The USA Men’s Hockey team came into the 2015 Ice Hockey World Championships considered to be one of the favorites. In preliminary round play, the USA faced off against Belarus yesterday. They had won all 5 prior meetings in the last 15 years, but that would soon change. Belarus defeated the USA by a final score of 5-2 in a game that now puts Belarus at the top of Group B. With the loss, the USA team now sit 4th place with three games left in group play.
More from Pucks and Pitchforks
- Should New Jersey Devils Try Load Management With Vitek Vanecek?
- New Jersey Devils Will Prove That Last Year Wasn’t A Fluke
- New Jersey Devils: Luke Hughes’ Playmaking Will Outshine His Mistakes
- New Jersey Devils: Chase Stillman’s Performance Causes Concern
- Can Devils Fans Separate Zach Parise Heartbreak From Achievements?
forward prospect
opened up the scoring for Belarus in this game. He was able to take advantage of a counter attack and ripped a shot up high over goalie
Jack Campbell. Gavrus is a key part of the Belarus team this tournament and will certainly be counted on if they are to advance. Artur Gavrus was drafted by New Jersey in the 6th round of the 2012 draft.
Since being drafted, Artur Gavrus has been playing recently in Europe for both Dinamo Minsk (KHL). He has largely struggled since being drafted and as a result hasn’t been offered an entry-level deal by the Devils thus far. His initial talent analysis from Hockey’s Future describes him as a “dynamic, highly-skilled, and blisteringly fast forward who can make elite plays with the puck at top-speed.”
“The biggest problem for Gavrus is his propensity to get hurt.”
However they also mention that his biggest problem is that he’s injury prone. “He plays the game with a lot of jam, fearlessness and energy, which unfortunately lends to putting himself into situations that can compromise his health.” Ultimately, his size 5’10” 168 lbs. is what is causing him to keep getting injured as he can’t take on the 1 on 1 battles.
Artur Gavrus has played in 66 games in the KHL in two seasons and has only produced 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists). He has a -18 rating over those 66 games and frankly isn’t showing he has what it takes to earn an entry-level deal from New Jersey. Below is what Hockey’s Future had to say in regards to Artur Gavrus’ future.
"“Gavrus finished his second season with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL in 2014-15 following a rough rookie year which has left his future murkier than ever. Injuries continue to plague him while his size is a detriment in one-on-one battles. Yet to sign an entry-level contract with New Jersey, his NHL rights are held by the Devils retain but at this point his coming to North America one day is an uncertainty. That Gavrus has remained healthy and has already played in more games than he did a year ago — and is seeing significant ice-time for Dinamo in a full-time role — is a plus.”"
Those who have watched his play in the KHL said the same things over and over when it comes to Artur Gavrus. He was more confident this season, but is constantly getting pushed off the puck. As a result, he did not score at the rate many expect that he can and his scoring comes and goes. Gavrus spent a large chunk of the KHL season as a healthy scratch for Dinamo Minsk. He was sent down to Dinamo-Moldechno at the end of the KHL season to play in their playoffs.
The future does not appear bright for Artur Gavrus, but if he can keep producing in the IIHF World Championships he may buy himself some time. The Devils took a low risk gamble by drafting him in the 6th round in 2012 and so far it hasn’t worked out. Only time will tell if he has what it takes to earn his entry-level contract.