2025/26 Recap

• Kharlamov Cup Semi-Finalists: Avto Yekaterinburg & Chaika Nizhny Novgorod

• Promoted: Loko-76 Yaroslavl & Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk

• Relegated: Kuznetskie Medvedi & Mamonty Yugry

My predictions from last season could have been worse. I overestimated Chaika and severly underestimated Avto and, ironically, both teams made it to the Semi-Finals of the Kharlamov Cup Playoffs.

Omskie Yastreby led the Gold Division as I expected, finishing just three points clear of Magnitogorsk, but it’s the +106 goal differential that shows how far ahead of the pack they were. They lost their wheels come playoff time, barely squeaking past Sibirskie Snaipery before getting elimited by Chaika Nizhny Novgorod.

A new record for longest game was set in this year’s playoffs as Irbis defeated Chaika in 5OT, a game spanning 142:49 in total. Sibirskie Snaipery set a regular season attendence record of 11,080 fans for their February 14th game against Krasnoyarski Rysi — the third highest attendence of any MHL game, including postseason. Roman Gorodilov (Sputnik) scored the sixth shorthanded brace in league history, Danila Isotmin (Irbis) became the third defenceman to score six points in a game, Yegor Gusev (Sibirskie Snaipery) became the 11th player to score seven points in a game.

• Most Points: Zhoe Kristof Muissu, Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (69)

• Most Goals: Zhoe Kristof Muissu, Reaktor Nizhnekamsk (34)

• Most Assists: Lavr Gashilov, Avto Yekaterinburg (53)

• MVP: Yaroslav Mukhranov, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk

• Best Goalkeeper: Matvei Nikonovich, Ladia Togliatti

League Changes

The Eastern Conference becomes two teams lighter for the new season.

Ladia Togliatti are the biggest club to drop out of the MHL, disbanding after 17 seasons. They’ve produced a few NHL Draft picks in that time, headlined by, former first-round pick, Fyodor Svechkov and had Matvei Nikonovich selected in the 2026 NHL Draft. They were a consistent, middle of the pack Silver Division team who never found much playoff success. Lada Togliatti (KHL) will remain in tact and will now have AKM Tula as their MHL affiliate.

Tyumenski Legion have also disbanded after 16 seasons in the MHL. Six of those seasons contained single-digit regulation win totals and they only made the postseason one time back in 2014/15. Despite the weak team profile, they have produced two NHL Draft picks, both in recent years, with goaltenders Denis Gabdrakhmanov in 2024 and Arseni Radkov in 2025.

AKM Novomoskovsk no longer exist either, however, they’ll be replaced by AKM-Yunior Tula who previously played in the West. Novomoskovsk played two seasons in the MHL, operating as the third team in the AKM junior system and providing a chance for the younger players to get MHL games. Their debut season was one of the worst in league history with just four wins in 54 games.

Avto Yekaterinburg

Last Season: 36-18-4 (5th Place — Eliminated in Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Dmitri Isayev (W — OTT), Lavr Gashilov (C — NJD), Mikhail Gamzakov (D)

Out: Daniil Malorosiyanov (D), Oleg Baikov (D), Artyom Shchuchinov (D), Maxim Velikov (W), Yegor Shchukin (W), Ivan Kolyada (G), Yuri Mortsinkevich (W), Maxim Tarasov (C), Dmitri Boikov (D)

Maxim Velikov was with Avto for his final MHL season and put up 55 points in 40 games. One of my personal favourite players in the league over the past few years, he played for three different teams and has experience at all three levels of Russian hockey. Oleg Baikov is the biggest loss on defence, a top-four defender with good size and defensive impact.

Prospects: Dmitri Tokmakov (D — 2027)

Tokmanov looks the part of an interesting NHL Draft prospect. He’s undersized and may have limitations with mobility, but he plays a similar style to Mikhail Gamzakov with potentially better tools, looked good in the bigger minute games he played last season.

NHL Drafted: Dmitri Isayev (W — OTT), Lavr Gashilov (C — NJD)

The dynamic duo of Yekaterinburg, these two along with Maxim Velikov made up the best line in the East last year. Lavr Gashilov is an elite playmaker for this level, using dangles galore to make defenders look silly and filling the slot with dangerous passes. Dmitri Isayev also leans playmaker, but showed the ability to score last season with 28 goals.

2026/27 Prediction: 3rd Place

I expect a pretty similiar season for Avto this year. There is a lot of goals to replace with the loss of Velikov, but the returning top-six forwards have unique toolsets that drive high volumes of scoring chances. Defence will be headlined by Gamzakov and Kaigorodov, a solid pair of defensive defenders who can still push play forward effectively.

Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk

Last Season: 33-22-3 (8th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Stepan Rastorguyev (W), Artemi Kulagin (W), Gleb Tsyplakov (W)

Out: Nikita Telegin (C), Vladislav Yusupov (D), Alexander Rykov (W — CAR), Mikhail Shcheglov (C), Artemi Nizameyev (W), Dominik Mikanovich (D), Mark Rodionov (D), Daniil Kiselyov (G)

A younger team in Chelyabinsk means not a single notable loss from their team last season. There are talented names who have aged out, but none played more than a few games in the MHL.

Prospects: Roman Kozhevnikov (W — 2027), Grigori Frolov (W — 2027), Dmitri Bashchenko (W — 2028), Alexander Suntsov (W — 2028)

Roman Kozhevnikov picked up the pace in the latter half of the season, a powerful winger with a heavy shot and insane work rate, he’s a top 2009 born prospect in Russia. Frolov transferred in from Mamonty Yugry following a rookie season where he put up 18 points in 31 games, another pacey winger with dynamic handling ability. Bashchenko is the top 2010 in Chelyabinsk. He’s a bit undersized, but his speed, skill, and motor are all elite level tools.

NHL Drafted: Yaroslav Fedoseyev (D — TOR), Stepan Gorbunov (C — FLA)

Two players who likely won’t be spending too much time in the MHL. Gorbunov has all but said his goodbyes to Belye Medvedi, whereas Fedoseyev broke into the VHL and KHL last year and proved he could already put up positive results.

2026/27 Prediction: 8th Place

While they didn’t lose any big names and brought in two key players from Mamonty Yugry, I still don’t really see this as a team that will be moving up the standings too much. Inconsistent goaltending and poor defence are the primarily limitations to success, even with the solid scoring group they’ve put together.

Chaika Nizhny Novgorod

Last Season: 34-18-6 (6th Place — Eliminated in Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Sergei Skvortsov (W — 2027), Gleb Pugachyov (W — MTL), Marat Sabitov (G)

Out: Timur Mukhanov (W — CAR), Kirill Svishchyov (C), Leonid Gavrilov (D), Gleb Stafeyev (W), Makar Glazunov (W), Lev Salnikov (C), Alexander Yatsenko (D), Anton Silayev (D — NJD), Andrei Salnikov (D), Makar Opolinsky (W), Andrei Krutov (W — CAR)

Alexander Yatsenko was a huge mid-season acquisition from Dinamo-Shinnik as one of the best offensive defenceman in the entire MHL, making him by far the biggest departure. Outside of him, Makar Opolinsky’s impact will be missed the next most. While he slowed down from his debut season with Chaika, he is a highly creative, skilled winger and one of the primary scoring threats on this team.

Prospects: Sergei Skvortsov (W — 2027), Dobrynya Suchkov (G — 2028), Nikita Sinikin (W — 2028), Nikita Kochakov (D — 2028)

Sergei Skvortsov is the top talent in the Nizhny Novgorod system and one of the best in Russia as a whole. He dominated in his rookie season as he led the team with 43 points in 52 games and put up 18 points in 17 postseason matches. That said, there is a case to be made about Nikita Sinikin being the most exciting prospect this year. A wicked fast skater with insane hockey sense for an elite dual-threat game, one of the quickest and most skilled prospects I’ve ever seen. Dobrynya Suchkov is the best 2010 goalie in the country, but finding games will be a challenge.

NHL Drafted: Gleb Pugachyov (W — MTL), Viktor Fyodorov (C — SEA), Yegor Rybkin (G — LAK), Artyom Matyuk (C — NYI)

Pugachyov and Fyodorov will likely be spending the majority of the season at the professional level, but should be high impact players when dropping back down to the MHL. Matyuk was a surprise selection in the 2026 Draft, a reliable centre who showed some really interesting flashes last year. Yegor Rykin missed a lot of the season through injury and could really explode this year. A lot of potential with his huge build and toolset.

2026/27 Prediction: 4th Place

I think a lot of this team’s regular season success will come down to how much time Fyodorov, Pugachyov, Melnikov, and Skvortsov spend in the MHL. A system that promotes youth early is great for development and allows the next generation to be given additional chances in junior, but four top players being potentially out of the lineup all year will hurt. Goaltending looks extremely strong.

Irbis Kazan

Last Season: 38-15-5 (3rd Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Ilya Kolomytsev (C — 2028), Gleb Grigoryev (G), Konstantin Nikitin (D)

Out: Ildan Galeyev (W), Rashit Samigullin (D), Timur Sakhapov (W), Vladislav Gayov (W), Marsel Fazlov (D), Said Gimayev (W), Danila Istomin (D), Igor Bardin (D), Nikita Onishko (W), Karim Vaziyev (D), Mikhail Konovalov (G)

Irbis will be down all four of their top scorers from last season, headlined by Said Gimayev, who led the team with 47 points, and Timur Sakhapov, the goals leader with 22. Multiple big losses on the defensive end, as well as, one of the top goaltenders in the league. A lot to replace here.

Prospects: Daniyar Aibatov (D — 2027), Ilya Kolomytsev (C — 2028), Mikhail Chirkov (W — 2028), Dmitri Morozov (W — 2028)

Aibatov is still not under contract and was selected in the CHL Import Draft, giving a lot of uncertainty to his future with Kazan. If he does return, he will be a crucial top-four defenceman with high-end puck moving capabilities. Kolomytsev exploded onto the scene with 30 points in 53 games — the highest point total among players returning this year. Chirkov and Morozov headline the 2010 group, two intelligent wingers with strong motors.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2026/27 Prediction: 2nd Place

Despite major losses in all positions, betting against Irbis Kazan never feels right. They have a strong defensive system that consistently makes them one of the most difficult teams to score against in the league and have some promising blueliners to fill in the gaps left by the graduates. The forward corps will all be moving up a line to replace the top line, still have a few veteran scoring presences along with a healhy youth intake.

Loko-76 Yaroslavl

Last Season: 35-15-8 (1st Place [Promoted])

Key Players: Ilya Beryozkin (W), Yakov Kazantsev (G — 2028), Dmitri Borichev (G — NSH)

Out: Semyon Konopsky (G — CGY), Sergei Kurnin (D), Ilya Polyakov (W), Timofei Gashkov (D), Ivan Luzin (D)

On paper, Loko-76 won’t have too many players to replace, however, as the operate under Loko Yaroslavl in the West, they face the potential of losing multiple top players as they move up the ranks. The guaranteed losses are headlined by Semyon Konopsky who signed with the Calgary Wranglers, though he never took the starting job in the MHL.

Prospects: (See: Loko Yaroslavl), Fyodor Belousov (W — 2027), Arsen Sharshenaliyev (C — 2028), Filipp Vychugzhanin (C — 2028)

Fyodor Belousov played 8 games for Loko-76 last year, spending most of the season in U17. His relentless style of play translates to offensive output, turning forechecks into scoring chances with ease. Two 2010s to look out for this year and both are centres. Vychugzhanin plays a style similar to Luttsev and Surin, a hard working centre, plays into contact, and can be trusted in any role. Sharshenaliyev has the skill to take control of a line, one of the best players for Lokomotiv U16 last year.

NHL Drafted: Dmitri Borichev (G — NSH)

Dmitri Borichev slipped a bit in the NHL Draft potentially due to being stuck with Loko-76 rather than the main MHL club. He put up great performances all year due to his speed and athleticism, but definitely needs to be taking control of a starting job soon.

2026/27 Prediction: 9th Place

It is difficult to predict how the season will go for Loko-76 because of the transfers in and out of Loko Yaroslavl. Being in the Gold Division now could potentially mean more consistency in the lineup, but the priority still falls on the main club. A solid group of returning players and upcoming prospects, lots of '09s and ‘10s to be given big chances. Could surprise, but seems unlikely.

Omskie Yastreby

Last Season: 40-12-6 (1st Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Gleb Burlaka (W), Roman Laman (C), Vladimir Korzin (W)

Out: Rodion Safin (W), Denis Malov (W), Daniil Moruzhov (W), Danil Fiskov (C), Ivan Yunin (G — COL), Maxim Sklokin (W), Vladimir Kostin (D), Ilya Grigoryev (D)

Denis Malov finished just three games shy of 200 regular season appearances for Omsk, putting him fourth in the club’s history. For the graduating class, he is the most notable name; however, I see Maxim Sklokin as a bigger departure for the upcoming season. Traded to the CSKA system in exchange for Ivan Prosvetov, Sklokin put up 32 points in 56 games as a rookie after developing through the Dizel Penza ranks.

Prospects: Vladimir Mozzhukhin (D — 2027), Pavel Chernochub (D — 2027), Yegor Trofimchuk (W — 2027), Yaroslav Tkachyov (C — 2027), Dmitri Ishkov (W — 2028), Timofei Katchenko (C — 2028), Matvei Zheltonozhko (W — 2028), Lev Labatseyev (D — 2028)

A hefty group of talent here.

Mozzhukhin has been off to a slower start than expected, but there is still big potential if he can unlock his offensive game. Chernochub and Trofimchuk should both be playing big time minutes, the former of which is already in his third season in the MHL. Dmitri Ishkov is one of the most exciting prospects in the entire country. A similar profile to Matvei Michkov, he’s a smaller winger with elite scoring potential.

NHL Drafted: Dmitri Ivchenko (G — VAN)

Ivchenko should be taking up the starter role with Yunin moving onto professional hockey. He put up fantastic numbers as the backup last season with a .922 save-percentage in 19 games. A very composed goalie who can steal games at ease.

2026/27 Prediction: 1st Place

A few losses shouldn’t stop Omskie Yastreby from finishing at the top of the table once again. There are no real weaknesses in this team and the amount of youth they have available gives them the flexability to shfit things around and see what sticks. I expect a big season from Yegor Trofimchuk, specifically.

Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk

Last Season: 45-18-5 (2nd Place [Promoted])

Key Players: Matvei Nenakhov (W), Alexander Grunin (D — OTT), Yaroslav Vetrov (G — 2027)

Out: Yegor Klyosov (C), Yegor Gusev (W), Arseni Kukhno (D), Platon Gorokhov (W), Ilya Lyuzenkov (C), Yegor Golovnyov (C), Daniil Terenin (W), Grigori Khlebkov (D), Timofei Popov (D), Artur Sereda (W)

Yegor Gusev was picked up by the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL and will be a huge loss for Novosibirsk. A 2007-born winger with tremendous scoring ability, he would have been a high impact player for their attempt to survive the Gold Division. Klyosov led the team in scoring last year with 54 points and the three players behind him (Gusev, Goroskhov, Golovynov) are all also on their way out.

Prospects: Yaroslav Vetrov (G — 2027), Ivan Ryabov (W — 2027), Ivan Kokorev (C — 2027), Yuri Chernomaz (C — 2028)

Yaroslav Vetrov will be a crucial player after stealing the starting job last season as one of the youngest goaltenders in the league. Ryabov and Kokorev spent half the year in the MHL, two big 2009 talents in the Sibir system who have a ton of pace. Chernomaz is the 2010 to watch — a techincally gifted centre with unique physical traits for this system.

NHL Drafted: Alexander Grunin (D — OTT)

The best defenceman on this team, Grunin is a highly mobile, aggressive defenceman who kills rushes early and enjoys trying his hand at high difficulty plays with the puck.

2026/27 Prediction: 7th Place

I really like the prospects in this system, but I don’t quite think they’ll be ready enough to push up the standings quite yet. If Vetrov can continue his momentum from last season, he can steal some wins on his own, and the 2008 and 2009 born players should really begin blossoming into bigger roles.

Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk

Last Season: 39-14-5 (2nd Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Danil Sysoyev (C), Matvei Gushchin (W), Anton Rubin (D)

Out: Yegor Kramzin (G), Yaroslav Mukhranov (D), Alexei Alshevsky (W), Boris Osipovich (W), Pavel Gavrilovich (W), Roman Golnik (W), Ilya Ilyov (D), Albert Utkin (G), Nikita Kurichev (W), Andrei Trofimov (G — OTT), Yaroslav Isakov (D), Alexander Tyutyunik (D), Zakhar Khvostov (D), Erik Mukhtoyanov (W)

A handful of key names age out of the MHL for Stalnye Lisy. The key name is Yaroslav Mukhranov who led all defencemen in scoring last season and was named the Defenceman of the Year. Speaking of leaders, Nikita Kurichev led his team in scoring last year with 46 in 55, filling the net with 32 goals — the third highest single-season goal tally in team history.

Prospects: Yuri Menshnikov (W — 2027)

Yuri Menshnikov is already one of the best passers in the MHL. He exudes creativity, a master manipulator with amazing small-area skill to outplay defenders and drive dangerous chances. A potential sleeper for next year’s NHL Draft.

NHL Drafted: Mikhail Fyodorov (W — STL)

Still eligible… won’t play a single minute. KHL rising talent.

