With the 176th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, the Nashville Predators selected forward Pavel Koltygin.
Here’s what the experts said about him leading up to the draft.
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Pavel Koltygin
forward
Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
18, 6’0”, 192 lbs.
RANKINGS
ISS: #98
Future Considerations: #87
Central Scouting: #83 (North American skaters)
Craig Button, TSN Director of Scouting: #72
Dan Friedman of Sports Illustrated: #97
recrutes.ca: honorable mention
McKeen’s: honorable mention
TheScout.ca: #114
ISS
“This skilled QMJHL rookie can score when he is willing to pay the price and put in the effort, unfortunately he is rarely willing. Smooth skater and accelerates with the puck on his stick into open ice. On most shifts he is invisible, then for two minutes a game he dominates with skill and a Pro shot. When he is on his game; he protects puck well, uses his reach and body to keeps puck away from opponents. He has good feet, can explode into scoring positions. He shows very little defensive awareness, physical presence and compete away from the puck. In order to play in the NHL, he will need to show more effort and consistency on both sides of the puck.”
Future Considerations
“An offensive forward who makes an impact at both ends. He has great hockey IQ, is impactful in the offensive zone and isn’t overly flashy. He is slightly above average in term of speed but he lacks jump in his first steps right now. He is well-balanced but he needs to improve his lower-body strength. His passing skill is a sure strength, as he has good vision, reads his options quickly, and can deliver a nice pass right on his target’s tape. Although he has a quick shot, he is typically a pass-first guy.”
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- READ: What experts say about 1st round pick Eeli Tolvanen
- READ: What experts say about 2nd round pick Grant Mismash
- READ: What experts say about 3rd round pick David Farrance
- READ: What experts say about 5th round pick Tomas Vomacka
- READ: What experts say about 7th round pick Jacob Paquette
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PHOTO CREDIT: Jeremy K. Gover
