The Carolina Hurricanes hold the 13th and 21st overall picks in the draft. We are breaking down the prospects the Hurricanes have a chance at.
The Carolina Hurricanes missed out on the playoffs again this year, but the good news is the team holds two first round picks, and seven picks in the first three rounds. Last year saw the draft successes of Noah Hanifin and Sebastian Aho, but what will this year hold.
German Rubtsov, C – Team Russia U18 (MHL)
Height/Weight: 6’2/190 lbs
Shoots: Left
Date of Birth: June, 27th 1998 (Age 17)
Place of Birth: Chekhov, RUS
Final NHL Scouting Report: 5th among European Skaters
German Rubtsov currently plays for the Russian U18 team in the Minor Hockey League in Russia. The league is similar to the KHL where the majority of the teams are located in Russia, but there are a couple of teams from the adjacent countries.
The Russian U18 team is a new addition to the league and operates similarly to the way the US National Team Development Program in the USHL. Over this past season he was the second highest scorer on the team registering 12 goals and 14 assists in 28 games.
Rubtsov has extensive playing experience when it comes to international tournaments. He won the gold medal with team Russia in the U17 Championships in 2014. in 2015 he played in the World Junior Championships and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, where team Russia placed fifth and third respectively.
Related Story: Carolina Hurricanes 2016 Draft Profile: Luke Kunin
During these tournaments against the world’s top talent Rubtsov has been a dangerous player, recording 11 points (3g, 8a) in 16 total games. He has been a large part of the reason that teams he has been on have had success.
The young Russian has been described as having the highest hockey IQ out of anyone in this year’s draft class. He is always able to find an open teammate to assist on a goal with his great vision. He is also aware and responsible in the defensive zone by positioning himself and using his body to breakup opposing rushes.
His size is great for NHL teams and should help him at the next level. He has fluid skating that makes him able to perform in all three zones of the ice. With all the positives why isn’t he ranked higher?
Rubtsov along with the entire Russian U18 team was banned from the 2016 World Junior Championships for testing positive for banned substances. Other players were able to get more air time with scouts which has hurt his draft stock. He should still be able to be a successful player regardless of where he is drafted.
What Does it mean for the Carolina Hurricanes?
Adding a young center is never be a bad option for the Carolina Hurricanes. Francis has put an emphasis on drafting players over six feet tall, and Rubtsov fits the bill.
With skating and great passing abilities Rubtsov could work well with just about any line combination that the Carolina Hurricanes send out. The World Junior Scandal shouldn’t tarnish his reputation in the NHL significantly since he was not singled out.
Adding another center and one that is large could allow Bill Peters to keep Victor Rask and Sebastian Aho on the wings, where they have more scoring potential. Rubstov would also fit in well with Peters’ heavy possession scheme with his skating and passing abilities.
His ability to breakup passes using his stick also would be an asset for the penalty kill unit. He would also be able to start breakouts from deep in the zone or in front of the net by finding his open wingers. With the speed that the Carolina Hurricanes have and are adding on the wing with Aho this could be dangerous for opposing teams.
Many teams may forget about the World Juniors, which means he could go in the middle of the first round. With the Hurricanes looking for a center, if Logan Brown isn’t available it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Francis pulling the trigger on Rubtsov with the 13th overall pick.
Next: Carolina Hurricanes 2016 Draft Profile: Logan Brown
If Francis feels lucky, or isn’t hearing much buzz on Friday about the Russian prospect he could look to snag him with the 21st pick.