2026/27 Prediction: 5th Place

I usually don’t put a ton of emphasis on one graduation deterring an enitre season, but it’s going to be tough to replace Mukhranov’s impact. I do think Sysosyev is primed for another strong season, keeping him in the MHL all year may not be the best developmental move, though.

Tolpar Ufa

Last Season: 33-14-11 (4th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Kirill Tkachyov (G), Alan Shaikhlislamov (W — CGY), Mikhail Shebyakin (W)

Out: Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko (G — UTAH), Maxim Zagrebin (C), Artyom Nabiev (W), Ilya Yelin (G), Bulat Akhsyanov (W), Yegor Gunkin (D), Dmitri Pykhtin (D), Artur Faizov (W), Roman Kireyev (W), Daniil Volkov (D)

Bulat Akhsyanov graduates from the MHL as one of the all-time greats for Tolpar Ufa. He finished fourth in total points for Tolpar with 142 in 166 games played, two spots ahead of, fellow graduate, Maxim Zagrebin who put up 131 points in 158 games. Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko gets a change of scenery in the OHL with Sarnia. Daniil Volkov was sent to Novosibirsk for monetary compensation, a huge loss on the back-end for Tolpar.

Prospects: Alexander Shermakov (W — 2027), Arslan Akhsyanov (W — 2027), Alexander Krasnik (C — 2028), Mikhail Muzychko (W — 2028)

Alexander Shermakov is a sense-first winger who showed the ability to complement any line he was slotted in. Only six points in his debut season, plenty of room for improvement. Arslan Akhsyanov will look to replace Bulat — hard to bet against him. A pair of 2010s stand out to me, starting with Alexander Krasnik. A Belarusian, pure centre with a complete 200-game, unstoppable motor, and enough skill to drive play individually. Mikhail Muzychko is the pure skill winger who looks to dangle defenders and drive to the net often.

NHL Drafted: Alan Shaikhlislamov (W — CGY), Nikita Shcherbakov (D — NJD), Maxim Agafonov (D — SEA)

Shaikhlislamov worked his way into a KHL debut before missing time with injury last year. A lethal goal-scorer with endless energy, he has the potential to be a top MHL player this year. The defenders shouldn’t see much time in junior this year, more likely to be late season impact players.

2026/27 Prediction: 6th Place

A fourth place finish was good for Tolpar last year, however, they did have 18 games decided outside of regularion time — tied for most in the league. A lot of their top talents will be playing in leagues above this season, whether that’s with Toros in the VHL or Salavat Yulaev, on top of the players who have graduated out entirely.

AKM-Yunior Tula Region

Last Season: 28-30-4 (4th Place)

Key Players: Nikita Bykov (G), Matvei Viskov (D)

2026/27 Prediction: 3rd Place

Krasnoyarski Rysi

Last Season: 21-31-6 (6th Place)

Key Players: Dmitri Semenyonok (D), Semyon Cherkasov (C)

2026/27 Prediction: 7th Place

Kuznetskie Medvedi

Last Season: 15-27-8 (9th Place)

Key Players: Semyon Gerasimov (W — 2027)

Prospects: Semyon Gerasimov (W — 2027)

2026/27 Prediction: 2nd Place

Mamonty Yugry

Last Season: 33-17-8 (7th Place)

Key Players: Ivan Yanovsky (C), Kirill Sukharev (C), Dmitri Didenko (G)

Prospects: Dmitri Silayev (W — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 1st Place

MHK Molot Perm

Last Season: 20-30-8 (7th Place)

Key Players: Alexander Filippov (D), Ivan Makarov (W)

2026/27 Prediction: 6th Place

Reaktor Nizhnekamsk

Last Season: 27-24-7 (4th Place)

Key Players: Zhoe Kristof Muissu (W), Kondrat Reshetnikov (W), Amir Gizyatov (W)

2026/27 Prediction: 4th Place

Snezhnye Barsy Astana

Last Season: 11-44-3 (9th Place)

Key Players: Armanzhan Kaliyev (W)

Prospects: Tair Bigarinov (W)

2026/27 Prediction: 8th Place

Sputnik Almetievsk

Last Season: 24-32-4 (5th Place)

Key Players: Andrei Milyayev (W — 2028), Amir Gataullin (C), Artur Gimadiyev (W)

Prospects: Andrei Milyayev (W — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 5th Place

Once again, the West showed that they were the more dominant conference with another Kharlamov Cup Final between two teams from the West.

2025/26 Recap

• Kharlamov Cup Champions: Loko Yaroslavl

• Promoted: Taifun Primorsky Krai

• Relegated: Almaz Cherepovets

From my predictions from last season, the primary outlier in the Gold Division was MHK Dynamo Moskva. I had forecasted a campaign similar to their 2024/25 regular season with a 6th place finish, however, they exceeded expectations and finished with the second highest point total in the entire league.

Loko Yaroslavl were the only team ahead, but it wasn’t a tight race between the two. One of the most dominant seasons in MHL history, the Kharlamov Cup winners only lost 10 out of 60 games and just five of those came in regulation. They obliterated the competition with 276 goals scored, 44 more than second place MHK Spartak Moskva.

Speaking of MHK Spartak, they returned for their second straight appearance in the Kharlamov Cup Final where they took a 2-1 series lead and then lost three straight, including the ultimate fixture at home in Moscow. Still, another huge season from them, proving to be one of the most well-rounded systems in the league and getting a lot of help from their 2009-born prospects.

Yaromir Yermakov (AKM Tula) ages out of the MHL as the 8th top scorer in league history with 183 points in 198 games. Vadim Dudorov (Loko) is still eligible to return to the league and sits 16th with 170 in 138. Ivan Fomin (Taifun) finished with the fourth highest single-season goal tally with 34 — just the 12th player to crack 40 goals.

• Most Points: Mikhail Melikov, MHK Dynamo Moskva (87)

• Most Goals: Ivan Fomin, Taifun Primorsky Krai (43)

• Most Assists: Mikhail Melikov, MHK Dynamo Moskva (52)

• MVP: Vadim Dudorov, Loko Yaroslavl

• Best Goalkeeper: Nikolai Nikulshin, Loko Yaroslavl

League Changes

There are some major shifts in the MHL this year that should make the league slightly more competitive.

Dynamo-Kareliya Kondopoga has rescinded from the MHL and has re-joined the RHL (previously NMHL, second tier of junior hockey in Russia) after four seasons and multiple name changes. The 2025/26 season was the best of their short tenure, winning 12 games and finishing 10th in the Silver Division. Yegor Marininov looks like a player who should continue playing in the MHL. He put up 53 points in 59 games as a rookie last year.

AKM-Yunior Tula Region is also on their way out of the West and into the East, replacing AKM Novomoskovsk over there. They’ve also been in the MHL for four seasons and, also, had their best season last year. Putting up a fighting chance to make the play-ins, the second-tier Tula side finished fifth in the Silver Division, winning 28 games. Their goaltenders were the cream of the crop, keeping a mediocre scoring unit competitive throughout the season.

Kapitan Stupino are joining Dynamo-Kareliya in the RHL for the 2026-27 season. They were in the MHL for 13 seasons and operated as HK Sochi’s junior club. In 2022-23, they topped the Silver Division in their best season as a club, earning instant promotion.

MHK Atlant Mytishchi will now operate under the name Krasnaya Mashina Mytishchi and will be one of two MHL clubs in the HK Sochi system along with Krasnaya Mashina Krasnogorsk — it’s confusing, I know.

Lastly, with Ladia Togliatti disbanding out East, Lada Togliatti has begun a partnership with AKM Tula to be their new junior affiliate.

AKM Tula

Last Season: 36-19-5 (6th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Nikita Semak (D), Viktor Levchenko (G), Ivan Kirilin (W)

Out: Kirill Zarubin (G — CGY), Danila Bulatov (W), Yaromir Yermakov (W), Nikita Ignatov (D), Alexander Bazukhin (C), Yegor Skutin (W), Semyon Fyodorov (D), Alexander Andriyashev (D)

This is a big group of players moving out of the MHL. All four of their top scorers in Danila Bulatov (47), Yaromir Yermakov (47), Yegor Skutin (34) and Alexander Andriyashev (33) are gone, plus their starting goaltender, and brick wall, Kirill Zarubin.

Prospects: N/A

Not many names of note for the next two draft classes in the AKM system, but fret not, they have some impressive 2011-born prospects on the way.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2026/27 Prediction: 8th Place

With the major losses and lack of top talents in the system to replace them, I expect AKM Tula to drop down the standings, but remain in the Gold Division for another year. They tend to have a well rounded line-up and I believe that will be the case once again, however, without any standout scoring.

Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk

Last Season: 34-17-9 (7th Place - Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Yevgeni Prokhorov (G — BUF), Andrei Kravchuk (C), Ilya Lakhnov (W)

Out: Daniil Krishtofik (D), Konstantin Volochko (D), Nikolai Salygo (W), Konstantin Vlasenko (G), Gleb Korzun (C), Artyom Kapustin (W), Maxim Gazdevich (W), Bogdan Popovsky (D), Nikita Khodorovich (C), Arseni Yeliseyev (D), Anton Chemerinsky (W), Dmitri Nevera (D)

Quite a few names both graduating and moving on to new Belarusian clubs. Konstantin Volochko has been a pillar of this Dinamo-Shinnik team for a few years now. Nikolai Salygo and Gleb Korzun are notable losses to the forward group.

Prospects: Alexei Sansevich (D — 2028)

Sansevich could surprise this year if given a role to replace one of the departing defenders. He’s a big, rangey defenceman with good enough puck skills to drive play out of the defensive end.

NHL Drafted: Yevgeni Prokhorov (G — BUF), Daniil Rusakovich (G — NJD)

The two-headed monster in net, Prokhorov and Rusakovich shared the workload and both put up amazing results last season. They’ll be heavily relied upon once again this year.

2026/27 Prediction: 6th Place

Outside of the goalies, I’m not sure there are many players who really stand out as difference makers on this roster. They brought in Vladimir Karabayev, who spent the last year in the QMJHL with limited game time, who has somewhat of a wild card feel to him. Ilya Lakhnov and Andrei Kravchuk are solid attacking options, but I think it’ll be the two NHL drafted goalies who make or break the season.

Krasnaya Armiya Moskva

Last Season: 40-18-6 (5th Place - Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Nazar Privalov (W — 2027), Vladimir Shtyrkhunov (D — 2027), Ivan Yukin (D)

It’s not often that two NHL Draft prospects come into the season as the two best players on a team. Nazar Privalov will be challenging for first overall and will likely be given opportunities to play with CSKA in the KHL. Vladimir Shtyrkhunov was immediately given top-four minutes in his rookie campaign. Was selected in the CHL Import Draft, though, and may not be staying around much longer.

Out: Alexander Gubanov (D), Ilya Pautov (W — PHI), Alexei Dontsov (C), Gleb Lagoda (W), Alexei Rodionov (D), Nikita Frolov (C), Yegor Solovyov (W), Maxim Venskel (D), Alexander Privalov (G)

A pretty big group of players have graduated out of Krasnaya Armiya and will be moving on to play professional hockey. The trio of defenders in Gubanov, Rodionov, and Venskel will make room for some new ‘09s and ‘10s to squeeze into the lineup, but are difficult names to replace. Dontsov and Pautov were big boosts of creativity in the top-six, Solovyov’s playoff impact will be very missed.

Prospects: Nazar Privalov (W/C — 2027), Vladimir Shtyrkhunov (D — 2027), Daniil Yermolov (W — 2027), Ivan Rossinsky (D — 2027), Daniil Martynov (G — 2027), Ivan Sokolov (D — 2028)

A loaded pool of talent in the CSKA system once again. Already touched on Privalov and Shtyrkhunov above, so I’ll focus on three other 2009s.

Daniil Yermolov should be able to break into at least a middle-six role. A big bodied, playmaking forward who can play both down the middle and on the wing. Tons of skill and power, impressed in short stints in the MHL last year. Ivan Rossinsky is a dominant, shutdown defender whose game is built around his maturity, mobility, and stopping power. Daniil Martynov has been the brick wall of the CSKA ‘09s. Comes into this season with no MHL experience yet, but should be given a handful of games.

Ivan Sokolov is the 2010 to watch with Gordei Khotkov off to the OHL. Another reliable, defensive defenceman who has a sneakily impressive passing game that was quite effective at the U16 level this season.

NHL Drafted: Yan Matveiko (C/W — CGY), Pyotr Andreyanov (G — CBJ)

I don’t expect either of these two to be playing much junior hockey this season, but both are eligible to return. Could be big boosts come playoff time.

2026/27 Prediction: 2nd Place

The 5th place finish last year doesn’t really tell the story. Up until a coaching change midway through the season, this team was unstoppable. That momentum shift hit hard and nearly every single player saw a drop off. There were signs of life in the playoffs, but still not enough to look like the top team they once were. This season, I expect a rejuvenated, driven roster led by the young talents.

Loko Yaroslavl

Last Season: 50-5-5 (1st Place — Kharlamov Cup Winners)

Key Players: Kirill Yemelyanov (C — BOS), Matvei Kotkov (W — BOS), Andrei Pustovoy (W/C — 2027), Stepan Safonov (G), Vadim Dudorov (W)

Out: Nikolai Nikulshin (G), Leonid Zilev (D), Gennadi Chaly (D), Sergei Zhukov (W), Artyom Kuzin (C), Vladislav Starkov (D), Yegor Andriyanov (D), Bogdan Lebedev (D), Roman Shokhrin (D — CAR), Roman Luttsev (C — TBL)

A hefty group of talent aging out of the MHL including the captain, Leonid Zilev, and a whole host of both top talent and depth. The defensive corps will see a heavy refresh for the new season.

Prospects: Andrei Pustovoy (W/C — 2027), Ivan Kovalenko (W — 2027), Artyom Frolov (W — 2027), Yakov Kazantsev (G — 2028), Platon Shchur (W/C — 2028), Nikitin Minin (D — 2028), Anton Malinovsky (C — 2028)

Andrei Pustovoy was one of the best forwards in the MHL last season as a D-1. He’ll look to carry his momentum into an even bigger role this season and cement himself as a first-round talent. Kovalenko and Frolov couldn’t quite break into full time roles, but both have the offensive toolkits to produce at the next level. Kazantsev dominated the net for Loko-76 last year as one of the youngest players in the league, could see some games for Loko as a D-1. Shchur, Malinovsky, and Minin are the three 2010 prospects I would expect to see at this level this year.

NHL Drafted: Kirill Yemelyanov (C — BOS), Matvei Kotkov (W — BOS), Ilyas Magomedsultanov (D — SJS)

A pair of Bruins prospects will be heavily responsible for carrying the workload this season. They made a highly useful duo in the Kharlamov Cup run, with Kotkov being named the youngest playoff MVP in the league’s history. Magomedsultanov made his KHL debut last year and was given a big role with Loko throughout the season. Saw a pretty decent jump in his development as a shutdown defender.

2026/27 Prediction: 1st Place

This was a tough call to make, but even given the sizable losses, the performances from the returning core in the Kharlamov Cup playoffs was just too impressive to ignore. Working in some 2009s and 2010s to fill in the gaps could see some exciting youth talents turn into high-end junior players quickly. The perfect blend of talent and versatility.

MHK Dynamo Moskva

Last Season: 43-13-4 (2nd Place - Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Maxim Ilyin (W), Mikhail Melikov (W), Ivan Arkhipov (C)

Out: Mario Patalakha (D), Ivan Selivanov (W), Kirill Savushkin (D), Daniil Prokhorov (W — NYI)

Honestly a very minimal loss overall for MHK Dynamo Moskva. Kirill Savushkin is the biggest impact player graduating from the MHL, a reliable top-four option for the past two years, but more of a rotational option. Patalakha and Prokhorov spent limited time in the MHL last year, making their departures less notable.

Prospects: Daniil Pavlenin (C — 2028), Fyodor Nikitin (C — 2028), Ivan Seryozhichev (G — 2028)

The two biggest names in the Dynamo Moskva system in Roman Andreev and Yuri Vlasenko both signed for their respective CHL clubs. Left behind is still a healthy group of talent, headlined by two skilled forwards in Daniil Pavlenin and Fyodor Nikitin. Nikitin, especially, showed some special flashes in my viewings last year. Ivan Seryozhichev is one of the best goaltenders in the Russian 2010 age group, could potentially get some games this year.

NHL Drafted: Kurban Limatov (D — CAR), Timur Kol (D — CAR)

While I hope to not see much of these two in the MHL this year, they do remain eligible, nonetheless. They played together a fair bit on the second pairing last season, two big defencemen with opposite skill sets.

2026/27 Prediction: 3rd Place

Mikhail Melikov led the entire MHL in scoring last season and firmly believes it’s possible to break the 100-point threshold. With the support around him, it does feel within the realm of possibility. This is a strong team from top to bottom with a ton of valuable depth that could pop. I don’t think they could finish lower than 3rd and could easily see them topping the division.

MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg

Last Season: 35-20-5 (8th Place - Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Ilya Dolgopolov (D), Lukyan Polukeyev (G), Erik Pastukhov (W)

Out: Nikita Maximov (W), Ruslan Rakhimov (C), Alexei Gostev (W), Danila Sharapov (C), Vladimir Kozyrev (C), Ivan Kazakovtsev (W), Makar Golikov (W), Maxim Kalinin (C), Kirill Sorokin (C)

All four of the top scorers last season will be out of the MHL this season as Kirill Sorokin (46), Ruslan Rakhimov (41), Maxim Kalinin (40), and Makar Golikov (40) move on. Kalinin, on top of being a top player, was also the club captain and a crucial, dual-threat piece in the top-six.

