NHL Mock Draft 2019: No.30 — Egor Afanasyev
The Boston Bruins lost in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals but have a first round pick this season, after making their first selection at No.57 overall last year.
Over the years, Boston has done a strong job drafting players that made the jump to the NHL rather quickly.
- 2014: David Pastrnak (No.25 overall) — 320 Games Played
- 2014: Danton Heinen (No.116 Overall) — 162 Games Played
- 2015: Jake DeBrusk (No.14 Overall) — 138 Games Played
- 2015: Brandon Carlo (No.37 Overall) — 230 Games Played
- 2016: Charlie McAvoy (No.14 Overall) — 117 Games Played
Others who they’ve drafted recently who have played in the NHL sparingly but could be on their radar for 2019-20 include:
- — Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson – C (No.45 Pick in 2015)
- — Trent Frederic – C (No.29 Pick in 2016)
- — Urho Vaakanainen – D (No.18 Pick in 2017)
Jakub Zboril (No.13 Pick) and Zachary Senyshyn (No.15 Pick) being selected ahead of: Mathew Barzal (No.16), Kyle Connor (No.17), Thomas Chabot (No.18), Brock Boeser (No.23) and Travis Konecny (No.24) was a blip on the radar for Boston but they’ve mostly done a good job over the years.
With the No.30 Overall Pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Boston Bruins select…
Egor Afanasyev — LW — Russia 🇷🇺
Afanasyev spent his draft year with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, where he led the team in goals (27), assists (35) and points (62). As for the league, he was 15th in goals, tied for 14th in assists and 10th in points. Afanasyev will make the move to the CHL next season, as he’s committed to play with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL.
Scouts are torn on Afanasyev, as he’s ranked as high as 24 but as low as 59 depending on where you are looking. One thing is for sure, he is a big 18-year-old. Afanasyev stands at 6-foot-4, 201 lbs. but the Russian-born winger handles the puck like he’s much smaller. Afanasyev is one of the craftier players in this draft class while also being one of the biggest forwards, a pretty rare combo. Obviously, there are some red flags or else he wouldn’t drop to the bottom of the first round or further. He’s not the best skater or playmaker but those could improve as his game matures. It always comes back to his hands. His hands are outstanding, maybe even ridiculous and that’s why he’s a first-round pick for me.
The Bruins like to have size, always have and Afanasyev is a great blend of size and skill that would fit perfectly in the Bruins system. Turn on the highlight reel below and just marvel at the mitts on this kid.
Scouting Report
What’s immediately noticeable about Afanasyev is his 6-foot-4 frame and his high skill level. He’s a very coordinated puck handler for a big man who can make the flashy, between-the-legs play and toe drag. He gains the zone with skill quite often. Afannasyev also has a very hard shot, and is able to finish chances and ring iron from mid-distance. He’s not a perfect player by any means, but his strengths standout, make him valuable and could lead to him scoring in the NHL. — Corey Pronman (The Athletic)
Rankings
- #59 — HockeyProspect.com
- #54 — Future Considerations
- #24 — ISS Hockey
- #16 — NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)