Svechnikov ready for pro career

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — By all accounts, Evgeny Svechnikov had a successful season last year. Now he’s ready to take that success to the professional level.

Svechnikov, the Red Wings’ first-round draft pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, played his first season in North America.

In 55 games with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Svechnikov had 32 goals, 46 assists and was plus-19.

Svechnikov, 19, joined the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins at the end of the season and due to injuries got to play in two playoff games.

“He played well,” Griffins coach Todd Nelson said during the Wings’ recent development camp in Traverse City. “For a young kid coming into a situation during the second round of the playoffs, I thought he handled himself well. He is extremely strong in the corners, protecting the puck. We saw in a couple games that he has an offensive flair, so he’s a guy that we look at playing a good two-way game but also contributing offensively.”

After getting that taste of professional hockey, Svechnikov feels he is prepared to make the jump.

“I learned a lot in junior hockey,” Svechnikov said. “I had a good coach and I think I’m ready. Done with junior hockey now. So excited. Have to be ready as much as I can.”

Svechnikov, whose English is coming along as nicely as his game, was pleased with last season.

“I think it was a great season, good experience again,” Svechnikov said. “It was good run in the playoffs but unfortunately we lost in the second round but I think overall it was a good …

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