Prospects: Artemi Katyushin (D — 2028)

Katyushin impressed me with his passing ability at the U16 level. Not many defenders showed the capability to locate and complete passes with the same level of difficulty as him. A strong power play quarterback, as well.

NHL Drafted: Roman Bausov (D — CAR)

Bausov missed a ton of time with injury last year, playing just 18 games. If healthy, he should be playing top pairing minutes and will be heavily relied upon for his defensive presence.

2026/27 Prediction: 7th Place

This is a team that always looks fine on paper. I like the defensive corps in front of a very strong goalie in Lukyan Polukeyev and they have a few players who can score up front, but no real elite talent for this level. Losing all of their top scorers from last year is going to be incredibly difficult to come back from. Sixth may be optimistic.

MHK Spartak Moskva

Last Season: 42-15-3 (3rd Place - Eliminated in Final)

Key Players: Alexander Plesovskikh (W — TOR), Yuri Ivanov (G — BOS), Yevgeni Yakunin (C — 2027)

Out: Ivan Gavrilov (C), Saveli Rybenok (W), Artyom Malkov (D), Timofei Savelyev (W), Danil Kochurov (W), Nikita Rakcheyev (W), Danila Sysosyev (W), Maxim Filimonov (W), Yaroslav Kuzmenko (G), Yaroslav Belyakov (D)

Maxim Filimonov’s final MHL season was one for the record books. He finished second for most points in a season all-time for MHK Spartak Moskva with 74, just one point behind first place, and scoring 39 goals, also second place all-time. Danila Sysosyev matched the club record for most assists in a season last year with 43 in 49 games. Ivan Gavrilov finishes first in all-time assists and third in points for the club.

Prospects: Yevgeni Yakunin (C — 2027), Illarion Babkin (D — 2027), Artyom Mate (D — 2027), Nikita Baranov (D — 2028), Artyom Korolyov (C — 2028), Pyotr Legkov (W — 2028)

Yevgeni Yakunin has already established himself as a top MHL talent with a 47 point debut season. A big, powerful playmaker with an excellent 200-foot game, he’s likely a first round pick this year. A pair of defenders round out the 2027 class for Spartak with Babkin and Mate. The former broke into the MHL last year and quickly found his rhythm as a puck moving defenceman, the latter wasn’t iced once and spent his whole season in U18. A trio of 2010s will look to break in, headlined by my No. 1 in the country, Artyom Korolyov. Baranov is a huge defender with high-end skating and insane stopping power. Legkov is on the other side of the size spectrum, but has elite speed and skill to make him a potent offensive force.

NHL Drafted: Nikita Tyurin (D — DET), Alexander Plesovskikh (W — TOR), Semyon Frolov (G — CAR), Yegor Midlak (G — FLA), Yuri Ivanov (G — BOS)

I wouldn’t expect to see too much of Plesosvkhikh or Midlak for MHK Spartak Moskva this year. Plesovskikh should be fighting for a role in the professional circuit, hopefully finding a consistent VHL role, whereas Midlak has mostly been on the B-team and won’t get many starts over the other two goalies. Ivanov and Frolov should combine to be a fantastic tandem barring any more health concerns for the Canes’ prospect. Tyurin hasn’t evolved much since being drafted, but he’s a consistent puck-moving defenceman.

2026/27 Prediction: 4th Place

I think this team will still be able to push for a late playoff run once again, but the losing their three best forwards and one of the best goaltenders in the entire league means a big change is in the works. Having a proven scorer in Plesovskikh, a top 2009 in Yakunin, and a bunch of forwards who can play anywhere in the lineup does give a good amount of support to the players who will be moving up the lineup. Their defensive system is elite, so I don’t think a slightly different cast of players will change the impact.

SKA-1946 St. Petersburg

Last Season: 39-13-8 (4th Place - Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Ivan Kornilov (D), Yegor Grakhov (W), Mikhail Sozinov (D)

Out: Yaroslav Korostelyov (G — SJS), Yegor Zavragin (G — PHI), Amir Nugmanov (W), Alexander Filippov (W), Ivan Kuzmin (W), Nikita Surayev (W), Matvei Korotky (C — STL), Sevastain Kapchuk (W), Yegor Graf (C), Daniil Anatsky (C), Maxim Gusev (D), Timur Rogachyov (D), Mikhail Tsaregorodtsev (W),

That’s a lot of players!

Zavragin, Nugmanov, and Korotky were hardly SKA-1946 players last year, so not major losses. However, the goaltending loss in Korostelyov defintely a big hit, even if he was more of a 1B last season. Graf, Gusev, Anatsky, and Tsaregorodtsev all went out through trades. Filippov is the big name as he led the team in scoring last year with 52 points in 50 games.

Prospects: Daniil Savin (C — 2027), Artyom Voronov (W — 2028), Maxim Ryabov (C — 2028), Mikhail Makeyev (D — 2028), Kirill Kornyushko (G — 2028)

Daniil Savin was one of the best 2009-born players in the MHL for the first half of the year before slowing down in production to end the season. He couldn’t make much noise in his appearances with SKA-1946, however, his playmaking and ability to run the ice make him a high value centre and should see him playing top-six minutes.

Maxim Ryabov is one of the best 2010s in the country. Another pure centre, he has a complete arsenal of tools to generate offence and play a 200-foot game. He’s formed a strong partnership with Artyom Voronov, who isn’t too shabby himself, which could be a pairing continued into the MHL. Makeyev is a top defender in his age group with great size and above-average mobility.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2026/27 Prediction: 5th Place

While I’m not a big fan of how the roster is shaping up, it’s impossible to count out SKA-1946. The massive losses throughout the lineup leave a bare bones feel to the team, opening up the spaces for players from Akademiya SKA to move into the main team and, for me, more importantly, seeing how the 2010 talents can do.

Taifun Primorsky Krai

Last Season: 31-23-8 (1st Place [Promoted] - Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Gleb Peshkov (G — ANA), Ivan Fomin (W), Artyom Remizov (D)

Out: Danila Korzhov (D), Roman Strochkin (W), Artyom Plaksin (C), Timofei Ivanov (G), Maxim Saifushev (W), Rafael Vagizov (D), Andrei Florovsky (W)

Taifun lose their best defenceman in Danila Korzhov and a top scorer in Artyom Plaskin, leaving two major gaps to fill at the top of the lineup.

Prospects: Artyom Zlygostev (W — 2028)

Zlygostev is a shot in the dark to surprise this season. He’s a very strong mover in comparison to the rest of the Admiral 2010s, showing some physical bite and defensive work rate to be a well-rounded winger.

NHL Drafted: Gleb Peshkov (G — ANA)

The first time a player has been drafted out of Taifun, Gleb Peshkov owned the net last season and played a huge part in their promotion. Should expect the same this year.

2026/27 Prediction: 9th Place

The heroics of Ivan Fomin brought them up to the Gold Division, but I can’t see Taifun sticking around. Perhaps a player like Rafik Varosyan could exceed expectations, though I just don’t think there’s enough talent in this system, especially in comparison to their opponents.

Akademiya SKA St. Petersburg

Last Season: 29-25-8 (3rd Place)

Key Players: Makar Timashkov (W), Matvei Karbainov (G), Andrei Korablyov (W)

Prospects: (See: SKA-1946 St. Petersburg), Gleb Bruver (C — 2028) Artyom Grigoryev (D — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 2nd Place

Almaz Cherepovets

Last Season: 33-26-1 (9th Place [Relegated])

Key Players: Yegor Graf (C), Ivan Okunev (W), Anton Melchakov (G)

Prospect: Zakhar Mudrov (C — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 1st Place

Amurskie Tigry Khabarovsk

Last Season: 25-31-6 (7th Place)

Key Players: Kirill Lemeshko (G), Ivan Sherstnyov (D), Danis Vagapov (W)

Prospect: Vladislav Vainer (D — 2027)

2026/27 Prediction: 4th Place

Krasnaya Mashina Yunior Krasnogorsk

Last Season: 4-56-2 (11th Place)

2026/27 Prediction: 8th Place

Krasnaya Mashina Yunior Mytischi

Last Season: 25-32-5 (9th Place)

Key Players: Dmitri Yenenko (W), Gradmir Yanus (D), Grigori Bolbat (W)

Prospect: Kirill V. Pavlov (W — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 6th Place

MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva

Last Season: 29-21-12 (2nd Place)

Key Players: Yegor Khodin (G), Maxim Shamolin (W)

Prospect: Fyodor Klimovich (W — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 3rd Place

MHK Spartak-MAH Moskva

Last Season: 28-28-6 (4th Place)

Key Players: Yaroslav Ogorodnikov (W), Daniil Karlik (D), Vsevolod Kokorin (W)

Prospect: (See: MHK Spartak Moskva), Yegor Ageyev (G — 2028), Mark Raitsky (W — 2028)

2026/27 Prediction: 5th Place

Sakhalinskiye Akuly

Last Season: 28-33-1 (6th Place)

Key Players: Vladislav Ignatenko (D), Alexander Privalov (G)

2026/27 Prediction: 7th Place

The 2008-born group of Russians is a very unique one. While it may come to be one of the weaker years, the volume of players that came to North America early shifted the tides and resulted in four players — including Nikita Klepov — to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

In total, 16 players from this age group were picked on draft day, six of which played in North America for their draft-eligible season. Of course, there are still a handful of names to be called in 2027, including the No. 1 prospect on this list.

For reference, the 2004 birth year has the crown for most NHL Draft selections with 28. Every year since 1999 has produced at least 20 draft picks, so the pressure is (very slightly) on.

Opening up this list is the youngest player on it. Andrei Pustovoy put up one of the best DY-1 seasons in MHL history with only one player (Ivan Demidov, 64) scoring more all-time. Happy to say my gut feeling from last year was on the money:

He has jumped all around Russia over the past few years, hitting just about ever main program out East before making his MHL debut with Irbis Kazan last year. He was given VHL opportunities with Bars Kazan in preseason, then was traded to the Lokomotiv system right before the 2025-26 season began.

A two-goal game against AKM Tula in the opener set the pace and he never looked back.

Now a Kharlamov Cup winner, Pustovoy is going to be a top player in the 2027 NHL Draft. He’s a big, physical winger with a highly technique-driven style that makes him really stand out from his peers. While not the same skill level as the other top two Russian forwards, he knows precisely when to pull out his best handles and focuses on beating the defence through intelligence by default. His point totals reflect his dual-threat offence. Though primarily a playmaker, his composure translates into finishing ability, enhancing his value immensely.

Loko Yaroslavl has given him some experimental reps at the centre role, but, to me, his skill-set is more impactful when operating from the flanks. Would expect a KHL debut next season.

The superlatives to describe Maksim Sokolovskii are endless. A 6-foot-7 defenceman with remarkable mobility on top of his aggressive, physical play style make him a consistent force of nature in the OHL.

His playing time began quite limited this year before exploding into a steady top-four role with London towards the season’s end. A shutdown defender first and foremost, shining by suffocating plays early and using his range to his advantage to give the opponents a very difficult obstacle to play against.

He’s more raw than many of the top names on this list, but there’s a reason Philadelphia took the chance at 27th overall.

Speaking of defensive impacts, Ilia Morozov is a two-way master.

His jump to the NCAA for his draft-eligible season seemed like a strange decision at first glance, but his results as Miami’s first-line centre cemented him as a first-round NHL Draft prospect. A proactive defender to assist his blueliners, Morozov’s motor and relentlessness make him a monster at generating loose pucks and keeping them.

His upside may be more aligned with a bottom-six role; however, he has a few years to develop a more advanced offensive playstyle to further that potential.

The top goaltender from the 2008 age-group, Dmitri Borichev was shockingly the fourth goalie to be selected in the 2026 NHL Draft.

With the quality of players in his position within the Yaroslavl program, Borichev was designated to the Lokomotiv’s B-Team of the MHL, Loko-76. On a weaker team, he was given the opportunity to play solid minutes and put up excellent results out East. He’s an athletic goalie with strong skating and an exceptional amount of poise — a standout trait for a young, Russian goalie.

From here, we can expect him to play some minutes for the defending Kharlamov Cup winners next season, though the competition is still fierce, particularly coming from 2009-born Yakov Kazantsev.

Yegor Shilov may have the highest upside of any player on this list. Hitting it, however, seems far less certain, which almost certainly is the reason why he was available for the Avalanche at 43rd overall.

He has all of the offensive tools of a future top-six centre. High-end skill, cerebral playmaking, and an effective shot — a well-rounded arsenal for producing at a high rate. Improving the pace of operations is going to be crucial for hitting that ceiling.

The new poster boy of Montréal, Gleb Pugachyov deserves all the love he’s getting.

From frozen lakes in Almaty, Kazakhstan to a first-round pick in the NHL Draft, Pugachyov has defied the odds. He underwent an emergency appendectomy just days into preseason camp, missing his chance to earn a spot with one of the professional teams in the Torpedo system.

He hit the ground (and his opponents) running, quickly establishing himself as one of the most physical, violent players in the MHL while scoring at a decent, though below a typical first-round pick, rate. Come November, he played his first VHL game with, now defunct, Torpedo-Gorky, then made his KHL debut in January.

Film Room: Why NHL teams will love Gleb Pugachyov's heavy physical game

Viktor Fyodorov came into his draft-eligible season as my No. 1 player in this age group. Unfortunately, he dropped down a few slots here, primarily due to other players taking bigger steps forward than him and providing easier paths to the NHL.

Still, this is a player who is easy to love. A hard-working, playmaking centre who reads the ice extremely well, never stops sprinting, and isn’t afraid to get down and dirty. He spent the majority of the season playing against men, a testament to how highly he’s rated within the Torpedo system. His tools and limited size make his development hazy, but there’s no denying his hockey sense.

Taken just eight picks after Borichev, Dmitri Ivchenko is my second ranked goaltender in this age group.

Similarly, Ivchenko’s profile is also defined by his composure in net. He’s, in my opinion, something of a ‘classic’ goaltender. He is athletic enough to make the needed plays, but his game is really all about tracking, squaring up, and keeping lanes to the net blocked. He’s not a player you’ll see fall out of position very often.

The lower speed does warrant some concern for developing into an NHL goaltender, however, early MHL results are superb and we should expect him in the KHL within 2-3 years.

Alan Shaikhlislamov was the second player to be selected out of Russia in the 2026 NHL Draft. A bit of a late riser, his September birthday and scoring upside make him a really interesting bet for the Flames.

For me, his skill level has been a bit too low and inconsistent for a higher ranking. That said, his motor, physicality, and off-puck scoring potential provide enough value to warrant a lot of future value. He made his KHL debut in late September then returned to the MHL and picked up an injury three games later that kept him out for a few months, would expect more chances with Salavat Yulaev next season.

One of my favourite picks of the 2026 NHL Draft, Alexander Grunin is ready to defy the odds. The most promising prospect out of the Sibir system in years, he should be on the radar for all Senators fans.

A 6-foot-4, mobile defenceman, Grunin is a raw talent with heaps of upside. He will need to develop a more physical style and find more consistency in his play reading, but the flashes of creativity and stopping power on his frame make him a high-value prospect. We should probably expect one more full season in the MHL, however, KHL chances will come soon — maybe he even impresses enough at camp to make the team.

The only other 2027 NHL Draft prospect on this list, Semyon Gerasimov is already a legend in Novokuznetsk. This year he became the second-highest scorer among 16-year-olds with Kuznetskie Medvedi behind only one player — Kirill Kaprizov.

He’s a tanky winger with tremendous small-area skill and an unceasing motor, taking over games with awesome puck control and funnelled pucks to high-danger areas. He has a knack for using his shot as both a weapon to score and a way to set up chances, using worm-burners to target the goalie’s pads and set up rebound opportunities. Maybe not the most projectable trait, but it’s working really well for him so far.

The first of two players who went undrafted this year, Yelisei Ryabykin had to drop a few spots for me, but I still have a lot of faith in him to develop into one of the top players in this group.

He’s a well-rounded defenceman with no real weaknesses. Above-average skating compiled with excellent puck-moving qualities, he drove play from the back on the top-pairing for MHK Dynamo Moskva last season. He flashed impressive playmaking habits to extend his value deeper into the offensive zone.

The last player to be selected out of Russia in the 2026 NHL Draft, Alexander Ivanov already has a strong foothold in the professional scene.

Like Pustovoy, he was called up to the VHL roster for training camp and preseason, impressing more than enough to earn a regular role and even a few KHL appearances.

There may not be a standout tool in his repertoire, but Ivanov has the fundamentals down pat. He’s an intelligent defender who can dominate on retrievals and cleanly break the puck out of the zone. I would like to see him add some additional muscle to his game and increase the degree of difficulty on plays from time to time. A moldable prospect.

The final undrafted prospect on this list, Alexei Vlasov may have a slim shot at making the NHL, but it’s a fun bet to make.

He’s a speedy winger with a high skill cap and a rifle of a shot. The skating, as a whole, is a limitation, but his energy made up for it throughout this season. His creative, dynamic offensive ability is ample for creating space and attacking it. One more year of QMJHL before he’s off to college, still could see an NHL Draft pick emerge here.

