Svechkov didn't have to go too far to begin his playing career in Russia. He has spent his entire career, dating back to his U16 days in the Togliatti system, which happens to be his hometown.
Considered one of the top defensive-forwards of the class of 2021, Fedor Svechkov has been touted for his two-way game as a young player. Svechkov spent his draft season playing between two leagues in Russia, the VHL and MHL. The VHL put the now 18-year-old up against men when he was just 17 years old, and he was able to hold his own in Russia's second-best league. He finished eighth in team scoring, with five goals and 10 assists in his 38 appearances, and was the only teenage player of the top eight scorers on the team.
In the VHL, Russia's junior league, Svechkov was dominant with 15 points in 15 games (four goals, 11 assists). His 15 points in the VHL are second-most of any draft-eligible in the league this season, behind only Nikita Chibrikov, who is ranked two spots ahead of Svechkov on Central Scouting's International Players list.
He also excelled on the international stage, playing at more than a point-per-game pace with 10 in seven games at the Under-18 World Championships.
Of note when it comes to Svechkov is his anticipation of play. Often described as being one step ahead, his hockey IQ is of high-end caliber and although his skating isn't explosive, he has sound technical ability and a powerful skating stride.
