New York Rangers‘ 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft (#75 overall) 5th year Russian-born center Pavel Buchnevich(89) hadn’t played a pro game for just under two months, so the parent club decided to send him south to get back in game shape with affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack.
In his AHL debut he posted the game’s first tally in a 2-1 win over Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers), a much better team on record with an absolute blast from the low slot, almost on the goal line over the shoulder of Anthony Stolarz(41).
The 6’2″ 193 lbs. forward played in all types of situations and was basically a magician with the puck on most occasions, although wasn’t exempt from some bad plays like passing a puck right to an opposing player.
In his official North American rookie season he already has 4 NHL goals and 4 assists in only 10 games with a +4 rating.
He comes in with 4 years experience in the KHL lacing up the skates for his hometown team Severstal Cherepovets, where he was quickly becoming a scoring stud.
The 21-year old won a U17 WHC gold medal in 2010 and is signed to a three year entry level deal.
Folks from Connecticut got a treat getting to see this kid play, as he ain’t coming back anytime soon.