Matvei Kotkov became the youngest ever player to be named the MVP of the Kharlamov Cup Playoffs, leading Loko Yaroslavl in points as they etched their names onto the Cup once again.

After missing the start of the year with an injury, he returned to his form from last year as one of the best scorers in this group. A highly motivated winger who opened up more of a rounded offensive game this season, Kotkov has a little bit of everything in his arsenal. His shot is still the premier tool, in my opinion, even if he utilized it less than usual.

Already has built strong chemistry with, fellow Bruins prospect, Kirill Yemelyanov… would be awesome if they made it all the way together.

This was almost more exciting than the NHL Draft for me. The allowance of 2010-born prospects to be selected in the first round and my increased knowledge of the younger generation of Russian hockey gave me a strong understanding and evaluation of nearly every prospect selected this year.

Narrowing it down to my ten favourite picks was difficult, but I think I got it down right. So much potential on the table, multiple future first-round picks in the NHL Draft, and some high-end talents who need new opportunities, here’s a breakdown of my top selections:

Gordei Khotkov (Saginaw Spirit, 16th Overall)
LHD, CSKA Moskva U16
2010-03-03 / 6’5” / 212 lbs

Khotkov was the first Russian 2010 off the board, an unsurprising feat given the skillset this player has at his disposal. A massive defenceman with enough confidence to play all five positions at once. He’s a massive threat to cycle down the flanks with aggressive activations, dangling through defenders, and becoming the general of the offensive zone to drive high-danger offence consistently. He isn’t just getting into dangerous spots, either, he has a high-end shot and a playmaking eye to really bring a lethal dual-threat style from the blueline. His size suggests there to be a physical side to his game and, make no mistake, there sure is. A mean defender who absolutely eats space. His play reading is the main area of improvement, becoming more proactive to make stops when it comes to defending the cycle, but this is a player who could have easily played MHL minutes last season. A potential top-pairing OHLer with very high upside.

Artyom Mate (Charlottetown Islanders, 32nd Overall)
LHD, Spartak Moskva U18
2009-04-08 / 6’3” / 196 lbs

It was incredibly upsetting to not see Artyom Mate lace up for a single MHL game this past season. My No. 6 ranked 2009-born prospect, he spent the entire season with Spartak’s U18 club as he wasn’t selected for either of the two junior programs at their disposal. There’s a lot to like with his profile and a lot that will translate extremely well into the North American style of hockey. He’s a mature player, often appearing older than his age group just because of how intelligent he is. No pressure is too much for him to handle, an extremely reliable puck-mover with above-average skating, strong vision, and the ability to link plays through channels of space like he’s been doing it since birth. Shone at the ‘international’ level this season in his chances, I think there’s a hidden gem with this player.

Vladimir Shtyrkhunov (Shawinigan Cataractes, 35th Overall)
RHD, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva
2009-01-14 / 6’0” / 156 lbs

Continuing a run of defencemen, Shtyrkhunov was one of the biggest targets of this year’s Import Draft. He was excellent in his rookie campaign in the MHL, putting up 32 points in 55 games as he established himself as a top-four defenceman before the season even started. His skating ability is elite, a fluid mover with exceptional pace control, explosiveness, and agility. He loves to hit on counterattacks when opponent’s least expect it, making him a highly valuable driver from the back. He brings impressive offensive instincts to continue the value into the zone, highlighted by his activation skills and playmaking vision. Should fit perfectly into the QMJHL as a future top-pairing defenceman and may be an early pick in next year’s NHL Draft.

Bogdan Yakushevsky (Windsor Spitfires, 46th Overall)
RW, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva
2009-01-15 / 5’11” / 180 lbs

Bogdan Yakushevsky can best be described as a bulldog. He’s slightly undersized, but certainly doesn’t play like it, charging full speed into contact, forcing the opposition to make mistakes, and capitalizing on them with his handling skill and flashes of playmaking. He likely starts out as a bottom-six, energy winger, however, I think there’s more upside than meets the eye.

Roman Andreev (Kitchener Rangers, 55th Overall)
LW, Dynamo Moskva U16
2010-07-09 / 6’1” / 201 lbs

The final 2010 off the board, Roman Andreev has the potential to be an elite scorer in the OHL and transfer that value into the NHL Draft. He has a high-level physical game with a knack for keeping possession for as long as he wants and throws his body around on the other side of the puck. His shot is the biggest selling point, though. A ridiculous release with advanced deception to fill the back of the net at every level he’s played at so far. Seems like a strong fit for the OHL, has some Igor Chernyshov vibes.

Denis Pasler (Medicine Hat Tigers, 73rd Overall)
LHD, AKM Tula
2008-04-21 / 6’5” / 204 lbs

This was a pleasant surprise. Denis Pasler actually played in North America with the New Jersey Rockets 18U squad in 2024-25, but returned to Russia for his draft-eligible season last year. It was an awesome season, too. Playing somewhat limited minutes, he showcased his usage of size and dynamic skill to pull out awesome sequences on both sides of the puck. He’s a very raw prospect and a very moldable one, having a strong foundation to work upon as he develops into a professional player.

Andrei Milyayev (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, 75th Overall)
LW, Sputnik Almetievsk
2009-12-12 / 6’3” / 181 lbs

One of the youngest players in the MHL last year, Andrei Milyayev put together some incredible performances and finished the season as one of the top 2009-born producers in the league. He’s big and knows how to use it, leaning into contact, driving the middle, and showing the ability to create space on his own. He might not have the pace to be a driver in the QMJHL, but he has all the tools of a valuable, complementary winger in the coming years.

Artyom Katsuro (Calgary Hitmen, 82nd Overall)
LW, CSKA Moskva U18
2009-01-01 / 6’0” / 167 lbs

Another ‘09 who didn’t get many chances in the MHL last year, Artyom Katsuro is the definition of ‘electric’. He plays at full throttle on every shift, shining with high-end handling skill, dynamic patterns, and the aggressive mindset to drive to high-danger areas of the offensive zone. He was a top producer for CSKA in his youth career, outproducing some of the best talents in the country, showing that he can put up points on top of the tools. A really interesting bet that would be awesome to watch in the WHL.

Mikhail Melikov (Owen Sound Attack, 83rd Overall)
LW, MHK Dynamo Moskva
2007-02-06 / 6’0” / 152 lbs

Mikhail Melikov led the entire MHL in scoring last season with 87 points in 60 games, making him the highest scorer since the 2018-19 season. He’s a speedy winger with endless energy, constantly carving his way through the defence with raw speed while having the handling creativity to hold his own when push comes to shove. He has many ways to beat you and he isn’t afraid to show them all off, making him the most dangerous offensive threat in the MHL and a potential instant impact player if he comes to the OHL for next year.

Gleb Olkhovik (Shawinigan Cataractes, 96th Overall)
LW, CSKA Moskva U18
2009-02-18 / 6’3” / 197 lbs

Another CSKA ‘09 to Shawinigan, I might like this one even more if it happens. Gleb Olkhovik couldn’t crack the Krasnaya Armiya roster with the logjam of talent alongside him, which hopefully means there’s a good chance of him getting a better opportunity in the QMJHL. He’s an advanced playmaker with excellent physicality. A very versatile forward who can fit into any role from primary creator to supporting checker. With Nazar Privalov gone from his line this year, he’s exploded into becoming the former full-time, driving offence at a high volume with intelligence, timing, and skill. I think this is one of the highest value picks in the draft.

Over the past two seasons, we have seen an influx of Russian prospects break into the NHL. From top picks like Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demidov to the late-round steals like Arseni Gritsyuk, most of the top talents have already exhausted their Calder Trophy eligibility. Still, there’s an interesting crop left over.

The criteria for this ranking is simple: players must be eligible for the Calder Trophy in the 2026-27 season. As the basis of this list is NHL projection, I have taken in factors such as age, contract, and likelihood of signing. Some players who are notable KHL talents like Maxim Beryozkin (EDM), Artyom Galimov (ANA), and Dmitri Rashevsky (WPG) were omitted due to high unlikelihood to sign in North America at this point in their careers.

2025-26 Graduates:

• Matvei Gridin (CGY)

• Alexander Nikishin (CAR)

• Zakhar Bardakov (COL)

• Danila Yurov (MIN)

• Ivan Demidov (MTL)

• Arseni Gritsyuk (NJD)

• Igor Chernyshov (SJS)

• Dmitri Simashev, Daniil But (UTAH)

Sergei Murashov hasn’t struggled at any level of hockey so far. In just a season and a half, he established himself as a top goaltender in the AHL, earning five games with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.

What makes his meteoric rise even more impressive was his near-complete skip of the KHL through his tenure in Russia. Coming up through his childhood system in Yaroslavl, Murashov would only play seven games with Lokomotiv before signing his entry-level contract, adding a new layer of risk to his development. The risk is reaping rewards early on. In his first full AHL season, he was named an All-Star and was chosen for the All-Rookie Team at the season’s end.

Stylistically, he’s a mobile, composed netminder. His speed and agility are his best attributes, showcasing a high-level ability to beat shooters through his athleticism. The Penguins have the room to potentially fit him into a regular role next season, but no need to rush the 22-year-old.

2025-26 Role: AHL Starter
2026-27 Projected Role: NHL Backup

Roman Kantserov completed the KHL by age 21.

In 2023-24, he broke into a full-time role with Metallurg, playing at the top level for the entire season, putting up 13 points in 23 playoff games, and lifting the Gagarin Cup in his rookie season. Two years later, he would lead the entire league in goals with 36 — a U23 record — and sign his entry-level contract with the Blackhawks.

The limitations to how much physicality he can handle may be the difference maker for Kantserov’s long term outlook. Players of his size can obviously make it in today’s NHL, but there may not be the level of special skill to be the same type of driver that he is in the KHL. Worst-case scenario, he leans into his off-puck shot threat and fills out a supporting, scoring role early.

2025-26 Role: KHL First Line
2026-27 Projected Role: NHL Top-Six

Pyotr Andreyanov was the first out-of-nowhere pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but it certainly wasn’t uneducated.

Like Murashov, he’s an athlete of a goaltender. High-end skating ability and agility for pulling out spectacular stops while holding down the fort with poise on the more standard saves. His value has really shined when being put under the highest pressure. Whether with the national team or battling top MHL clubs, he’s been reliable for keeping tight games tight and holding onto leads.

His arrival to the NHL will be on the longer end of this list. With a deal inked through the 2029-30 season with CSKA, he has plenty of time to get reps in at the VHL level and break into the KHL in the coming years.

2025-26 Role: MHL/VHL Tweener
2026-27 Projected Role: VHL Starter

Alexander Zharovsky went from under-the-radar to steal of the draft in the span of months.

His profile looks the part of a top prospect. In his rookie campaign with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, he was his team’s third top scorer and would be awarded the Alexei Cherepanov Award as the KHL’s best rookie. On the Elite Prospects 1-10 scale for player tools, he grades as a 7.0 puckhandler with a 6.0 shot.

The limitations to his game come primarily through his skating. There are still junior elements of his game to weed out as he continues his development as a KHL player, but the biggest hurdle is his mobility, particularly in straight lines. He also had a much stronger start to the year compared to the second half. In the playoffs, especially, he struggled for valuable touches and was limited to just two points.

Still, there’s no denying the upside. One of the best handlers in the country over the past decade with some serious offensive pop on the power play. He’s taken strides in becoming a more complete, dual-threat winger by pulling the trigger a bit more while still leaning into a playmaking style. He’s a player who has the skill level to take on defender after defender, however, he isn’t a selfish one. I think there’s top-six potential for him in the NHL, though he will need patience to get there.

2025-26 Role: KHL Top-Six
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Top-Six

A third goalie rounds out the top-five and we stick with Salavat Yulaev Ufa as Semyon Vyazovoi has taken steps to become a top KHL goaltender at 23-years-old.

The former sixth-round pick has had few struggles advancing through the ranks in Russia. He spent two full seasons in the VHL, putting up an impressive .920 save-percentage as a rookie, then followed it up with a .929, earning a call-up to the top level and he hasn’t looked back since.

Surprise, surprise, this is another highly athletic goalie. The biggest of the three so far, Vyazavoi matches, if not surpasses, the former goaltenders in skating and athleticism, but faces more struggles with composure and effectively challenging shooters consistently. He should be lining up as the starting goaltender for Salavat Yulaev again next year, would look for the ELC in the ensuing off season.

2025-26 Role: KHL Starter
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Starter

The highest NHL Draft selection that you’ll see on this list, Anton Silayev has been one of the most difficult prospects to analyze over the past three seasons.

There is no denying the positives; this is a 6-foot-7 defenceman with elite skating (7.5-grade) and a boatload of potential if he can get it all figured out. My concerns with him haven’t changed much since his draft year. He’s a space eater who struggles when space shrinks too much. As a result, his weakest moments come usually through passes slipping through his triangle and becoming quickly overwhelmed on retrieval plays when pressure steps in faster than he expects.

On the bright side, his puck-moving has gone from a clear concern to a minor drawback. Processing the ice remains a struggle, but he was able to find comfort in a vanilla, simplistic style of passing that bred more consistent, successful breakouts and let him spend less time defending. Time, as a whole, was cut short for him this season with his average time-on-ice cut from 17:35 to 12:49 over the last two seasons.

Putting him in the AHL isn’t as much of a clear-cut upgrade as many would think, at least in my opinion, but getting him used to the North American style and being able to take a more hands-on approach to his development could turn things around for the big man.

2025-26 Role: KHL Bottom-Pair
2026-27 Projected Role: AHL Top-Four

Mikhail Yegorov comes in as the final goaltender in the top-10.

He brings some diversity to the table, both by playing his hockey in the North America since his draft-eligible season and with his playing style. Instead of a profile based around movement, Yegorov is just a brick wall.

His timeline is hazy as it seems like he’ll be returning to BU for at least one more season before jumping to the AHL level.

2025-26 Role: NCAA Starter
2026-27 Projected Role: NCAA Starter

Dmitri Buchelnikov was an early re-entry pick in the 2022 NHL Draft by Detroit who quickly caught fire in the KHL, then had that value used in a deal with the St. Louis Blues for Justin Faulk back in March.

He played for three different KHL clubs over the past three years, beginning with a loan spell with Admiral that showed promising results followed up with a season with Vityaz where he put up 54 points in 65 games. This disbanding of Vityaz saw him off to CSKA Moskva, amassing 25 points in 44 games with some injury woes.

Buchelnikov is a pacey, creative winger with sneaky off-puck upside. He uses his quickness extremely well, generating separations on pass receptions with an explosive step. In space, he brings danger with both playmaking and shot, though likely projects as more of the former. He extended with CSKA for one more season, potentially preparing to make a North American jump next off-season.

2025-26 Role: KHL Top-Six
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Top-Six

It wasn’t a glimmering D+1 season for Kurban Limatov, but still one that showed tremendous upside.

A 6-foot-4 defenceman with a strong essence of chaos, Limatov still has plenty of time to make his breakthrough to the KHL. He spent last season on MHK Dynamo Moskva’s second pairing and was one of their most valuable assets, especially with his clutch scoring habits. He’s an above-average skater who loves to be on the puck, though the play reading and decision making will need to improve in the coming seasons.

The hope for this upcoming season is getting his foot in the door with the main club. I wouldn’t expect another full season in the MHL — it would be worrying if that were to be the case.

2025-26 Role: MHL Top-Four
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Junior

Daniil Prokhorov had a worrying start to the season. After being unsure where the big man was going to play his hockey, he ended up staying put in Russia with a loan to the Dynamo Moskva system and was held to just one point through his first 17 games between all three levels in limited usage.

A two-game run against a pair of weak MHL sides in mid-November lit the fire in him and quickly became one of the top young players in the VHL, earning more valuable chances at the KHL level as the season winded down. He’s a huge winger who loves to show off his size. A dominant threat around the net, shielding off checks as he powers his way around the gritty areas of the offensive zone and constantly forces his way to high-danger spots. His offence may end up being limited in the NHL, but the work rate and physicality make him a high-likelihood bottom-six winger.

2025-26 Role: KHL/VHL Tweener
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Bottom-Six

Yegor Surin just became a two-time Gagarin Cup champion before his 20th birthday.

A fan favourite in Yaroslavl, Surin’s game is built around energy. He’s a bulldog of a centre who has added noticeable strength to his frame since being selected in the first-round of the 2024 Draft. His offensive profile is all about straight-line, downhill carries with an aggressive mindset to take on defenders and try to sprint past. There isn’t a ton of creativity or nuance to it, but he’s had no issues scoring in the KHL thus far.

2025-26 Role: KHL First Line
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL First Line

Ivan Ryabkin has been on a unique development path over the past few seasons. From falling out of favour with the Dynamo Moskva coaches in his draft-year to becoming a Clark Cup champion in the USHL that same season, starting his D+1 in the AHL as a fourth line grinder to setting the QMJHL alight then returning to Chicago to end the year — he’s been everywhere.

His penalty minutes tell a story: there isn’t a lot of discipline in his game. He’s a bulky forward with a mean streak, no fear in putting his all into body contact and violently taking out opponents. We are yet to see his offence click at any professional level of hockey yet, but he’s showcased an ability to both create and finish in his time at the MHL, USHL, and QMJHL.

