Evgeny Kuznetsov: Another Talented Russian Playing His Way To Washington

When a team picks at the 26th spot in a draft, it's far from a guarantee that the player they select will pan out to be an everyday NHL player.  However, the Washington Capitals' first-round selection in 2010, Evgeny Kuznetsov, is blossoming into a blue chip prospect.  

The Capitals have kept a close watch on the development of Evgeny Kuznetsov, as over the course of this season he has quickly become one of the most anticipated prospects in the sport.  According to The Hockey News' Future Watch, Kuznetsov is one of the top-five drafted prospects in the world, which illustrates how far the talented Russian has come in the last eight months.

Playing in the KHL, which is widely regarded as the second- or third-best league in the world (behind the NHL, and depending on who you ask, the AHL), Kuznetsov has become one of the best offensive talents in the league.  

After posting a modest two goals and nine points in 2009-10 with his Russian club, Chelyabinsk Traktor, Kuznetsov has enjoyed a coming out party this season, tallying 16 goals and 29 points in just 41 games.  Though he missed nine games for the World Junior Championships, Kuznetsov is leading his team in scoring, which is no small feat for an 18-year-old.  

Though his performance in the KHL has opened eyes across the NHL, his play at the 2011 World Juniors may have been even more impressive.  In seven games with Team Russia, Kuznetsov put up 11 points and was selected to the tournament's All-Star team.  

While the points and All-Star selection were impressive accomplishments, the most encouraging part of Kuznetsov's World Junior Championships was his play in pressure situations over the course of tournament.  

In the tournament's quarterfinals, with Russia down by a pair of goals late in regulation, Kuznetsov scored and set up the game tying goal to send the game to overtime.  In the sudden death overtime period, Kuznetsov then netted the game winning goal to lift Russia past Finland.  

In the Gold Medal game against heavy favorite Canada, the Canadian squad staked themselves to a three goal lead in the second period.  However, Kuznetsov and the Russians stormed back to win by a final score of 5-3, with Kuznetsov leading the way with three assists.  

For a Washington Capitals team that has struggled to elevate their game in clutch situations, a player with a knack for scoring big goals is a welcome sight.  

With Kuznetsov improving rapidly, and the Capitals clearly in need of offensive support, it's becoming more and more likely that Washington will want Kuznetsov to join the team for next season.