GRAND RAPIDS - The likelihood of Evgeny Svechnikov playing in the postseason for the Grand Rapids Griffins is slim, but the chance to have the future of the Detroit Red Wings practicing with them is invaluable.

Svechnikov, the Red Wings first choice (19th overall) in the 2015 NHL draft, practiced for the first time with the Griffins on Monday at Van Andel Arena.

With the Griffins ahead 2-0 in their Central Division semifinal series against Milwaukee, coach Todd Nelson didn't think Svechnikov would play immediately, but he liked what he's seen so far.

"I've seen him in training camp and he's a big body that has skill," Nelson said. "He looked fine out there today along with the rest of the juniors."

As for playing possibilities?

"Right now it's not in the plans; we're going to go with pretty much the same lineup," he said of Tuesday's 7 p.m. game at Van Andel Arena. "The thing about guys like him and the others is we can evaluate their talents, but also have that depth that we can plug them in if we need them."

Svechnikov, a left winger, is one of the "Black Aces," players from juniors and invitees we are with the Griffins for the postseason. The group includes second choice (third round) defenseman Vili Saarijarvi and fellow defenseman Joe Hicketts, from the WHL's Victoria Royals who is expected to be with the Griffins next season.

CALDER CUP PLAYOFFS

MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS VS. GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS

Game 1: Griffins 3, Admirals 1

Game 2: Griffins 2, Admirals 1

Game 3: Tuesday - at Grand Rapids, 7

*Game 4: Wednesday - at Grand Rapids, 7

*Game 5: April 30 - at Milwaukee, 8

*if necessary... All times EDT



The 6-foot-3, 205-pound 19-year-old, who played the past two season for Cape Breton in the QMJHL, admitted he was tired from traveling overseas before arriving late Sunday to join the team, but ready to learn.

"This is pro hockey and a lot of older guys and more experience," he said. "There are more details to learn, how they prepare and just learning a lot."

Even if he doesn't play, Svechniko thinks he can contribute with hard practices.

"I think I can bring some power and play hard and, again, it's a lot of improving for me," he said. "I going to work on getting quicker and working in the corners and a lot to account for."

This season, Svechniko had 32 goals and 79 points in 50 games for Cape Breton. A highlight was his 13 power play goals, tied for eighth in the league.

In two seasons in juniors, he had 157 points (64-93-157).

A native of Neftegorsk, Russia, Svechnikov skated in seven games for his country during the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship and helped the Russians win the silver medal.



He also played two seasons in Russia. From 2012-14, he appeared in six games (2-2-4) for Irbis Kazan Jr., 63 games (23-22-45) for Bars Kazan Jr., and three games (0-0-0) for Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL.

Pete Wallner covers sports for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at pwallner@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.