Penned to return to the AHL for his D+2, there is still some doubt about how this path is going to pay off, but he should be able to carve out at least a bottom-six role in the NHL with his toolkit.

2025-26 Role: QMJHL Top-Six/AHL Depth
2026-27 Projected Role: AHL Middle-Six

One of my personal favourite prospects over the past few seasons, Mikhail Ilyin has already begun to make his presence felt at the AHL level.

Intelligence is the name of the game for him. He’s a highly efficient puck-moving winger with clear NHL habits through his ability to get pucks off the walls with his passing, make effective one-touch possession plays, and generate scoring chances by quickly processing and finding weaknesses in defensive coverage. While his skill level is lower than many other players on this list, his brain could still turn him into a complementary winger in a higher role than expected.

2025-26 Role: KHL Top-Six
2026-27 Projected Role: AHL Top-Six

On skill level alone, this ranking is a discredit to who Mikhail Gulyayev is as a hockey player. However, the limited ice time and questionable path to the NHL have forced me to bump down the 21-year-old.

He just completed his third full season with Avangard Omsk and was their No. 8 defenceman for basically the entire year. With all of those names ahead of him, we have yet to see him get any real opportunities with the man advantage since leaving the MHL. An elite skater with an aggressive counterattacking mindset and a sneakily strong defensive game, Gulyayev brings legit value in all three zones pretty consistently. That is, at least, when he does get the chance to do anything.

He picked up some momentum in the Gagarin Cup Playoffs, but there just doesn’t seem to be a spot for him higher up in the depth chart next season.

2025-26 Role: KHL 8D
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Bottom-Pair

Returning to the goaltender department, Dmitri Gamzin has become an elite KHL talent and has Isles fans hopeful that they found another Ilya Sorokin.

He was arguably the best goalie in the league last season even though the award went to Nikita Serebryakov, posting incredible results as CSKA’s No. 1 throughout the entire campaign. He’s a well-rounded player, not necessarily a standout trait to put him at the same level as the top netminders, but there’s no denying the numbers he has been putting up.

2025-26 Role: KHL Starter
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Starter

Matvei Korotky has the least draft pedigree of any player on this list as he was selected midway through the seventh-round of the 2024 Draft by the Blues, however, he’s showing real steal potential.

A lethal goalscorer, Korotky has really come into his own with SKA St. Petersburg. Being slowly phased into the lineup gave him chances to play with top forwards in a junior role, as well as, play a useful driving role in the bottom-six. I expect a big season from him next year that could really accelerate his NHL timeline, even despite the lack of dimension in his profile.

2025-26 Role: KHL Bottom-Six
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Top-Six

I actually rated Semyon Frolov above Andreyanov before the 2025 NHL Draft, but a shortened season due to injury has thrown a real wrench into the gears.

Over three seasons in the MHL, Frolov has played for four teams — Ladia Togliatti and MHK Spartak Moskva, plus Spartak’s former and current secondary affiliates. Unfortunately, we’ve only seen him play 20 regular season games with MHK Spartak over the past two seasons. Regardless, he’s a fundamentally sound goaltender with good speed and size.

2025-26 Role: MHL Starter
2026-27 Projected Role: MHL/VHL Tweener

Alexander Siryatsky’s stock has been trending upwards since being selected in the fourth-round in 2024.

He broke into a full-time, albeit limited, role with Metallurg this year, but missed a chunk of the season through an injury picked up at the end of November. When he returned in mid-February, he hadn’t missed a step. An above-average skater with creative puck-moving habits and some physical bite, Siryatsky has the capability to fill a multitude of roles at any level of hockey.

2025-26 Role: KHL Bottom-Pair
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Top-Four

This one hurts the most for me, but this was a lost season for Nikita Artamonov.

A player who I comfortably considered a first-round talent in his draft year, Artamonov produced well in the 2024-25 season, leading Torpedo with 39 points in 63 games. He fell out of favour with the coaching staff in preseason and was sentenced to start his D+2 in the VHL, was given limited playing time in the KHL, and was eventually loaned to his childhood club where he struggled to find his offence.

He’s a high motor, pacey winger who has shown playmaking upside and added more dimensions to his goalscoring game in that 24-25 season, but being unable to drive offence on his own could end up preventing him from developing outside of Russia. I still have faith in him to turn things around, but there’s too many talents that are simply outperforming him and showing more abilities suited for the NHL right now.

2025-26 Role: KHL Middle-Six
2026-27 Projected Role: KHL Middle-Six

Before looking towards the upcoming draft class, I want to give a little insight into My Guys from previous years with a bit of a ‘where are they now’ segment.

2019 NHL Draft

HIT: Arseni Gritsyuk (New Jersey Devils)
2019 was my first real year of locking into the NHL Draft. I still have my Top-30 ranking that, for the sake of my reputation, I will not be sharing with a little bit of insight on who I liked and didn’t. The one player that I really pushed for was Arseni Gritsyuk. My first ever editorial piece was a full-game breakdown of him back in the MHL (the website I wrote for no longer exists) and it’s been an exciting journey seeing him become a legit NHL player.

MISS: Ilya Nikolayev (Calgary Flames)
Per those aforementioned rankings, I had graded Ilya Nikolayev as a first-round calibre prospect. A high-energy, low scoring winger in the MHL, he left for the USHL in his D+3 and completely fell off my radar. He would go on to split time between the AHL and ECHL for the next few years before returning to Russia for his KHL debut in his D+6 season. His D+7 season just concluded and he’s still working in a limited role for Lokomotiv Yaroslav, but at least he’s now a two-time Gagarin Cup Winner.

What I learned: Probably not much, to be honest.

2020 NHL Draft

Hit: Danil Aimurzin (Undrafted)
Aimurzin was a player I really felt deserved a pick in all three years of his NHL Draft eligibility. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be the case, but after breaking into the KHL in his D+3 season, he would be traded from Salavat Yulaev to Severstal and hasn’t looked back since. A dominant playmaking centre, he has put up three straight 40+ point seasons and has been garnering NHL interest. He has opted to re-sign with Severstal, though, meaning this could very well end up being a meaningless valuation if he never makes it over the pond.

Miss: Pavel Tyutnev (Undrafted)
I still have faith in Pavel Tyutnev to become something, but it doesn’t seem like it’ll have anything to do with North American ice. I ranked him highly in 2020 and even pushed to get him ranked in my first year with Elite Prospects in the 2021 Draft. As it went, his production stagnated, he wasn’t given many pro-level games in the Yaroslavl system, and, now, he’s on his fifth team in as many years, joining Sibir Novosibirsk.

What I learned: Ranking 200+ players is not possible by one person and small wingers are a tough sell for the top two rounds.

2021 NHL Draft

Hit: Vasili Atanasov (Undrafted)
A similar story to Danil Aimurzin, Atanasov needed a team switch to explode into a high-calibre KHL player. It was a bit surprising that he never had his name called (may come down to being 5-foot-11), however, he has also been a player that NHL teams have been keeping tabs on. He put up 35+ points in each of his last three seasons with Torpedo and is now off to SKA St. Petersburg, hopefully a final stop before the NHL?

Miss: Dmitri Katelevsky (Undrafted)
I really thought Dmitri Katelevsky would be my first big hit as a scout for EP. I was able to overlook his underwhelming scoring, limited skill, and poor skating because of how advanced his defensive game was. A big, strong, smart centre who was already playing in the VHL for his entire DY season, seemed like a good enough bet. He wouldn’t be selected, but also would never return to the MHL for many more games and has become a regular in the Ak Bars lineup for the past three seasons.

What I learned: Tools matter?

2022 NHL Draft

Hit: Sergei Murashov (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Returning to players who actually got drafted, Murashov was probably the first goalie that I really felt it with. His results were impeccable, including a 66-save shutout in the NMHL (now RHL) in his DY-1, and becoming, arguably, the best goalie in the MHL for the next three years. He barely played in the KHL before signing his ELC and is now considered one of the best prospects in the Penguins’ pool.

Miss: Alexander Legkov (Undrafted)
Legkov only played eight MHL games in his draft year with just three points, however, I was fascinated by his skill and speed combination. Lo and behold, that would be his final season in Russia as he went on to join the… New Jersey 87’s of the EHL…? After a rejuvenating year with the 87’s, he left for the Johnstown Tomahawks of the NAHL. Feeling homesick, he returned to the 87’s in 2024-25, then finally got his move to the FPHL where torched the league with 94 points in 58 games with the Danbury Hat Tricks and Pee Dee IceCats.

What I learned: Stop. Overvaluing. Low. Skill. Forwards.

2023 NHL Draft

Hit: Mikhail Ilyin (Pittsburgh Penguins)
Sticking with the Penguins, Mikhail Ilyin has been one of my favourite KHL players over the past few seasons. What that comes down to is just how intelligent he is. Genuinely has eyes in the back of his head to be a dominant puck-off-the-wall player. He signed his ELC last year and returned to Cherepovets on loan for one more season, now is off to North America. Not a player with the highest offensive tools, rather an effective, complementary winger with a strong 200-foot game and the ability to contribute.

Miss: Yegor Klimovich (Undrafted)
Klimovich is another undersized, skilled winger that I took a bet on that hasn’t paid off yet. He played 28 KHL games in his D+1, giving the hope that something might be brewing, but a mediocre VHL season in his D+2 saw him traded to Amur this off-season before being traded again to Yugra, closing off hopes for a KHL return this season.

What I learned: Small forwards need a special quality.

2024 NHL Draft

Hit: Ilya Pautov (Philadelphia Flyers)
It isn’t the most emphatic usage of the word ‘hit’, but Ilya Pautov signing his entry-level contract with the Flyers this off-season as a former sixth-round pick is a good start. Not the highest production at the MHL level and very limited professional hockey to his name, this is a highly creative, entertaining winger with playmaking upside.

Miss: Artyom Shchuchinov (Undrafted)
I thought there was a good shot for Shchuchinov to get drafted. He spent almost the entirety of his draft-eligible season in the KHL with Traktor, showcasing an effective transition game with some offensive flash. His limited size and poor defensive results outweighed the good. Over the past two seasons, he has played for 10 different teams between all three main levels of Russian hockey. Should be a regular for Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg next year.

What I learned: Small, puck-moving defencemen do not get drafted.

2026 NHL Draft

Alexander Grunin

LHD - Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)
6’4” / 185 lbs
2025-26: 44 GP, 6-9—15
Ranked #82 by Elite Prospects

Grunin is a raw defenceman with an awesome skating base and room for continued physical development. His play overall was a bit too limited for a higher ranking for both my personal list and the EP ranking, however as a June birthday, there’s a bit more leeway in that regard. Improving his defensive awareness and play reading are the first areas of focus, clear KHL upside.

Yan Melnikov

LW - Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
5’9” / 176 lbs
2025-26: 45 GP, 20-20—40
Ranked #161 by Elite Prospects

Melnikov has been one of the most entertaining 2026 NHL Draft prospects in Russia over the course of the past two seasons. He’s a small, hungry winger with a never ending motor, the heart of a lion, and some interesting playmaking upside on top of it. It’s a low likelihood that he’s an NHL player, but not out of the question.

Roman Laman

C - Omskie Yastreby (MHL)
5’10.75” / 176 lbs
2025-26: 55 GP, 16-24—40
Ranked #162 by Elite Prospects

Laman is the quintessential My Guy of this year’s crop. While the skill is limited, he knows how to angle attacks and drive the defence back with pace and intelligence. His game is built around his compete level, though. A high-motor, two-way centre who is a constant threat to make a play in the defensive zone and quickly chain it into offence. One of the best draft-eligible producers in the MHL this year.

Denis Pasler

LHD - AKM Tula/AKM-Yunior Tula (MHL)
6’5.25” / 227 lbs
2025-26: 59 GP, 4-7—11

Another giant defenceman, Pasler is even more raw than Grunin, but brings a wildcard aspect of his game through flashes of legit skill and downhill skating. The feet need to be more consistent from viewing-to-viewing, though, as the highs made it look like he could be a potential 6-grade while the majority of the time he was closer to below-average. An unlikely pick who really built some momentum to end the season.

Yaroslav Ivantsov

LW - MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
6’0” / 176 lbs
2025-26: 37 GP, 2-17—19

Ilya Ivantsov was one of My Guys in the 2021 NHL Draft, now his brother, Yaroslav, enters the group. For all intents and purposes, they’re very similar profiles, though I do see more dynamic qualities in Yaroslav, plus a much stronger skating base. A creative playmaking winger who might be too one-dimensional for a realistic NHL projection.

There was fifth, NIkita Novosyolov to the Avalanche, but that’s a goalie and his numbers are pretty good — don’t have anything else to add!

One prospect still in Russia also made a move:

• Denis Gabdrakhmanov (San Jose Sharks) has moved from Rubin Tyumen to the Sibir Novosibirsk system, opening up a path to the KHL.

But that’s not why you’re here.

Anton Silayev - New Jersey Devils

LHD - Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
6’7” / 207 lbs
2006-04-11
2025-26: 61 GP, 1-2—3

Anton Silayev seems unlikely to live up to the 10th overall draft position in the 2024 NHL Draft, but a slower development was undoubtedly expected (at least by myself). He began his draft-year campaign as the potential challenger to Macklin Celebrini, with both NHL scouts and the public eye quickly catching on to his size, skating, and, at the time, scoring.

Two years on, Silayev hasn’t made any major jumps forward in his development. Many will look at his downgraded usage and blame the Torpedo coaching staff, however, he was still being given a hefty amount of playing time considering his age and raw play style. He’s a highly mobile, space eating defenceman who thrives at suffocating plays with his frame, showing early on that his defensive game could hang in the KHL as a 17-year-old.

The biggest areas of concern in his game come through play recognition on both sides of the puck. To his credit, the breakouts have improved through simplicity, though consistently finding reads remains a problem, continuing a pattern of him being a defensive defenceman who faces a high workload. On the other side, he hasn’t grown into a player who can actively read plays in the defensive zone. His aggressiveness and speed allow him to make plays often, but they tend to be more reactionary than preventative in nature. His biggest improvement and a continued area of refinement is controlling his stick on defence. Due to the giant frame, he has been prone to allowing pucks through the triangle, especially when passes are coming through the slot, because he can’t quite get his stick in the right place to get his guard up in time.

I think there’s still plenty of upside with this player. Hitting his top-pair ceiling that we credited him with in his draft-year seems hazy given the recent KHL play; that being said, he’s just a 6-foot-7 wrecking ball of energy. Looking at a player like Alexander Nikishin, there’s evidence that defencemen don’t necessarily need to have a high hockey sense grade to put up decent results in the NHL. This isn’t a player to rush, though, give him time to acclimate in the AHL — even if I don’t think that’s going to be a better environment for him than the KHL — and shelter him over the following seasons.

Ilya Pautov - Philadelphia Flyers

RW/LW - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
5’10” / 165 lbs
2006-05-03
2025-26: 30 GP, 10-13—23

“One of my favorite picks of the draft at 173 by the Flyers, there's a long road ahead, but this is one of the craftiest MHL players I've watched.”

An unexpected signing, Ilya Pautov was just breaking into the VHL before the Flyers decided to bring him across the pond.

There isn’t too much nuance involved to his game: he’s an undersized winger with heaps of creativity, limited by his skating and physicality. There was always a sense of inefficiency to his game, whether through his skating speed or over-complication of plays, but Pautov has taken steps to weed out some of the junior habits to became a player worthy of professional game time.

Now, does that translate to the AHL and higher? Probably not yet… I want to be hopeful that he hits the ground running, but it’s really difficult to bet on a player who is yet to play a KHL game and has seen his MHL production decline over the past three seasons. A realistic projection likely lives and dies in the AHL barring something short of a miracle.

Yegor Borikov - Utah Mammoth

RW/LW - Dinamo Minsk (KHL)
6’1” / 187 lbs
2005-08-28
2025-26: 59 GP, 16-14—30

Yegor Borikov has been a steady producer over the past two KHL seasons with Dinamo Minsk. Hitting a career high with 30-points this past season, the Mammoth snapped up the soon to be 22-year-old.

My perception of this player has been pretty consistent since first laying eyes on him. A rush threat at the KHL level due to his above-average speed, off-puck routes for moving into space for passes, and a solid shot to finish plays off. Not a player who was driving offence with Minsk, but a complementary scoring asset. Likely a bottom-six projection, more likely a fourth line energy winger.

Matvei Shuravin - Florida Panthers

LHD - CSKA Moskva (KHL)
6’2” / 172 lbs
2006-03-22
2025-26: 21 GP, 0-1—1

The numbers don’t look great for Matvei Shuravin, but the development curve has been trending upwards, especially over the course of this past season.

He made a KHL debut early, playing 11 games with CSKA in his draft-year, then was left off of the roster for his entire D+1 season before returning to KHL ice on October 12th, 2025.

There aren’t too many flaws in his game, though also not many things that jump off the page. He’s a strong rush defender with solid four-way mobility and a hunger to attack opponents early. His aggressiveness quickly stood out in those KHL games from his draft-year, making him a player worthy of a mid-round selection.

This signing does feel a bit early for me as I think there was a strong chance of him playing more valuable KHL minutes next year. Securing the deal is always important anyway, though, and I think he will be a capable defenceman in the AHL. Continued improvement to his puck-moving ability will be the difference maker to making the jump to the NHL.

While the basis of this list has now shifted toward NHL Draft value, there is still an emphasis on projecting these players within the broader scope of professional hockey. Most of the prospects featured have already established themselves as MHL talents, but another group is still waiting for its chance.

