Svechnikov skates with Hurricanes for first time at development camp

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Andrei Svechnikov practiced with the Carolina Hurricanes for the first time when they opened development camp on Wednesday.
Svechnikov, the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft last Friday, blended in smoothly with the group of 28 prospects. There were butterflies, but he considered it a good first step.
"I feel a little nervous because I am a rookie here," Svechnikov said.

Expectations will be high for Svechnikov, who scored 40 goals in 44 games for Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League and was named OHL rookie of the year. He is the first Hurricanes player selected with the No. 2 pick since Eric Staal in 2003.
"I just don't think about this," Svechnikov said. "I just keep working hard and stay focused on the hockey."
The 18-year-old Russian forward did some drills with center Martin Necas, Carolina's first-round pick (No. 12) in the 2017 draft. Necas played one game with the Hurricanes this season before being returned to Kometa Brno of the Czech Extraliga, where he had 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 24 regular-season games and nine points (four goals, five assists) in 14 playoff games.
"That was not a mistake, that we threw them together just for fun," said Rod Brind'Amour, who was named Hurricanes coach on May 8. "Sometimes (chemistry) happens right away. That's what we're hoping for. Those are two important pieces for the future of this franchise."

Svechnikov did not speak English before 2016, when he came to North America to play for Muskegon of the United States Hockey League. But between English class and what he has learned from his teammates, he speaks confidently now. It is one of the reasons Brind'Amour believes he will be ready to play NHL hockey in the fall.
"Looking at him and the way he handles himself, it's going to be a lot easier to do than the normal 18-year-old coming in," Brind'Amour said. "He's definitely ahead of the curve on the maturity side. He's going to be an impact player at some point. Sooner rather than later would be great, but you don't want to rush him and put undue pressure on this kid to be that player yet. But he will be in due time."
Svechnikov (6-foot-3, 192 pounds) is a left-handed shot, but he prefers to play the right wing. He is widely regarded as a complete forward because he has the strength to carry the puck to net and the hands to score near the crease.
Asked if he was familiar with players like Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler and retired Chicago Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa, he found the comparison fitting.

"Those guys can play in the corner and they have a great shot," he said. "My style of game is kind of the same. I can play a physical game, and I enjoy playing on the penalty kill and the power play."
In the meantime, Svechnikov is aiming to meet the Hurricanes' expectations for some of the basics, including training, nutrition and proper rest. But soon enough, he will find out how he measures up against the best in the NHL.
"I'm not worried right now," he said with a smile. "In a couple months, I probably will worry about it."