed live. Ak Bars took on Lokomotiv in Kazan and won 3-2 in overtime.

The game-winner was scored on a four-on-three power play with a fantastic one-timer from the circle by former Penguin Alexsey Morozov. It was his second goal of the game and the first was out-frickin-rageous (it's the second goal on this Youtube). Canadians want to talk about how they will win the 2010 Olympics but the Russians have to be the team to beat. Even if the Bulin Wall doesn't stand on his head, that team will just have too much firepower to be denied. Morozov across from Kovalchuk? Geez, that's scary.

I have to admit that it was pretty nice to come in with no preconceived notions, no rooted interest as it allowed me to just enjoy the hockey. Aside from the pair by Morozov, there were great plays on both sides of the ice ... man am I ready for the puck to drop in the Garden. I wish I could go into further detail but I don't speak a word of Russian. I know I heard the announcers say "New York Rangers" at one point but have no idea of the context. It may have had something to do with Ak Bars' Jarkko Immonen (a former Blueshirt as you well recall) but I honestly have no idea.

I do know that it was fun to watch and hope that the KHL streams more games over the course of the season. Brendan McIntyre circulated an article he wrote around the web about how the North American taxes could chase players to the KHL. He and I then embarked on an e-mail debate as I don't see it happening, at least not without another NHL labour stoppage (or defection from the top Russian talent - which could happen apparently). Regardless, currently there is a growth limit to the KHL given the size of the arenas, the economy of Russia and the simple fact that they don't have the Stanley Cup, but their game is still definitely worth watching if you get a chance this season.

 "Russian Pucks: Unraveling the Legacy and Impact of Russian Hockey"

Russia has long been a powerhouse in international ice hockey, producing a rich tapestry of talent that has left an indelible mark on the sport. From the iconic Red Army teams of the Soviet era to the modern-day NHL stars, Russian hockey has consistently delivered a blend of artistry, finesse, and unrelenting competitive spirit. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the legacy and impact of Russian hockey, exploring its storied history, notable players, and addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Russian hockey phenomenon.

Section 1: A Storied History

1. The Soviet Hockey Dynasty

The foundation of Russian hockey excellence can be traced back to the Soviet Union's emergence as a hockey powerhouse in the mid-20th century. The Soviet national team, known for its disciplined and systematic approach, dominated international competitions for decades.

2. The Miracle on Ice

One of the most iconic moments in hockey history occurred during the 1980 Winter Olympics when the underdog United States defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union in a game famously known as the "Miracle on Ice." This event transcended sports, becoming a symbol of the Cold War rivalry.

3. Transition to the NHL

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to an influx of Russian players into the National Hockey League (NHL). Pioneers like Sergei Fedorov, Pavel Bure, and Alexander Mogilny paved the way for future Russian stars to showcase their talent on the world stage.

Section 2: Notable Russian Players

1. Wayne Gretzky of Russia: Sergei Fedorov

Sergei Fedorov, often referred to as the "Russian Rocket," was a versatile forward known for his speed, skill, and two-way play. He became a key figure in the Detroit Red Wings' championship-winning teams and remains one of the highest-scoring Russian players in NHL history.

2. The Magic Hands of Pavel Bure

Pavel Bure, nicknamed the "Russian Rocket" like Fedorov, was a prolific goal scorer. His incredible speed and goal-scoring ability earned him the title of one of the most exciting players to watch in the NHL.

3. Alex Ovechkin's Goal-Scoring Prowess

Alexander Ovechkin, commonly known as "Ovi," has redefined goal-scoring in the NHL. His lethal shot, physicality, and leadership have made him one of the greatest goal scorers of all time.

Section 3: The KHL and International Success

1. The Rise of the KHL

The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), founded in 2008, has become a formidable rival to the NHL. It provides Russian players with an opportunity to play on home soil while attracting international talent.

2. Olympic Glory

Russian hockey's international success includes numerous Olympic gold medals, most recently at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The Russian team, competing as the "Olympic Athletes from Russia" due to doping sanctions, showcased its enduring hockey excellence.

3. World Junior Championships

Russia consistently produces top-tier talent in junior hockey, often competing for medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships. These tournaments offer a glimpse of the future stars of Russian hockey.

FAQs: Russian Hockey

Let's address some frequently asked questions about Russian hockey:

1. Why is Russian hockey so successful?

Russian hockey's success is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong grassroots development system, a rich hockey culture, and a focus on developing well-rounded players.

2. Who is considered the greatest Russian hockey player of all time?

The title of the greatest Russian hockey player is subjective and often debated. Players like Pavel Bure, Sergei Fedorov, and Alexander Ovechkin are frequently mentioned among the all-time greats.