This list also only features players still in Russia, but I believe Aleksandr Sementsov would be the only prospect really being omitted.

The 2027 NHL Draft is on pace to be the strongest Russian class of the decade with two players that have the potential to challenge for the No. 1 spot, multiple intriguing defencemen, and even a top goalie prospect in the mix. That’s not even taking Andrei Pustovoy (2008) into consideration, either.

Without further ado, my current ranking of the 2009 age group:

1. Sergei Skvortsov

LW - Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
6’1” / 165 lbs
2025-26: 52 GP, 19-24—43

After a spectacular regular season, Sergei Skvortsov turned up the heat in Chaika’s play-in series against Ladia where he scored five goals in two games, then put up 12 points in 15 playoff games as his team would be eliminated in the semi-finals.

There are no major flaws in Skvortsov’s game. While he doesn’t have the frame of a Nazar Privalov, his physical game is one of the most mature aspects of his profile. His style of attack is incredibly projectable to higher levels. A healthy blend of high-level skill, sense, and speed, he varies his attacks to constantly break down defensive units. His usage of that skill makes him stand out. He rarely forces plays, making the moments when he pulls out an incredible display of handling to emphatically beat opponents even more impressive.

Assuming he stays in Nizhny Novgorod, we should expect a KHL debut next season. Torpedo has a very young forward core already — Artamonov, Svishchyov, Mukhanov, Krutov, Fyodorov, Pugachyov — but there’s no doubt in my mind that he can enter the league and make an instant impact greater than some of those names. He should be challenging for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

2. Nazar Privalov

RW - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’4” / 214 lbs
2025-26: 51 GP, 30-19—49

It is a very tight race for the top spot, so it may be more apt to consider Nazar Privalov the 1B rather than the No. 2 prospect. He also has more attention coming his way in the public eye, and it’s not too hard to understand why. This is a 6-foot-4 powerforward with elite handling skill, high intelligence, and incredible finishing skill.

He became the fifth youngest hat trick scorer in MHL history in his fourth career game, taking a three game scoring streak into the second match of the series against SKA-1946 where he netted three. It only took four more games to secure his second hat trick. Finishing the season with 30-goals put him second all time among U17 players behind just Matvei Michkov — the only two players to eclipse 30.

Unfortunately, his MHL season did end on a sour note with a weak playoff run, but played a big part in CSKA Moskva winning the U17 Champions Cup. Like Skvortsov, we should see Privalov making his KHL debut next season. CSKA doesn’t have the same track record of playing young attackers; however, this player is simply too special to leave out of the spotlight. Another first overall contender.

3. Vladimir Shtrykhunov

LHD - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’0” / 157 lbs
2025-26: 55 GP, 4-28—32

Seeing Vladimir Shtyrkhunov play in-person completely blew me out of the water. He was a top player going into this season, but watching the elite skating and ridiculous transition skill from the stands truly put me at full attention.

He spent nearly his entire rookie season in Krasnaya Armiya’s top-four, earning plenty of power play utilization in the process. The most exciting part of his profile might just be the 6-foot height listing. At least for NHL Draft purposes, the average sized frame adds real value to the toolkit. It’s a special toolkit, too. One of the best puck-moving defencemen in the MHL already, capable of completely blowing through the neutral zone with highlight filled, high speed carries and excellent distribution habits.

His production isn’t a fluke, either. He activates from the blueline often, not with carelessness, but with intention:

It is tougher to see Shtrykhunov breaking into the KHL compared to the top-two, but it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he gets game time at the professional level. He mentioned Vladimir Grudinin as a player who stands out to him in the KHL and that feels like an apt comparable for early professional play. A very strong skating base with the ability to cover an insane amount of ice, but the offensive pop and bigger frame of Shtyrkhunov make for a much more exciting prospect.

4. Yakov Kazantsev

G - Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)
6’0” / 168 lbs
2025-26: 16 GP, .947 sv%, 10-2-4

The first 2028 NHL Draft eligible on this list is, goaltender, Yakov Kazantsev.

He made his MHL debut at the end of October and became a regular in Loko-76’s rotation for the rest of the season. In his 16 games, his .947 save-percentage led all goalies with at least ten games played. Ranking him this highly carries some risk as he is just barely at the 6-foot mark, meaning he will really need to add at least three inches before his draft time, but banking on his athleticism and poise give me the confidence to put him in the No. 4 spot.

He became the youngest player in MHL history to record a shutout this season. Next year, we will likely see him stay with Loko-76, who will be in the Gold Division of the Eastern Conference.

5. Yevgeni Yakunin

C - MHK Spartak Moskva/MHK Spartak-MAH Moskva (MHL)
6’3” / 194 lbs
2025-26: 58 GP, 13-34—47

The first in a run of prospects from the Spartak Moskva system, Yevgeni Yakunin had an incredible rookie season and only took it a step further in the playoffs.

There has been a lack of true, talented powerforwards in Russia in the past few years, so drawing comparisons is slim pickings, but there’s something to be said about the similarities between Yakunin and Igor Chernyshov. His ability to scan for pressure, shield contact, and slip passes out of tight areas is very impressive for his age. He became more dynamic as the year progressed, growing into a lethal playmaker on a top team.

He has already established himself as a top-six centre, providing both the counting stats and two-way ability required of him. Definitely doesn’t seem unlikely that he’ll work his way into the KHL next year which could vault him into an even higher position for the 2027 NHL Draft.

6. Artyom Mate

LHD - Spartak Moskva (U17/U18)
6’3” / 196 lbs
2025-26: 35 GP, 16-19—35

One of the biggest surprises of the year was not seeing Artyom Mate line up for a single MHL game. We did, at the very least, get to see him in a trio of preseason games with MHK Spartak, but it can’t be understated just how disappointing it was to not see him get a chance.

There’s very little wrong in his game. He brings the size and maturity needed of a big-minute defenceman. He was given the chance to showcase what he can do compared to his peers at the Future Cup last fall and met the expectations with ease. Incredibly intelligent player, strong four-way mobility, and a distinct ability to handle and obliterate any pressure applied to him.

The biggest risk on this list so far, it’s difficult to predict just where Mate goes from here. A top contender to be selected in the CHL Import Draft for me, would like to see him with a club prepared to give him the opportunities he deserves.

7. Illarion Babkin

RHD - MHK Spartak Moskva/MHK Spartak-MAH Moskva (MHL)
6’1” / 183 lbs
2025-26: 38 GP, 0-15—15

Concluding the Spartak Moskva trio is Illarion Babkin. He brings both an awesome name and an awesome on-ice toolset to the table, making him an easy prospect to root for.

Coming into the year, I thought Mate would be the one to get the edge in MHL playing time if it was one or the other, but it ended up being Babkin who got the full-time job. He didn’t disappoint, either. Quickly adapted to the higher level with an exceptional puck-moving game. He dominates transitions with his blend of skating, sense, and distributing skills.

Next season, we should expect him to play a bigger role with the main MHL club. The risk involved with ranking him highly is banking on either the defence or offence to evolve over the coming years. His defensive game proved to be a bit of a weakness this year and kept him out of the line-up at times, but there’s a ton of potential for growth given his mobility and creativity.

8. Daniil Yermolov

RW - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’2” / 183 lbs
2025-26: 4 GP, 1-1—2

Another player that surprisingly couldn’t break into a roster spot this season, Daniil Yermolov is a very exciting prospect.

His name has already made it’s way across the pond, being selected 83rd overall by the Madison Capitals in the USHL Entry Draft, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his name in the CHL Import Draft in a few weeks time. He has all the tools of a top-six forward in the MHL. From his big frame to the handling skill and high hockey sense, he’s something of a bulldozer out there.

He dominated at both the U17 and U18 levels this season. 60 points in 31 games with the ‘09s and 37 in 17 with the ‘08s, even getting a call up to the Russia U17 team for the Future Cup in February. Like Mate, it’s difficult to project where he goes from here since there’s uncertainty behind where he plays. Would love to see the return of the one-two punch of Privalov and Yermolov, but it might be unlikely that Krasnaya Armiya gives him that chance. Has the potential to rise to the No. 3 spot, in my opinion.

9. Roman Kozhevnikov

RW - Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk (MHL)
6’2” / 201 lbs
2025-26: 52 GP, 13-11—24

Roman Kozhevnikov was a player I had hoped would skyrocket up this list in his MHL rookie season. A big part of that was based on his size and physicality, potentially something that would explode to a new level as he joined the junior ranks. Unfortunately, a lack of growth this season (and even being listed as smaller than last year by certain sources) diminished the value a bit too much for me.

Regardless, being in the No. 9 spot is no slight to him. This is a high energy forward who still has well above-average physical tools and speed. He attacks the inside with vigour, an absolute menace to defences with skilful, forceful drives to the net. He was one of the best ‘09s in the league in the second half of the year, so plenty of momentum going into his draft-eligible season.

He should be playing in Belye Medvedi’s top-six in a full-time role next season. Worth noting that this is a system with a growing reputation of playing prospects at the professional level early on.

10. Bogdan Yakushevsky

RW/LW - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’0” / 179 lbs
2025-26: 24 GP, 3-3—6

Another big part of CSKA’s undefeated U16 season last year, Bogdan Yakushevsky made his MHL debut in late October and was given a pretty consistent spot in the lineup for the remainder of the season.

His transfer to the next level was made easy thanks to his high motor and bulldog mentality. A player who typically stands out due to the sheer handling skill he possesses, finding the reliable B-game as a puckhound made him a suitable fit into the bottom-six for his rookie season.

Yakushevsky should be playing a much bigger role with Krasnaya Armiya next year, especially if they bank on the chemistry that he and Privalov have developed over the past few seasons. A potential riser.

11. Yaroslav Vetrov

G - Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)
6’2” / 183 lbs
2025-26: 31 GP, .919 sv%, 17-9-2

Yaroslav Vetrov was one of the best goaltenders across the entire MHL this season. He carried that momentum into the postseason, too, posting a .914 save-percentage in seven games.

Where Kazantsev is more of an athletic, quick netminder, Vetrov is a pure wall. He’s listed at 6-foot-2, but looks even bigger between the pipes. Strong positioning and vision with a notably impressive glove-side. Could be one of those sneaky goalies that becomes a star.

12. Daniil Savin

C - Akademiya-SKA St. Petersburg/SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
6’0” / 163 lbs
2025-26: 47 GP, 13-15—28

Daniil Savin started his MHL career scorching hot. Through his first eight games, he had already accumulated 10 points and made his debut with SKA-1946 — a big feat for a 16-year-old.

As the year went on, his production hit a wall and he ended the season in Akademiya-SKA’s bottom-six. Still, the ability he showed throughout the course of the year makes him an exciting prospect. A true centre with high sense, he’s an ice general who took the reins on his team’s offence and never let go. A cerebral passer with an innate ability to connect sequences and individually drive play forward.

Dmitri Savin

RW - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’2” / 190 lbs
2025-26: 1 GP, 0-0—0

Dmitri Savin spent most of the season with CSKA Moskva’s U17 and U18 teams, playing just one MHL game in mid-February. He’s a two-way winger with pro size and a non-stop motor. A player who projects into a safer, bottom-six role.

Daniyar Aibatov

RHD - Irbis Kazan (MHL)
6’1” / 172 lbs
2025-26: 50 GP, 2-6—18

Daniyar Aibatov was a player who I consistently forgot was a 2009-born prospect, a testament to just how comfortable and confident he is at the MHL level. He led all Irbis defenders in scoring this season while playing in bottom-pair minutes. An extremely aggressive, mobile defenceman who can quarterback a power play with ease.

Artyom Frolov

LW - Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL)
6’2” / 183 lbs
2025-26: 10 GP, 2-2—4

There were some growing pains for Artyom Frolov this year, but he still has the skill level of a potential top player out of this age group. He’s a player who has a tendency to let the skill get the best of him, making him a mixed bag of impressive, projectable moves and unforced blunders. He’s an explosive winger with a raw attacking mindset, could bring some pop next year.

Ivan Kovalenko

RW - Loko-76 Yaroslavl/Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
6’2” / 207 lbs
2025-26: 11 GP, 0-0—0

Ivan Kovalenko didn’t get many chances in the MHL this year and early results aren’t pretty, but I’m not concerned about how it affects his future. This is a big, mean winger with a track record of causing chaos. He was more disciplined in the MHL than we’ve seen in years prior, only six PIMs in his 11 games, though he did have some issues containing himself with the U17 team.

He impressed at the Future Cup in February, showing his ability to use his shot threat to open up a variety of offensive plays.

Gleb Olkhovik

LW - CSKA Moskva (U17/U18)
6’3” / 192 lbs
2025-26: 47 GP, 18-41—59

Gleb Olkhovik was stapled to Nazar Privalov’s wing for a majority of the CSKA 2009s’ undefeated run last year, making it difficult to gauge his value at times. However, he has blown me away consistently this year. He is a big winger with advanced possession-based habits, shielding the puck expertly to handle pressure and drive plays to the middle.

Artyom Katsuro

RW/LW - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’0” / 163 lbs
2025-26: 1 GP, 0-0—0

The top producer of the CSKA youth system, it was a bit of a shock that Artyom Katsuro was only given one MHL game with Krasnaya Armiya this year. This is a smooth winger: delicate handling, clean edges, technical passer — everything he does looks purposeful and elegant. He’s the type of player who you would expect to be undersized, but at 6-foot already, that clearly isn’t a problem.

Ivan Rossinsky

LHD - Krasnaya Armiya Moskva (MHL)
6’3” / 194 lbs
2025-26: 6 GP, 1-0—1

Ivan Rossinsky is a mature, two-way defenceman with a spotlight on his defensive game. He’s a monster on retrievals, showing deception and quickness to collect and control loose pucks with repeatable habits. He makes a strong partnership with Shtyrkhunov, coupling the stopping power and advanced puck-moving for a very effective duo.

Yuri Menshchikov

LW - Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)
6’0” / 172 lbs
2025-26: 44 GP, 8-17—25

One of the top producers among the ‘09s in the MHL, Yuri Menshchikov has an advanced dual-threat style of offence. His passing game is defined by his quick reads and reactions, catching defenders off guard with perfect one-touch feeds and chaining together passes excellently. A really soft set of hands, controls the puck with poise and can get it on and off his stick accurately to a teammate in an instant. Showcased some scoring threat throughout the year, though only finished eight goals, he has a nice catch-and-release wrister and the handling skill to drive to the net for dangerous looks.

Dmitri Tokmakov

LHD - Avto Yekaterinburg (MHL)
5’10” / 165 lbs
2025-26: 43 GP, 4-8—12

Dmitri Tokmakov is a name that I can see making a big impact for Avto Yekaterinburg over the coming seasons. His game presents a lot of similarities to, teammate, Mikhail Gamzakov: undersized defenceman with skating limitations that thinks the game at a high level, brings reliable defensive support, and flashes solid puck-moving skills.

Ivan Ryabov

LW - Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (MHL)
5’9” / 154 lbs
2025-26: 28 GP, 2-3—5

Ivan Ryabov may lack size, but there’s a lot to like with him. He absorbs contact extremely well to make up for the frame, bouncing off checks and building momentum through body pressures. A dominant open ice handler with strong posturing and quick hands. His best asset is how he processes the game — a high sense player.

Yegor Trofimchuk

LW/RW - Omskie Yastreby (MHL)
5’11” / 181 lbs
2025-26: 26 GP, 4-6—10

After a dominant year at the U16 level serving as Omsk’s captain, Yegor Trofimchuk moved into the MHL and quickly found his rhythm. He’s an aggressive-minded goal-scorer with a cannon of a one-timer, brings the energy with off-puck effort and capitalizes on his chances. The type of player you can’t ignore on any given shift, commands attention.

Andrei Milyayev

LW/RW - Sputnik Almetievsk (MHL)
6’3” / 181 lbs
2025-26: 35 GP, 10-8—18

The third youngest player in the MHL this year, Andrei Milyayev was a force on the Sputnik front line. While his tools are more limited than other forwards in this group, his physical maturity and maximization of value through contact plays cannot be understated. Plus, being a December birthday gives more developmental leeway as he won’t be NHL Draft eligible until 2028.

The tournament featured 17 teams from across Russia, as well as Dinamo Minsk’s 2010 squad to round out as the 18th team. The format was three rounds of group stages, dividing the teams into three groups that were shuffled around for each part.

Dynamo Moskva would be crowned the eventual winners by topping the final group that was made up of the top ten teams from the event, winning seven out of the nine games to barely edge out Lokomotiv-2004 and Ak Bars.

Here’s a look at the top standouts from the competition:

Admiral Vladivostok

Georgi Varosyan, RW, 2010/10/18

Varosyan only played 10 of Admiral’s games at this event as he spent the majority of the season with their U18 squad, but his impact in those games can’t be ignored. Plays similarly to his brother, Rafik, with a mature, poised stickhandling game that stands out as more refined than a large amount of players in this age group. The top prospect in this system for sure.

Ak Bars Kazan

★ Mikhail Chirkov, C, 2010/03/21

The top prospect of the Ak Bars system and one of the most notable names at this event, Chirkov was the undeniable leading force behind this team. He tallied 37 points in 24 games and it comes down to just how well he thinks the game. Soft hands, controlled offence, and a high work rate make him a player who coaches will love working with throughout his career.

