UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: A closeup of pucks, a stick and skates as photographed during warm-ups prior to the game between the New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Flyers 3-2 in overtime.

Flames draft blue-liner Yan Kuznetsov with 50th pick

theScore Staff
6 years ago
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Calgary Flames selected defenseman Yan Kuznetsov with the 50th pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Yan Kuznetsov

Position: Defenseman
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 201 lbs
Age: 18
Club: Univ. of Connecticut (NCAA)
Nationality: Russian

GP G A P
34 2 9 11

(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)

Kuznetsov began playing college hockey at just 17 years old, earning a full-time spot in Connecticut's lineup. Not many players can do that at such a young age, which is a positive sign for Kuznetsov's abilities on the ice.

His numbers may not jump off the page, but Kuznetsov makes his massive frame work to his advantage. The 18-year-old isn't an offensive powerhouse by any means, but his game can translate to the pro level quickly thanks to his physical presence and overall solid play.

What they're saying

"Smart and understands how to play in all areas of the game," wrote TSN's Craig Button of Kuznetsov. "Uses size to gain advantages and is competitive with a presence. Moves the puck very well and is poised. Solid player who's not flashy."

Button projects Kuznetsov to round out to be a No. 3 or No. 4 two-way defenseman.

Highlights

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