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Sebastian Aho | C
Jason Cotton | C
Jack Drury | C
Jake Guentzel | C
Seth Jarvis | C
Jesperi Kotkaniemi | C
Evgeny Kuznetsov
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Six Center
STRENGTHS
Playmaking: Kuznetsov is a top-tier playmaker who will carve up your defense if you give him any time or room on the ice. He has tremendous touch on his saucer passes and is effective at dishing from both his forehand and backhand. Moreover, he has good spatial awareness and feel for where defenses are vulnerable.
Skating: “Effortless” is the word here. Kuznetsov is one of those special, natural-born skaters who can glide as fast as other players can hustle their hearts out. As a result, he thrives in motion, wheeling around the offensive zone and waiting for a window of opportunity to attack. He is quite simply one of the most dangerous pivots around in open space.
Creativity: When he’s on his game, Kuznetsov is not only an incredibly talented playmaker but also a daring one. He will attempt some wild passes and plays that opponents just aren’t prepared to defend. His go-to move is a behind-the-back pass when he’s circling around the net.
WEAKNESSES
One-Dimensional: As mentioned earlier, Kuznetsov is brilliant in open space. However, when the pace grinds to a halt, he’s decidedly less effective. If opponents can turn the game into an ugly, punch-you-in-the-mouth affair, Kuznetsov will shy away from the action. He requires free-flowing movement to excel.
Effort Level: On any given night, you’ll get the bad Kuznetsov—the lazy, disinterested center who attempts low-percentage passes and couldn’t care less about regaining possession after surrendering it. On the defensive end, the Russian star is guilty of fly-bys and half-hearted coverage.
