What could the 2016 First Round Pick bring to the Philadelphia Flyers roster if he earns a spot out of camp?
The topic at hand is the one and only German Rubtsov. German somewhat faded into the background when most fans brought up the Philadelphia Flyers deep prospect pool, which was understandable but has come back up into the conversation with an impressive Development Camp. Rubtsov was picked by former GM Ron Hextall at 22nd overall in the 2016 draft.
He went from splitting time between the KHL and MHL to jumping over to the Q in his draft year which was seen as a mistake to some. I would have much rather seen him come to North America right away to get adjusted to the culture and game, but he chose differently.
Rubtsov went without a point in the 15 games he played in the KHL for Vityaz Podolsk which doesn’t come as much of a surprise since the KHL is notorious for being tougher for young players. The MHL was a different story, though, as he was a PPG scorer during his time with Russkie Vityazi Chekhov, scoring 15 points in 15 games.
He then finally chose to make his transition to the North American game after his 30 games in Russia. He was selected at 27th overall in the CHL import draft by Chicoutimi of the QMJHL in 2016. His shortened 2016/2017 season with the Saguenéens was a positive one. He posted a 9G- 13A- 22P stat line in 16 games, showing potential right away. Rubtsov was known in his draft class for being one of the more responsible two-way players, and this production proved to everyone what the Flyers saw in him after taking him in the first round. He also made Russia’s U20 WJC team as an 18-year-old, being used primarily as a 4th line center or 3rd line winger. Russia and Rubtsov took home the Bronze in 2016.
The 2017-2018 season saw Rubtsov begin his first full season in North America. He started the QMJHL season again with Chicoutimi and was a point per game player, posting 11 points in 11 games. Then the script was flipped, and he found himself with the Acadie-Bathurst Titans, who was one of the top teams in the league, following a trade. This move allowed Rubtsov to be a key contributor on a talented CHL team and he blossomed because of it. He was arguably the best forward on the team following the trade and propelled them to not only a QMJHL championship, but they also captured the first Memorial Cup the franchise had seen in 19 years. He posted 32 points in 38 games during the regular season and 10 points in the QMJHL playoffs.
During Memorial Cup play, he put up 2 points in 4 games. Russia called on him again for the U20 WJC team, this time to be a top 6 player and help lead the team. Unfortunately, they were a weaker team than usual. Rubtsov had himself a pretty good tournament putting up 4 points in 5 contests, but the team failed to reach playoffs.
Last season he came into Flyers 2018/2019 main camp and made some noise as he was one of the final forwards sent back to the AHL to start the season with the Phantoms. Rubtsov was destined to be one of the first candidates in line for a call up if he kept up his active two-way play, however, after starting the season strong potting 10 points in 14 games, the dreaded injury bug struck. He suffered a pretty devastating shoulder injury which forced him to miss the rest of the season.
Finally, this brings us to the upcoming season and what can be expected from Rubtsov. We all know the spot that seems to be up for grabs is the Right Wing on the 3rd line. The front office appears ready to let the battle be dictated by the young players coming into camp, with Morgan Frost, Joel Farabee, and Rubstov being the favorites to land the position. I think that it will end up being a two-horse race between Frost and Rubtsov. Farabee has the chance to be a real cornerstone piece for the franchise but needs a taste of AHL action and to bulk up a bit before making the NHL roster. It’s possible he could blow the doors off and shock everyone, but it seems likely to me that he starts the year in Lehigh Valley, which isn’t a bad thing.
Frost vs. Rubtsov would be an exciting battle, with Frost being the flashier playmaker and Rubtsov being the more polished responsible player. Both players were drafted as centers, and both have played wing on international teams. Rubtsov has the advantage size and experience-wise, while Frost has the leg up in the speed and skill department.
I predict seeing Rubtsov very slightly edging Frost out for the spot right out of camp even if it’s just a show-me type of role. Coaches and GMs are almost always going to pick the guy with more experience playing the pro game, especially one who has the two-way mentality. Frost could steal the show in training camp and preseason and develop chemistry early to crack the roster, but he seems a little too raw to me right now.
Putting all of this into perspective, if Rubtsov fails to make the Flyers out of camp or if he’s sent back down after a few games I see him being a top contributor on the Phantoms and should play in every situation for the team. Lehigh Valley saw a few critical departures this offseason which will open the door for the youth to snatch essential roles for the club. Rubtsov would be expected to play top 6 minutes at even strength, the top PK unit, and possibly the top PP unit, too. Head Coach Scott Gordon has done a great job at developing young talents in the minors, and I can’t see any reason why that would change this upcoming season.