New York Rangers Prospect Profile: Artem Anisimov

The weekly series, Rangers prospect profile, continues this week with Russian Center Artem Anisimov.

Artem Anisimov was born on May 24, 1988 in Yaroslavl, Russia.  His hockey playing career began almost as soon as he was able to walk and lace up skates. 

Anisimov began his semi-professional career with Russian junior league farm team Lokomotiv-2 Yaroslavl in the 2004-05 season.  During that year he tallied three goals and five assists for eight points.

Graduating to the big club, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, the following year he saw limited action in ten games.  It wasn't until the following season 2006-07 that Anisimov saw solid ice time and contributed two goals and ten points. 

Going into the 2006 NHL Entry Draft Russian Scouts pegged Anisimov as one of the best centers available from Russia.  His official scouting report declared him a center who "possesses great size, good hands and scoring touch."  He was expected to be a first round pick.

But an uneven and inconsistent performance at the 2006 Under-18 World Junior Championships diminished his stock.  Ultimately he would fall to the New York Rangers in the second round with the 54th overall pick.

Anisimov signed his first contract with the Rangers in 2007 and was assigned to the AHL Hartford Wolfpack. In Hartford he made an immediate impact during 2007-08 getting a full season under his belt and adapting to the North American style of hockey.  It was his most productive professional season lighting the lamp 16 times and adding 27 assists. 

Hockey's Future ranks Anisimov as the third best prospect in the Rangers organization.  He is ranked as a level 7.5 prospect which makes him a bit of a tweener.  If he develops to his fullest potential he could be a solid NHL first line center.  Based on that ranking his floor would be as a solid second liner. 

Based on scouting reports and first hand knowledge Anisimov possesses great stickhandling ability, vision and a quick shot.  ISS Scouting declares he has "all the tools to be a dominant power center: size, strength, skating ability, vision, soft hands, and a great feel for the game."

While many feel that Anisimov will be given a chance to compete for a spot on the Rangers roster this year that seems a bit of a stretch.  At just 20 years old and with limited roster spots and ice time available it seems he'd be better served honing his skills at Hartford for another year.  Either way he's certainly someone worth watching.