Flyers draft German Rubtsov 22nd overall
The Philadelphia Flyers selected forward German Rubtsov with the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.
German Rubtsov
Position: Center
Height: 6-1
Weight: 174 pounds
Age: 17
Club: Team Russia U-18
Nationality: Russian
| GP | G | A | P | ES GPG | ES PPG | ES GF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 12 | 14 | 26 | 0.286 | n/a | n/a |
Though his draft stock wasn't helped after his national under-18 squad was pulled from the U-18 championship and replaced by younger players after a large portion of the team tested posted for meldonium, Rubtsov's comparison to one fellow Russian still makes him a can't-miss prospect.
Described as a highly-skilled two-way center, many liken Rubtsov to Detroit Red Wings star and three-time Selke Trophy winner Pavel Datsyuk, with one hockey executive calling him an "old school Russian center who cares about the defensive side of the game," according to Sportsnet.
Despite his absence from the U-18s, Rubtsov has had success in past international competitions, helping his country win gold at the 2014 U17 Hockey Challenge and silver at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge.