Павел Красковский
Pavel Kraskovsky is a name you are most likely not familiar with, even if you are a Winnipeg Jets fan.
Born 250km (150 mi) northeast of Moscow in Yaroslavl, Russia in 1996, Pavel Kraskovsky played in his first of three Federation Cups in Russia at the age of 9. He finished the three tournaments with 34 points (20G, 14A) and just 10 PIM in 37 games played. He continued his strong play into the Russian Championships, and has been prominent scorer at all levels. He played in 9 Russian Championships with the U-13, U-16, U-17, and other Yaroslavl Lokomotiv teams, and has also represented Russia on several occasions:
- 2011, 2012, 2014 4-Nationersturnering (Swedish 4-Nations Tournament featuring Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic, and Finland),
- 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge,
- 2013 World Junior-A Challenge,
- 2014 World Junior U18 CHampionship, and most recently,
- 2014 Subway Super Series
6’4, 187-pound Kraskovsky was drafted in the second round (55th overall) in the 2013 KHL Draft by Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, then in 2014 he was drafted 164th overall in the 2014 draft by the Winnipeg Jets. The 18 year-old had played his first 8 games in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, registering one goal, 14 penalty minutes, and a +/- 1 rating at the time of his draft.
2014 Subway Super Series
It remains to be seen whether this 18-year old Russian forward will bloom and become a player with the Winnipeg franchise, but if Kraskovsky continues to turn heads like he did in the 2014 Subway Super Series, Winnipeg fans could be in for a treat.
In six Super Series games this year Kraskovsky placed second in tournament scoring with 2 goals and an assist for three points total. However, all three points came in one game versus Team WHL in which fellow Jets prospects Josh Morrissey, Nic Petan, and Eric Comrie were a part of. He finished with 5 shots, 14 PIM, and was a +1 through the series.
Another Skilled Russian Winnipeg Jets Prospect
WPG GM Kevin Cheveldayoff also checks in. Let’s see what Jet prospect Pavel Kraskovsky does tonight. He’s been a beast. Big, tough, skilled.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 17, 2014
Kraskovsky is indeed a skilled player.
Watch Kraskovsky (#10 in White) react quickly as the puck goes cross-ice vs. Team WHL in the 2014 Subway Super Series:
Here is Kraskovsky again, this time attempting a Maxim Afinogenov style play.
Looking Forward
An intriguing prospect, it will be interesting to see if Kraskovsky will be able to transfer and use his size and skill to the pro level. He is a good player around the net however he is far from a NHL-ready status. He will likely play in Russia, in the KHL, for 1-2 more years after the 2014 – 2015 season before heading to St. John’s (or Thunder Bay) to play with Winnipeg’s AHL affiliate. Look for Kraskovsky in the 2015 World Junior Hockey Championship in Toronto and Montréal this winter.
Could we see a possible all-Russian line in the Jets future?
With Burmistrov and Telegin still expressing interest, it is possible.