For much of our preview of the upcoming NHL Draft, which commences this Friday, we haven't talked nearly as much about foreign talent that will be in the pool of prospects.
That changes today with a prospect that may be on the Flyers radar.
The issue with so many of the foreign prospects is a small sample size in game play. That said, if the potential is there, the Flyers may find the best player available is one from overseas.
Today, we look at Russian center/winger German Rubtsov.
It's difficult to find a player that comes as well-rounded as Rubtsov is with his game. There are essentially no flaws — he could use work in the defensive zone and on faceoffs, but even then, he is rated as a very good defender among the draft class.
The rest of his game is all positives. At 6'2" and 178 pounds, he has a good frame and brings all the qualities of a power forward. He's rugged, gritty, goes to the dirty areas and works hard to do the little things that make winners.
In 28 games in Russia's MHL, he scored 12 goals and added 14 assists for 26 points.
He has a high skill level, his compete level is among the best in the draft and he showed he can take over a game as one of the best players at the World Jr A Challenge. He would have been a central figure of the U-18 team at World Championships, but a doping scandal prevented him from playing.
That aside, this is a talented prospect that can become an instant focal point of any team's farm system. The combination of smarts, skills and strength is simply too good to pass up. He plays well under pressure and has proven to be a leader, making his teammates better around him.
"Complete package for a two-way forward," writes ISS Director of Scouting Dennis MacInnis in the 2016 NHL Draft Guide. "Highly intelligent player with good skills and physical tools. Has good character and work ethic."
"Smart two-way center with size," writes ISS scout Jack Higgins. "Good skating stride with quality puck skills. Worked hard at both ends of the ice. Used his size to protect and get to the net. Good NHL draft prospect."
"Gifted center with skills and vision," writes ISS scout Olli Lahdesmaki. "Skilled, offensive-minded winger. Possesses good vision and ability to create plays. Moves well and has offensive upside."
You can watch some of Rubtsov's highlights below.
Kevin Durso is managing editor for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @Kevin_Durso.
