Pavel Buchnevich

Buchnevich

Per Corey Pronman (please note that while he writes for ESPN, Pronman is one of the best in the business at ranking prospects, and ESPN’s Insider hockey writers are top notch), Pavel Buchnevich is the #14 ranked skater prospect heading into this season. Buchnevich is clearly the Rangers’ top prospect, and he should come to North America next season, after he finishes this season up with the KHL. Here’s what Pronman had to say about Buchnevich:

Buchnevich’s 18- and 19-year-old seasons have been some of the very best in the history of the KHL, showing he can play versus men at a high level in the world’s second-best league. He’s a winger with great puck skills, impressive hockey sense and above-average speed. He has size to couple with that and while he’s bulked up a fair amount, some more could help before he hits the NHL. Buchy is not a complete prospect, but he’s consistently dangerous offensively. He should be in the NHL in 2016-17, or as a potential late season add after his KHL season ends.

It’s worth noting that Buchnevich is ranked two spots ahead of Anthony Duclair.

Pronman also ranked the Rangers’ organizational prospect depth 29th in the league, ahead of only Pittsburgh. Here’s what Pronman had to say about the Rangers:

The Rangers have committed a full-force effort to winning now by moving high picks and top youngsters such as Anthony Duclair. The Rangers’ scouts, given limited resources, have actually done fine in bringing in some talent, getting some AHL options for the big club and acquiring depth. However, other than Pavel Buchnevich, there is no top-end prospect in the organization.

It’s worth noting that the Rangers graduated J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast, and Kevin Hayes from prospect status last year. This ranking is based on top-end skill, of which Buchnevich is really the only top-end player in the system. The Rangers are in a transition period this season with their system, which is also very normal when a team graduates several prospects in one year. Remember that a top-ranked system is not always a predecessor for future NHL success.

One last note: Igor Shesterkin was ranked #3 in the “next five” of Pronman’s top-ten goalie prospects in the league. Shesterkin is at least four seasons away from making an NHL impact. Shesterkin didn’t have much of a name when he was drafted, but is flying up the rankings very quickly.

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