Dmitri Morozov, RW, 2010/05/10

Morozov moved from Armiya-SKA to Ak Bars before the beginning of the second stage of this event and quickly rose into ‘player to watch’ status. He’s an undersized player with the fight of a giant, taking risks and bringing a high effort style of play to never let his size exclude him from the action. With a solid skill game on top of the pacey, two-way profile, he fits the bill for becoming another top player for Irbis Kazan in the MHL.

Amur Marfin, LHD, 2010/01/30

Marfin’s potential may have uncertainty given his frame, but this was easily one of the most exciting defencemen to watch at this event. His all-out-attack style with aggresive pinching to extend zone time, creative handling, and adventurous activations were a joy to behold.

Amur Khabarovsk

Ivan Kabanov, LW, 2010/05/08

Kabanov was the primary standout on one of the weaker teams of this event. The primary value comes through his handling skill and aggressiveness to pull off plays. Every viewing was filled with him throwing things at the wall to see what stuck and it gave a respectable outlook for future MHL success and made him one of the top scorers on his team.

Armiya-SKA St. Petersburg

Anatoli Balalin, LW, 2010/08/08

Balinin’s game is built around his shiftiness. He’s exceptional on his edges, showing lethality with his cutbacks to give defenders the slip and showcase superb space creation ability. While on the smaller side of things, he has the build of a tank, driving his whole body weight into opponents constantly.

Oleg Yevplov, LHD, 2010/03/05 (Selected by Omaha in USHL Draft)

The leading scorer among defencemen for Armiya-SKA, Yevplov shined as one of the most exciting blueliners at this event. His game is built for transitioning into the MHL, capitalizing on his skating ability to adopt an excellent counterattacking style with useful rush defending. Shined on the top power play unit as a creator from the top of the zone.

Mikhail Lyakh, LW, 2010/10/30

Armiya-SKA’s leading scorer with 30 points in 22 games, Lyakh provided both the offensive output to dominate this tournament and the habits of a player prepared to climb to the next level. His defining game was against Spartak Moskva on March 11th, where he put up five points against one of the best teams in the competition. A workhorse with some pop.

Atlant Mytishchi

Kirill Pavlov, RW, 2010/06/17

Pavlov led his team in scoring with a very respectable total of 27 points in 19 games. He’s a smaller, skill-based winger with the toolkit to project to the next level quite effectively. Advanced pace control habits to open space and a tricky player to close down for defenders, highlighted with some fancy work to escape pressures and drive offensive chances.

CSKA Moskva

★ Gordei Khotkov, LHD, 2010/03/30

Would be difficult to start anywhere but here. Gordei Khotkov is a top 2010 prospect across all of Europe, a 6-foot-5 defenceman with absurd mobility, skill, offence, and physicality. He’s chaotic to his core: a constant activator to cycle down deep into the zone for scoring chances, charges up the ice to lead rushes. Abandoning his position rarely puts his team in a detrimental spot because if he has the puck, he’s not a risk to lose it, and if he doesn’t, he can easily make up the space with his foot speed. There will need to be some adjustments as he climbs the ranks, but a clear high-end prospect.

Ivan Sokolov, RHD, 2010/01/08

Another defenceman with a big frame on the CSKA blueline, Ivan Sokolov is the antithesis of Khotkov. His game is built around defensive stability with puck-moving being an additional, more infrequent commodity. The play reading ability, pressuring habits, and positional awareness on top of his size and skating combination put his defensive game high on the reliability spectrum.

Bogdan Bezukhov, LW, 2010/10/22

Bezukhov switched Moscow teams in this event, beginning the year with Dynamo before moving to CSKA prior to the second stage of the cup. While his production fell under the point-per-game marker, his transition to the new set-up was smooth, successfully finding a role as a driver of play thanks to his skill and creativity. We didn’t quite see the highs of his playmaking game that he showed with Dynamo and at the Sirius Cup, but definitely provided enough interest to make this list.

Dynamo Moskva

★ Roman Andreev, LW, 2010/07/10

Andreev came into this event as one of the top players to watch and didn’t disappoint. He is a powerful winger, possessing a mature physical game based around advanced shielding and a focus on driving the inside lane. While some viewings saw him as more of a background player, the high-end displays simply outweighed the less than satisfactory games and made him a top player at this event. The physicality and shot are both tools capable of making him a top-six player at the next level very quickly.

Fyodor Nikitin, C, 2010/01/13

Dynamo Moskva’s top scorer of the event, Nikitin is emerging as one of the most entertaining prospects among the 2010s. He’s a high skilled forward, aggressive to take on defenders and drive playmaking opportunities. Finished the event tied for the second most assists (28).

Yuri Vlasenko, RHD, 2010/07/19

An Austrain-born defenceman, Vlasenko steals the show with well above-average mobility and a dynamic puck-moving game. There’s a valuable amount of controlled chaos to his profile, jumping into plays all over the ice to be a constant threat to make something happen. Leverages his mature frame on defensive to cover space and apply intense pressures.

Vlasenko was named the best defeceman of the Golden Finale.

Krylia Sovetov Moskva

★ Fyodor Klimovich, RW, 2010/08/18

Real MHL heads may know about the Klimovich brothers that have been coming up through the Novosibirsk system with Ivan and Yegor making their breakthroughs into professional hockey over the past couple seasons. Fyodor isn’t the next brother in line by age (17-year-old Nikita has that spot), but he is the highest potential of the four. He blends all of their games together with exceptional hockey sense to go on top. A player who can carve space through defences with phenemonal puck and individual movement, he was unstoppable at this event, leading all players with 48 points in 24 games.

Kirill Vasilyev, C, 2010/06/05

Vasilyev finished right behind Klimovich in the scoring race with 47 points in 24 games and would be named the best forward of the Golden Finale. Like his teammate, his hockey sense is what will propel him to success. A high-level manipulator who controls the flow of play with pace/direction changes, feints, and fakes. Always has his head up and eyes moving to spot plays in motion and showed standout composure with his finishing touch for 21 goals in this event.

Lada Togliatti

Yaroslav Burov, LW, 2010/04/18

Burov was the player to watch for Lada in this one. He stood out to me at the Sirius Cup due to his motor that would seemingly never let up and that didn’t stop here. He’s the type of player who never wants to let go of possession, extending carries by cutting back and resetting, but his skill level gave him plenty of a reason to do so. Comfortably led his team in scoring and should find himself getting MHL minutes next year.

Lokomotiv-2004 Yaroslavl

★ Platon Shchur, LW, 2010/05/02

What a run this was for Platon Shchur. The only Belarusian to feature here, he absolutely dominanted this event with 42 points in 24 games and led all players with 22 goals. He was the biggest riser of this event for me as he always stood out as a potential top prospect, but as time went on, his skill exploded to a whole new level. He became the primary driver of just about all of his team’s best offence, driving play forcefully through the middle of the zone to consistently create high-danger plays.

★ German Gromov, G, 2010/06/01

Gromov was not letting anyone take his spot throughout the course of this event. A staggering 24 games played led all netminders and the results speak for themselves. A .919 save-percentage was the fifth best across the span of the tournament as he played a huge part in his team’s second place finish.

★ Anton Malinovsky, C, 2010/07/09

Malinovsky absolutely dominated the first stage of this event with 15 points in the first five game run. He did end up missing some time through injury, but never really took his foot off the gas. This is a high-energy, relentless centre with serious two-way potential. His tool-kit doesn’t grade as highly as many other top prospects; however, his defensive skill, physicality, and ridiculous motor project him into a big role at the next level. The type of player who complements any wingers you put beside him.

MAH-Moskva

Yegor Volsky, RHD, 2010/06/05

Volsky is a 6-foot-5 defensive stopper. His skating may struggle to allow him to break into a top-four role in the MHL, but his utilization of his reach and frame made him a high value chance supressor over the course of this event. His mobility speed is low, but for a growing player, his coordination and balance provide a positive outlook for development.

Severstal Cherepovets

Zakhar Mudrov, C, 2010/05/15

Mudrov was the lone standout for me among the Severstal 2010s. Not too much of a surprise given how much he’s outperformed the rest of his team in his U16 region on top of this event, though. He’s a bit of a do-it-all forward. Doesn’t stand out too much from a skill or skating standpoint, but he has a lethal shot and the ability to draw open passing lanes by using that threat to his advantage.

Sibir Novosibirsk

Yuri Chernomaz, LW, 2010/10/05

Chernomaz is the premier 2010 talent for Sibir and didn’t disapppoint at this event. He brings a unique blend of size and skill that doesn’t come frequently in this system. Showing the ability to drive play through contact, shield the puck, and build repeatable habits of inside routes makes him a potential NHL Draft prospect in the future.

Viktor Kochetov, RHD, 2010/11/18

Sibir’s top defenceman, Kochetkov is a reliable, all-around profile. He isn’t at the 6-foot marker yet, but shows distinct physical maturity, giving him an edge if he can hit a height boost in the new few seasons. His coverage of space was remarkable. Standout footwork and intelligence made him a particularly valuable rush stopper, a player who can dictate the flow of play.

Spartak Moskva

★ Artyom Korolyov, C, 2010/03/03

Potentially the No. 1 talent across all of Europe in his age group, Korolyov finished with 39 points in 24 games at this event. To put it simply, there isn’t much he can’t do at a high-level. A fantastic skater with dynamic, intelligent handling ability. He can, and did, outplay any defending at this level. One of the biggest separators between him and nearly every other player is his first-touch plays. A quick manipluator for immediate space creation sequences directly into his next plan of attack. A very high level prospect.

★ Pytor Legkov, LW, 2010/01/14

Not to be outdone by Korolyov, Legkov finished the event with 39 points as well, but in one less game than his linemate. His projectability is hazier than some of the other top forwards in this age group, yet the skill and speed make it clear that he has a bright future ahead. He is potentially the fastest mover in this age group and the control he possesses over the wheels is fantastic.

★ Nikita Baranov, LHD, 2010/01/02

Rounding out the trio of top talents among the Spartak 2010s is the 6-foot-5 Nikita Baranov. For me, he’s clearly a top-2 defenceman in his age group. His game is as conisistent as they come. A reiable defensive machine, knows how to use his size and range at a high-level, and is an extremely effective stopper. The flashes of offence were just the cherry on top, stepping up into playing a major role through cycles and accruing 16 points in total.

Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod

★ Dobrynya Suchkov, G, 2010/05/17

The top Russian goalie in this age group and potentially the best in all of Europe, Suchkov had an excellent tournament. He began the year with Spartak before switching to Torpedo and quickly settled into the new club. His skating is elite with incredible quickness and agility. Put up a .901 save-percentage with his new club as they did struggle to get conistent results.

★ Nikita Sinikin, RW, 2010/04/06

Sinikin left CSKA after being a part of their undefeated U16 run to join Avangard Omsk for the 2025-26 season. He would then land in Nizhny Novgorod and instantly become a top player to watch in this event. He did not disappoint. There’s so much going for this prospect: he’s an incredible skater both with speed and agility, a lethal playmaking threat with game breaking skill and high sense, and a growing finishing game that rounds out the offensive tool-kit. His size may limit how high he can rise, but this is a clear top-5 forward prospect in this age group.

★ Ivan Simashov, C, 2011/04/20

A keen eye may notice that this is the only player born in 2011 on this list. Watching him play, that would not be something that would be as easy to spot. While playing with almost entirely players a year older, Simashov displayed excellent physical habits on top of his highly intelligent offenisve style. The results speak for themselves, he finished second on his team in scoring with 25 points in 19 games including back-to-back five-point games in January.

For the first time since 2022, the Eastern Conference contains the #1 Russian prospect heading into the upcoming NHL Draft—Viktor Fyodorov.

2024/25 Recap

• Kharlamov Cup Semi-Finalists: Omskie Yastreby & Chaika Nizhny Novgorod

• Promoted: Tolpar Ufa

• Relegated: Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk

In the second straight season, there was a West vs. West battle in the Kharlamov Cup Finals. For those unaware, the playoff bracket is split with the East and West on opposite sides until the semi-finals where we see the first meetings between the two conferences. For the past two years, it’s been one-sided, but it isn’t always that way as three years ago we had an all East final.

Irbis Kazan were the big risers of the season, taking first place after a fifth place finish in 2023/24. A big part of that comes down to 18-year-old Malik Saberzyanov, who led the team in scoring with 50 in 52. They went on to be eliminated in the Conference Quarter-Finals to Kuznetskie Medvedi in a shocking upset.

No changes in the top-six teams over the previous season. Omskie Yastreby finished one point behind Irbis thanks to a strong season from their graduating forward group and a brick wall in Sergei Dolgov. Mamonty Yugry put together another remarkable defensive season as one of two teams to allow below-100 goals against. Chaika Nizhny Novgorod’s mix of youth and experience saw them put together a, second straight, fourth place finish.

Sibirskie Snaipery finished dead last after barely surviving the 2023/24 season. They were the only team to finish with a negative goal differential in the Eastern Gold Division despite a 62-point season from Yegor Klimovich. Tolpar Ufa replaces them for the upcoming season with a guaranteed promotion by finishing first in the Silver Division after a shocking relegation the year prior.

• Most Points: Yegor Kolesnikov, MHK Molot Perm (63)

• Most Goals: Yegor Klimovich, Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk (27)

• Most Assists: Yegor Kolesnikov, MHK Molot Perm (46)

• Best Goalkeeper: Danila Ovcharik, Ladia Togliatti

Growth by Stagnation

For the first time since 2018/19, the same teams from the year prior will be competing in the East. No additions or subtractions, at least nothing announced to this point, is a big milestone for the league.

The MHL is a league that needs more structure and, to their credit, they have announced positive steps forward in that direction. Stricter financial regulations, East vs. West regular season games beginning this season, rewarding teams for developing KHL talents. There still are clear issues with parity between the East and West, as well as questions about if certain teams have the quality or draw to be deserving of a spot in the league.

Avto Yekaterinburg

Last Season: 28-18-6 (7th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Mikhail Gamzakov (D), Dmitri Isayev (LW), Lavr Gashilov (C)

Out: Dmitri Boykov (D), Daniel Kulyash (LW), Yefim Belykh (RW), Nikita Novosyolov (G), Artyom Vakitov (LW), Mikhail Golovkin (D), Yuri Karatay (D), Konstantin Toropov (D)

It’s going to be a transition season for Avto with all of these losses. On defence, they’ll have to replace three of their top-four defenders with Boykov, Toropov, and Golovkin graduating, plus the depth quality of Karatay. Kulyash’s 21-goal season last year was a huge improvement over his previous two and Belykh was a reliable 30-point player.

Prospects: Mikhail Gamzakov (D, 2025), Georgi Kaigorodov (D, 2025), Lavr Gashilov (C, 2026)

Gamzakov passed through the 2025 Draft, as did many sub-six foot defencemen. He was thrust into a big role with Avto and made his professional debut because of his advanced defensive game and breakout skill. On the flip side, Kaigorodov is a 6-foot-3 defender with range, physicality, and puck skills; held back by mobility. Gashilov will be the prospect to watch. The 2026 Draft eligible was a crucial player between Isayev and Pimin, finding great chemistry to drive results.

NHL Drafted: Dmitri Isayev (LW, OTT)

Leading the charge for Avto last season was Dmitri Isayev down the left flank. His high motor and playmaking touch are first-line calibre for this level. Despite a lack of strong finishing skill, his 22 goals led his team as the primary scorer on his line.

2025/26 Prediction: 9th Place

A lack of depth scoring and a weakened backline doesn’t bode well for success this season. They’re in a position where they have a fantastic line of Isayev-Gashilov-Pimin, but that’s by far the three best forwards on the roster. Maxim Tarasov is a useful middle-sixer who was tracking well in a shortened season due to injury.

Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk

Last Season: 34-15-3 (5th Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Yaroslav Fedoseyev (D), Artemi Nizameyev (RW), Leonid Kolodiy (LW/RW)

Out: Artyom Pronichkin (D), Stepan Gorbunov (C, FLA), Nikita Telegin (C), Mikhail Shcheglov (C)

Nikita Telegin is the biggest name on the way out for Belye Medvedi. He led the team in both scoring (39) and ATOI (20:00) this past season. Outside of that, nothing too devastating. Pronichkin and Gorbunov hardly skated in the MHL last season, so not too much of a real loss there. Shcheglov posted 22 assists last season and was sixth in overall production on the team.

Prospects: Yaroslav Fedoseyev (D, 2026), Alexander Kovalenko (D, 2026), Maxim Semenikhin (D, 2026), Vladislav Yeust (C, 2026), Roman Kozhevnikov (C/LW, 2027)

The three 2026 Draft eligible defencemen on Chelyabinsk’s blueline are going to be called upon for big seasons. Fedoseyev already has his role guaranteed—top-pair minutes, power play time, and likely some more minutes at higher levels. Kovalenko also should be a lock for the top-four with his defensive play and flashy breakout habits. Maxim Semenikhin is the wildcard. A strong skater with offensive pop - he’ll be fighting to be in that top-four conversation, too.

If they decide to introduce a 2009-born player, Roman Kozhevnikov is the clear cut choice. A 6-foot-3, physically strong forward with unreal speed and violence. Not a sure fire thing to make the roster, but if he does, keep a keen eye out for him.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2025/26 Prediction: 8th Place

While they didn’t lose much, I don’t see a player on the roster that stands as the true needle mover. 18-year-old, Andrei Matyushin could be that player; however, his early success at the VHL level leads me to believe he won’t be a regular in the MHL. As a result, the forward group if going to be reliant on a Leonid Kolodiy takeover or a 17/18-year-old to step up and score big time.

