Egor Afanasyev, C/W, 2019 2nd-round draft pick
Drafted the round right after Tomasino was drafted in 2019, Egor Afanasyev has always had the intrigue of the fans. His physical size alone at 6’3″ as an offensive forward instantly got me interested in what he can become.
Still only 20-years-old, Afanasyev is on the right track to being in the NHL within the next two seasons. I see him as a vital part of the Milwaukee Admirals this season as he’s making his AHL debut. He’s already gotten valuable experience in the very competitive and difficult KHL.
Afanasyev should play very well in the prospect showcase this weekend. He’s already gotten so much international playing experience, and quite honestly moving from the KHL to the AHL shouldn’t be too difficult of a transition for him.
Upon being drafted in 2019, Afanasyev also got a full season in the OHL and put up the dominant numbers you would expect from a player of his talent level as he posted 67 points over 62 games before moving on to international action in Russia.
I can’t wait to see Afanasyev translate that to the AHL this season. Aside from Tomasino, he’s the player I’m most interested in watching on the AHL level this season.