Wild selects Vladislav Firstov with the 42nd overall pick

VANCOUVER -- With its second pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Minnesota Wild selected its second left wing in choosing Russian winger Vladislav Firstov in the second round (No. 42 overall). Firstov projects to be a scorer at the NHL level but is respected for his play in all three zones.

Here is a look at Vladislav Firstov's stats:
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 181 lbs.
Shoots: Left
Hometown: Yaroslavl, RUS
2018-19 team: Waterloo (USHL)
NHL Central Scouting Rank: 29th (North American skaters)
Scouting report: Although a native of Yaroslavl, RUS, Firstov played for the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL, garnering All-Rookie Team honors. The University of Connecticut commit's 58 points (26-32=58) in 62 games ranked second among all USHL first-year skaters. Firstov is said to have an NHL-ready shot and is an elite skater with an explosive stride.
Firstov competed in the same Russian program as Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko and Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov before furthering his development in North America. Like Minnesota's first-round selection, Matt Boldy, Firstov is known for his puck possession skills, work ethic and puck-moving ability. He says he models his game after Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov.
Greg Rajanen, NHLCSB: "Good offensive instincts and good vision in the offensive zone."
PJ Fenton, Minnesota Wild: "Vladislav is a playmaking forward with scoring ability, a high hockey IQ and a strong work ethic."