Jets Draft Pick could make Russia's Olympic Roster and delay NHL debut

Back in 2014, the Winnipeg Jets selected forward Pavel Kraskovsky of Yaroslavl, Russia, as their sixth round pick in the NHL Entry Draft.

Since then, Kraskovsky has been playing in the KHL for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. The 20-year-old participated in the 2016 World Junior Championships, part of the silver-medal winning Russian team where he was elected as one of the team’s top 3 players throughout the tournament.

Kraskovsky scored 8 goals and 18 points across 58 games with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl this season. At 6’4, 198 lbs, his physical play is his most obvious asset, but he is also a decent playmaker and a responsible defensive presence. He maintained a +/-  rating of plus-11, with only 18 penalty minutes in 2016/17.

Because of all this upside, Kraskovsky has been called to try out for the Russian National Olympic team.

What does this mean for the Winnipeg Jets?

Well, at this point it doesn’t look like he’s in a hurry to cross the pond and play in the NHL. With the NHL’s decision to keep out of the next Winter Olympics, inviting Kraskovsky to play for Russia is an enticing reason to stay in the KHL.

The Jets will hold the rights to sign Kraskovsky if he ever chooses to make the leap to the NHL. His contract with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl lasts at least one more season, and the Jets cannot enter into any negotiations until that contract expires.

So, it’ll be at least another year before Kraskovsky can even flirt with a move to the NHL, but the lures of playing for your hometown team and representing your country in the Olympics might far outweigh the temptation of an NHL contract.