Per Larry Brooks (http://nypost.com/2016/05/10/rangers-prepping-to-unveil-top-prospect-as-1st-summer-domino/), the Pavel Buchnevich era is nigh. While some work still is required, all signs point to the Rangers' third-round pick - 85th overall - in the 2013 draft, a pick that came over in the Rick Nash trade, should be signed, sealed and delivered to New York by the weekend. Buchnevich, who recorded 16 goals and 37 points this season in the KHL while playing with Cherepovets and St. Petersburg, has decided to sign with the Rangers rather than starting overseas.

Brooks notes that once the deal is indeed consummated, the plan would be for Buchnevich — who does not speak English — to spend as much of the summer as possible training in New York in order to become acclimated to his surroundings. While we have all the talk about who the Rangees could sign, don't be surprised if they add someone to the roster who could help accelerate Buchnevich's transition, whether that is in the NHL or AHL. By doing so, they provide a safety net to help the adjustment of the 21-year old winger. (Update - speculation of who might come seems to have centered on Pavel Valentenko, who wants to come over and could be the Rangers 7th d-man).

Buchnevich’s skill set to that owned by Washington’s Evgeny Kuznetsov. In other words, a potential impact player. The hope is that Buch will play well enough in camp to be a top-six, which is the role he wants to play and why he is coming over, or top-nine winger; the latter would ease his transition and avoid heaping too much responsibility and pressure on him too soon. Buch might also benefit from time at Hartford, the decision of whee he ends up to be decided in camp. In addition, it took Kuz time to be he dominant player he had become, so I recommend patience with Buch if it takes him to adapt to North America and the NHL.

That said, ecstatic to hear that Buchnevich will be coming to NY, as it ends the speculation that he will be staying in the KHL. (Will repost Dan Girardi grade blog tomorrow)

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