In the second round of yesterday's NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers were able to grab 6'-4", 191-lb. center Artem Anisimov, out of Yaroslavl, Russia. Anisimov had been ranked 6th among Russian players prior to the draft, and actually ended up being the 5th Russian player picked overall, though he fell quite a number of spots-- possibly as much as 30 places. Continued concern over Russia's participation in the NHL - IIHF player transfer agreement seems to have been the main reason for Anisimov falling into the second round, but in any case, this should turn out to be a bit of good fortune for the Rangers.
This past season, Anisimov posted 15 goals and 12 assists (27 points) in 32 games for Lokomotiv-2 of the Russian "3rd" league (junior level). In international under-18 tournaments for Team Russia, Anisimov collected 6 goals and 8 assists (14 points) and was a combined +9 in 18 games.
Anisimov was one of three players from Lokomotiv-2 to go in the draft's top 60 players; the other two were goalie Semen Varlamov (first round, Capitals) and LW Alexander Vasyunov (second round, Devils).
Anisimov (#12) in '05-'06
Artem's prospect profile on russianprospects.com ("possesses imposing size and is also an impressive package of speed and technical ability") is subscription-only for another few months, but Russian Prospects did provide a preview of the Russian players in the draft for Hockey's Future. Here's what was written about Anisimov:
Artem Anisimov finished his draft year off with an average performance at the U18 WJC. The young center did not deliver a consistent performance, impressing in the game against the Czechs, but failing to make a significant impact in the games either against Canada or the US. He understands the game well and has an impressive vision of the ice. Additionally, he possesses a very impressive wrist shot which is one of his main weapons. Still, besides the strengths, Anisimov needs to bulk up and improve his physical presence, as the young prospect hardly ever competes next to the boards. His lack of mass has also hurt him at the faceoff circle, as he just doesn't yet have the upper body strength. Still, while Anisimov is more raw than some of the other prospects, he has shown a wealth of potential at the international tournaments and even found himself making his Super League debut this season for Lokomotiv.
UPDATE 7/5/06 - Here's another evaluation of Anisimov, from a "Russian 2006 Draft Review" that appeared on Hockey's Future:
Anisimov is another representative of Lokomotiv Yaroslavl and another draftee who has a lot to prove and a lot of work to do before he can compete for a spot on the roster. He was one of the prime players on Lokomotiv’s farm team and showed up in the Super League for 10 regular season games posting just one assist. Anisimov has a solid frame (6’3 187), exceptional playmaking abilities for a player of his age and great passing skills. Anisimov is a player similar in a similar vein as Evgeni Malkin, but he’s got a very long way to go to even come close to matching Malkin’s skills.
Anisimov has been actively involved in international tournaments making team Russia for four such forums over the past year. He was constantly delivering strong performances always being one of the go-to players on the team.
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