3. How has Russian hockey evolved over the years?

Russian hockey has evolved from a tightly controlled system during the Soviet era to a more open and competitive environment today. The transition to the NHL and the establishment of the KHL have played significant roles in this evolution.

4. Are there any promising young Russian talents in the NHL today?

Yes, the NHL continues to see an influx of talented young Russian players. Names like Andrei Svechnikov, Kirill Kaprizov, and Ilya Sorokin are making significant impacts on their respective teams.

Russian hockey's legacy is a testament to the enduring passion for the sport in the country. From the dominance of the Soviet national team to the remarkable careers of NHL legends, Russian hockey has left an indelible mark on the sport's history. As Russia continues to produce top-tier talent and compete at the highest levels of international hockey, the legacy of Russian pucks remains vibrant and enduring in the world of ice hockey.

Hmmm ...

Anyone else think that this report via TSN is a bit curious?

Russia's federal Investigative Committee said a chemical analysis of the samples allowed experts to conclude "that for several months Alexei Cherepanov engaged in blood doping." There was no elaboration, and a spokeswoman at the committee refused to comment further.

This is a country that got raked over the coals internationally for not having the right medical staff and equipment available to save Cherry's life so now - two and a half months later - they are trying to place blame on the kid himself? There is no way for him to defend himself, so why not? They will save a little face and the only people who get hurt are his family. What do they care?

Growing up in the late stages of the Cold War it was easy to laugh off stories of the big bad Commies changing facts for their anti-capitalist propaganda but is this any different? The Russians were embarrassed by their own media and around the world so for them to turn the tables on the deceased makes too much sense. As Mel Gibson said in Conspiracy Theory, "A good conspiracy is unprovable. I mean, if you can prove it, it means they screwed up somewhere along the line" and the Russians clearly screwed up this situation from the start ...

 Hmmm... Exploring the Enigmatic World of the NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL) is a captivating and unpredictable world, filled with intriguing stories, astonishing feats, and puzzling mysteries. From enigmatic players to baffling statistics, there is always something that makes us go, "Hmmm..." In this article, we'll delve into the enigmatic aspects of the NHL, exploring the questions, curiosities, and perplexities that keep fans and analysts scratching their heads.

I. The Enigma of Alexander Ovechkin's Scoring Prowess

Alexander Ovechkin, often referred to simply as "Ovi," has been a scoring machine throughout his career. But what makes his goal-scoring ability so enigmatic?

Ageless Wonder: Despite his age, Ovechkin continues to lead the league in goals season after season. How does he maintain this level of scoring consistency?

Unique Skills: Analyze the unorthodox shooting techniques and positioning that make Ovechkin a scoring enigma.

II. The Mystery of Goaltending Statistics

Goaltenders are the last line of defense in hockey, and their statistics can be both fascinating and perplexing.

Save Percentage Sagas: Explore the fluctuating save percentages of elite goalies and the factors that influence these statistics.

Shutout Droughts: Discuss the rare occurrences when top goalies go on extended shutout droughts, leaving fans puzzled.

III. The Curious Case of the Playoff Performers

Why do some players excel in the regular season but struggle in the playoffs, while others thrive when the stakes are highest?

Regular Season Heroes, Playoff Zeros: Examine cases of players who consistently put up impressive numbers but falter in the postseason.

Playoff Heroes: Highlight the players who seem to elevate their game to a whole new level when the playoffs arrive.

IV. The Quirkiness of NHL Records

The NHL boasts a rich history, and its record books contain some truly enigmatic entries.

Unbreakable Records: Explore records that seem nearly impossible to break, like Wayne Gretzky's 215-point season.

Unsung Heroes: Shed light on lesser-known records and achievements that deserve more attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Enigmatic NHL

Q1: How does Alexander Ovechkin continue to score goals at such a prolific rate?

A1: Ovechkin's unique combination of skill, physicality, and relentless work ethic contributes to his goal-scoring success.

Q2: Why do some goaltenders have inconsistent save percentages?

A2: Various factors, including defensive systems, shot quality, and goalie performance, can lead to fluctuations in save percentages.

Q3: Why do some players struggle in the playoffs despite strong regular-season performances?

A3: The pressure and intensity of playoff hockey can affect players differently, leading to variations in performance.

The NHL is a league filled with enigmatic players, statistics, and records that leave fans and analysts pondering the mysteries of the game. From the ageless scoring prowess of Alexander Ovechkin to the ever-fluctuating goaltending statistics, the league is a constant source of fascination and intrigue. While some aspects of the NHL may forever remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is certain: the enigmatic nature of the sport only adds to its allure, keeping fans saying, "Hmmm..." and eagerly awaiting the next captivating chapter in the league's history.