Five Questions with Andrei Svechnikov

BUFFALO --Andrei Svechnikov, No. 1 in NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft, has benefitted watching his older brother go through the draft process on his way to becoming an NHL player.
Evgeny Svechnikov (6-foot-3, 212 pounds), 21, a left-handed right wing chosen in the first round (No. 19) of the 2015 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, has gained valuable experience in the American Hockey League with Grand Rapids the past two seasons. He had four points (two goals, two assists) in 14 games with the Red Wings last season.

Andrei Svechnikov (6-2, 188), 18, a left-handed right wing for Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League, relies on Evgeny for advice and tips on what he should expect once drafted by an NHL team.
The brotherly bond is what keeps Andrei focused and prepared for the future.
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"We have a great relationship and talk every day about hockey," Andrei said. "He teaches me a lot about how to play any situation. We like the same things and try to do the same things out there. I'll take whatever I can from watching him."
Center Ty Dellandrea of Flint (OHL) is privy to the bond between Andrei and Evgeny. He's lived with Evgeny and his family the past two summers in Flint, Michigan. Evgeny commutes to Detroit from Flint to train in the summer.
"Andrei and Evgeny are super close and they like to have a lot of fun together," said Dellandrea, No. 25 in NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters. "It's cool to see two brothers in the same sport, who are going through the same things, be so close. They really lean on each other for support, and that's cool to see."
Svechnikov was named the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect of the Year after leading OHL rookies with 72 points (40 goals, 32 assists) in 44 regular-season games. He missed 17 games after injuring his hand Oct. 14 and had 58 points (30 goals, 28 assists) in 34 games after returning to the lineup. Svechnikov is projected by many to be selected No. 2 in the draft behind Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Here are Five Questions With … Andrei Svechnikov:
Do you think you can play in the NHL next season?
"I could never be 100 percent certain, but I'm pretty sure I will. I think I have everything for the NHL, like my speed, shot and I can play a physical game. I can play in any situation, and enjoy playing on the penalty kill just as much as playing on the power play."
There's a good chance you may be selected by the Carolina Hurricanes, who hold the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Do you have any thoughts on Carolina?
"That's a team that looks like they're on the way up. They have a lot of good young players, and that suits me well. I will be honored to be selected by any NHL team; it's my dream. I watched my brother get drafted, and it was great. It's something I've dreamed for my whole life."
You played against many of the top prospects of the draft at the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship, including Dahlin (Frolunda, SWE), Filip Zadina (Halifax, QMJHL) and Brady Tkachuk (Boston University, Hockey East). What do you think of those players?
"Well, Dahlin is a great player; he seems to be able to do everything. But ... it's going to be fun going up against him, hopefully, in the NHL one day. It's really not my time to say I am better than anybody else. I am confident in what I can do. The scouts will see that we are all great players; they have to make the hard decisions at the draft. I just go out there and play the game I love."
Do you have any superstitions, and what is your favorite pregame meal?
"I do have a superstition, but I can't tell you because otherwise my routine won't keep working for me. My mom makes great Borscht. It's a cabbage soup that's delicious. In Russia, that's a favorite for a lot of people. It's very popular. But I can't have that for a pregame meal. Usually, I like pasta and chicken before a game."
What has been your most memorable hockey moment, and do you feel more effective playing on the smaller rinks here in North America?
"I think having the chance to play for my country at the 2018 World Junior Championship was the most memorable moment. I've been playing in North America for three years (with Muskegon in the United States Hockey League and Barrie), so I feel more comfortable on the smaller rink now. I think my game is a bear on the smaller rink; I like this game because that means more action, more contact and more chances to score."