Chaika Nizhny Novgorod

Last Season: 34-11-7 (4th Place — Eliminated in Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Viktor Fyodorov (C), Marat Sabitov (G), Makar Opolinsky (LW)

Out: Maxim Glinsky (D), Daniil Omelyusik (LW), Ilya Zharkov (D), Ivan Chesnokov (D), Denis Utenkov (G), Mikhail Ipatov (D)

Chaika takes a big hit on the defensive end after their deep run into the playoffs last season. The pair of Glinsky and Chesnokov was a catalyst for their success, though both only played half-seasons last year. Zharkov and Ipatov provided experience on the other two pairings as the two 20-year-olds played primarily with underagers. Omelyusik finished his MHL career with a 26-point season in 21 games, spending most of the year in the VHL. He was one of the most impressive players in the league over the last two years.

Prospects: Gleb Pugachyov (RW, 2026), Viktor Fyodorov (C, 2026), Vladimir Laptev (LW, 2026), Yan Melnikov (LW, 2026), Sergei Skvortsov (LW, 2027)

The most exciting team in the East will have the NHL Draft attention shifted to them after a down year last season. Pugachyov is a power forward build who puts in the work all over the ice, making him a coach’s dream. Fyodorov is the premier 2026 Draft eligible in Russia. Incredible hockey sense, passing skill, and defensive game; a rare, true centre. He was fantastic in the playoffs last season, will look to build off that. Melnikov and Laptev are two undersized wingers who both debuted in the VHL last season, tons of pace between the two of them.

Sergei Skvortsov is the top Russian prospect in the world right now. He dominated the U18 level last season, leading Torpedo far into the JHL Finals. He’s an all-around dominant winger; phenomenal skating, dynamic handling, physically advanced, strong dual-threat creation. This player looks like he could already be playing professional hockey, I can’t wait to see what he does in the MHL this year.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2025/26 Prediction: 2nd Place

The youthful team only gets younger, but it’s hard not to expect big things from them. Marat Sabitov made a huge impact last season in net - this will be the true test as the workload for the goaltender will likely jump up. The defensive group on this team doesn’t have many standout names. Alexei Anisimov can be trusted to play top-four minutes and Veniamin Ryabkin is an interesting pick-up from Dyanmo-Kareliya. The focus will be primarily on the forwards to pick up where they left off. Fyodorov can be a 1C, Pugachyov has big potential, Skvortsov is the star boy, and Opolinsky provides experience.

Irbis Kazan

Last Season: 40-8-4 (1st Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Malik Saberzyanov (C), Igor Bardin (D), Rashit Samigullin (D)

Out: Gennadi Naumov (D), Ilya Barsukov (LW/RW), Azamat Makhmutov (D), Alexander Stolpechenkov (G), Raul Yakupov (C), Danil Sherstnyov (C)

Ilya Basukov has to be the biggest loss for Irbis. While his playoff performance was less than ideal, replacing his 27 goals and 49 points is a difficult task, especially for a team with a noticeable weakness in goal scoring. Sherstnyov and Yakupov were far from regulars in the line-up, but they provided viable depth scoring in their time with the club. Makhmutov and Naumov were mainstays in the lineup last year. Makhmutov’s 30 points last year led all defencemen in the East’s Gold Division.

Prospects: Alexander Ivanov (D, 2026), Andrei Pustovoy (LW/RW, 2027)

“Ivanov's hockey sense looks like the highest of any DY-1 defenceman I've seen in the MHL.” Expected to play a top pairing role in his sophomore year, Ivanov is the defenceman to watch in the East. If he can improve his skating, there’s a potential B-grade prospect. Pustovoy is also entering his second season with Irbis and I have high expectations for him. He was sheltered last year and bumped out for more experienced players frequently, but the intelligent, offensive dynamo should be a regular this season.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2025/26 Prediction: 3rd Place

I’ve projected a drop for Irbis to give the nod to Chaika and Irbis, though they have the team to go back-to-back. They have an older squad, especially on the defensive end, which gives the advantage to their young talents who can be given more expressive roles next to older players. The production losses of Barsukov and Makhmutov can be replaced by players like Ivanov and Pustovoy. Malik Saberzyanov has the potential to lead this team to another first place finish. The only thing that gives me pause is that lack of true goal scoring.

Kuznetskie Medvedi

Last Season: 24-25-3 (8th Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Semyon Gerasimov (LW), Mark Grzheletsky (C/LW), Maxim Gubin (RW)

Out: Ivan Firich (D), Artyom Apasov (D), Saveli Luchenkov (LW), Yefim Boltov (D), Nikita Shcheglov (LW), Danila Belov (D)

Kuznetskie Medvedi is in for a complete defensive overhaul this year. Only two defencemen who played at least 20 games for the Bears last season remain with the team. Belov is the biggest loss after his 21-point season. Shcheglov and Luchenkov are out of the top-six, leaving big gaps to fill up top.

Prospects: Semyon Gerasimov (LW, 2027)

Gerasimov was the breakthrough player with a 17-goal rookie season. His shooting presence has already proven to be MHL quality, adding in more handling skill could elevate him to a play driving role which would be a huge asset for this team.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2025/26 Prediction: 7th Place

I expect a pretty similar season as last season, including avoiding direct relegation once more. They did well to replace their losses on defence with Arseni Lisin from Krasnaya Armiya and Saveli Tkach from Stalnye Lisy. As a result, they still have an experienced defensive core with a handful of 16 and 17-year-olds to fill in the rest of the gaps. The forward group isn’t strong enough to challnge for a higher finish, though. Gerasimov moving into a bigger role is very exciting.

Mamonty Yugry

Last Season: 37-11-4 (3rd Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Mikhail Fudymovsky (G), Maxim Sakharov (D), Kirill Sukharev (C)

Out: Maxim Pashchenko (D), Yevgeni Kholodny (D), Denis Sorokin (RW), Ivan Kravankov (D), Ilya Rakhcheyev (C), Fyodor Vyalov (D), Alexander Shen (LW/C)

The best defensive team in the MHL loses nearly their entire defensive core. Their pairing of Kholodny-Kravankov was their most dominant defensive unit, keeping the puck out of the net better than just about any pairing in the league. Up front losing the scoring skill of Alexander Shen to the VHL is a big loss. He didn’t quite hit his full potential, but 16 goals in 35 games made him the team’s most efficient goal scorer last year.

Prospects: Mikhail Fudymovsky (G, 2025), Fyodor Dolgopol (D, 2027)

Fudymovsky put together a dominant draft year campaign with a .931 save-percentage and 20-8-4 record in the regular season. He carried that momentum into the playoffs with a .946 in seven games, though his 5-foot-10 frame holds him back from NHL Draft consideration. Dolgopol is a 6-4 left sided defenceman who fits the bill of the typical Mamonty Yugry defender. Rangy, mobile, shutdown profile - he’ll likely be spending most of the year in the U18s, but a player to watch nonetheless.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2025/26 Prediction: 5th Place

This team is really tough to project. A defence-first style with a major shift in their roster on the backend makes them more of a ‘wait and see’ type of team. I project a drop off out of the guaranteed playoff spots. The lack of goal-scoring is a problem. The 168 goals they scored last season was bang average for the East and with losses of Shen and Sorokin, I expect that number to shrink.

Omskie Yastreby

Last Season: 39-8-5 (2nd Place — Eliminated in Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Andrei Kuryanov (C), Andrei Zavadsky (D), Yegor Trofimchuk (LW)

Out: Artyom Zubkov (LW), Sergei Dolgov (G), Artyom Kulikovsky (D), Nikolai Khvorov (RW), Yegor Yadykin (C), Ivan Novokshenov (LW/RW), Nikolai Zakharov (D), Danil Syslov (D), Danila Sysoyev (LW/RW), Eduard Golodnyuk (RW), Pavel Smyshlyayev (D)

This group of ‘04s and ‘05s was one of the most enjoyable to watch in the MHL, not even mentioning Mikhail Gulyayev, who returned for one last hoorah in the playoffs. In net, Dolgov is a massive loss as he has been very reliable for the past three seasons. Really, they’re losing their entire core and beginning to replace them with youth. Khvorov developed into one of the best players in the league and was their top scorer last season. Zubkov, Yadykin, and Novokshenov were three of the other four players to hit 20-points.

Prospects: Andrei Zavadsky (D, 2025), Pavel Chernochub (D, 2026), Bogdan Vasilevsky (C, 2027), Yegor Trofimchuk (LW, 2027), Vladimir Mozzhukhin (D, 2027), Yaroslav Tkachyov (C, 2027)

With the focus shifting to youth, it’s no surprise that this team is loaded with potential. Zavadsky’s size keeps him away from NHL Draft recognition, but he put together an amazing season last year as a highly dynamic, offensive defenceman. Pavel Chernochub was the first 2008-born to debut in the league, playing under his father. He’s an excellent mover who plays a strong game on both sides of the puck.

The 2009s have a ton of scoring potential at the MHL level. Yegor Trofimchuk leads the charge as the first instant impact player. He’s proved himself as a dangerous goal scorer in both U16 and U17 this season, the still 15-year-old could be in for a potent season. Mozzhukhin is the premier defenceman prospect in the East right now. His incredible lateral mobility and handling skill make him a dangerous puck-moving defenceman with shutdown habits. Vasilevsky and Tkachyov could also be filling top-six roles this season.

NHL Drafted: Ivan Yunin (G, COL)

Yunin is the only potential drafted prospect on this team. The 19-year-old only has 23 regular season games under his belt, though. Expecting to see him mostly on the VHL roster, once again.

2025/26 Prediction: 1st Place

My riskiest prediction here is that the squad rotation in Omsk pays off for a first place finish. This roster just looks so well-rounded to me. They have responsible defencemen (Moiseyev, Chernochub) mixed with creative, offence driven blueliners (Zavadsky, Mozzhukhin, Krivko). Up front, the only potential limit is a proven goal scorer at the MHL level. However, that is a pretty big gap - no player on this roster has scored more than 10 goals in a season. That’s where my hope in the ‘09s comes in to give this team the top spot in a tight race.

Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk

Last Season: 29-18-5 (6th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Andrei Trofimov (G), Mikhail Fyodorov (LW/RW), Igor Nechayev (C)

Out: Artyom Gonchar (D, NYR), Vladislav Dolgikh (RW/LW), Saveli Tkach (D), Ivan Kudrin (D), Yegor Kramzin (G), Vadim Lukin (D)

"One of my goals for the season is to play for Metallurg in the best league in Russia," said Artyom Gonchar in an interview published on July 2nd. Six days later, he signed his contract with the Sudbury Wolves, so there’s one goal not accomplished. Stlanye Lisy’s biggest losses overall come from the back end. Dolgikh put up a 34-point season last year, a career high and third most on the team.

Prospects: Nikita Poltavchuk (D, 2025), Danil Sysoyev (RW/LW, 2026)

Poltavchuk was up-and-down all of last season. He started hot - making him almost a top-64 name in the early stages - but a lack of consistency in usage on an older defensive unit saw him stagnate as the year progressed. There’s interesting qualities with his mobility, sense, and physical intensity. Sysosyev was the fourth best producer on this team in his rookie season. Became a power-based winger with a strong net-front presence.

NHL Drafted: Mikhail Fyodorov (LW/RW, STL), Andrei Trofimov (G, OTT)

Trofimov should be returning and becoming the full-time starter rather than the 1B. His .929 save-percentage in 26 games last year made him a top goalie prospect for the 2025 Draft as a D+1 and he’ll look to build upon that profile. Fyodorov is the most important piece for the Steel Foxes this season. His 43 in 45 led the team in production and earned him chances on the professional stage. They’ll need him to be playing full-time to continue to be that top-six force—more goals would be nice from him.

2025/26 Prediction: 6th Place

My main issue with this team is the lack of talent in the ‘08s and ‘09s. Someone like Dmitri Shcherbinin could step in after dominating the U17 level, but there’s no name that really screams top-end talent for a team of this quality. It may honestly be a team reliant on one forward line and a brick wall in net.

Tolpar Ufa

Last Season: 38-10-6 (1st Place — Promoted)

Key Players: Alexander Zharovsky (RW), Maxim Ilyichyov (C), Alan Shaikhlislamov (RW/LW)

Out: Danil Kochurov (LW/RW), Alexei Rodionov (D), Radim Shafikov (C/RW)

Compared to the rest of the East, Tolpar have done very well to keep a hold of their team from last season. Kochurov is a pretty big loss as he’s coming off a 40-point season. Rodionov was on the ice for a ton of goals in relatively low minutes, he was moved back to the Silver Division with Krylia Sovetov.

Prospects: Alan Shaikhlislamov (RW/LW, 2026), Nikita Koltsov (C, 2026), Nikita Shcherbakov (D, 2026), Alexander Shermakov (LW, 2027)

Tolpar’s youth intake brought fantastic results for earning direct promotion to the Gold Division. Alan Shaikhlislamov established himself as a top 2008-born prospects with a 20-goal rookie campaign, only behind Michkov, Kucherov, and Ryabkin for most goals by a U17 player. Nikita Koltsov put up 48 points in his first full season with Tolpar, dominating as a speedy, playmaking centre. Shcherbakov is a big bodied, minute munching defender who impressed in both the MHL and international events.

Shermakov is the 2009 to watch in the Ufa system. He found great chemistry with Sergei Skvortsov at the U16 Districts Cup and kept that momentum going into the season with 26 goals at the U16 level.

NHL Drafted: Maxim Agafonov (D, SEA), Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko (G, UTA), Alexander Zharovsky (RW, MTL)

Maxim Agafonov is going to be playing big minutes for Tolpar again this season. Would not be surprised if he played solely at the MHL level this year given the increased quality of competition over last year. He’s a strong two-way defenceman, continued physical growth and improving his completion rate on plays is key. Ivan Tkach-Tkachenko will be tasked with holding down the fort once again.

Alexander Zharovsky has stolen the show in the MHL and he’s only going to have more eyes on him now that Montreal selected him. The highly skilled winger with a lethal shot blew up the league in his rookie campaign with a 50-point season and broke into the KHL for a late playoff stint.

[Film Room: How Alexander Zharovsky Went from Afterthought to Wildcard]

2025/26 Prediction: 4th Place

Tolpar’s first season back in the Gold Division should see them contend for a top spot. With the high-end players like Zharovsky, Ilyichyov, and Agafonov combined with the upcoming stars in Shaikhlislamov and Koltsov, they have the most dynamic team in the East. They instantly replaced all of their losses with solid talents. Roman Rizvanov could be in for a strong season.

AKM Novomoskovsk

Last Season: 4-44-6 (10th Place)

Key Players: Ilya Klinovsky (C), Daniil Bykov (D)

2025/26 Prediction: 10th Place

Krasnoyarskie Rysi

Last Season: 14-32-7 (7th Place)

Key Players: Yegor Lazarev (LW), Semyon Cherkasov (C)

2025/26 Prediction: 9th Place

Ladia Togliatti

Last Season: 34-12-8 (2nd Place)

Key Players: Mikhail Vorfolomeyev (LW/RW), Alexander Morozov (D)

Prospect: Alexander Morozov (D, 2026)

Morozov is a 6-3, left-handed defenceman whose locked himself into the Togliatti system through 2027/28. He’s a standard defensive-focused player, outsmarts opponents with intelligent stickwork and positioning to make up for a weaker skating base. Became more and more aggressive as the year progressed.

2025/26 Prediction: 1st Place

Loko-76 Yaroslavl

Last Season: 26-21-7 (5th Place)

Key Players: Ilya Beryozkin (C/LW), Daniil Brusnikin (D)

Prospects: Vasili Malikov (LW, 2027), Nikita Melnichyonok (RW, 2027), Fyodor Belousov (LW, 2027)

It’s tough to predict where the prospects will end up between Loko and Loko-76, so I’ll put some of the players from the second-tier of the Yaroslavl ranks here. Malikov is a tonne of fun. High pace, high skill, hyper offensive and in a tiny frame. Meanwhile, Melnichyonok and Belousov are more in line with the two-way, responsible forwards that have come through Yaroslavl recently.

2025/26 Prediction: 4th Place

MHK Molot Perm

Last Season: 29-18-7 (3rd Place)

Key Players: Denis Fedyayev (C), Denis Sorokin (C)

2025/26 Prediction: 5th Place

Reaktor Nizhnekamsk

Last Season: 31-21-2 (4th Place)

Key Players: Dmitri Semenyonok (D), Kondrat Reshetnikov (RW), Semyon Lyubalin (G)

2025/26 Prediction: 3rd Place

Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk

Last Season: 18-31-3 (9th Place — Relegated)

Key Players: Ilya Lyuzenkov (C), Vsevolod Tsevelyov (D), Alexander Pershakov (RW)

Prospects: Alexander Grunin (D, 2026), Ivan Ryabov (C, 2027), Makar Krutokhvostov (LW/RW, 2027)

Grunin broke into the Sibirskie Snaipery lineup as a 16-year-old, making his way up top-four minutes by the season’s end. He’s a big defender who eats up space and can safely get the puck out of the defensive end. Nothing stands out as too high end, but a solid, minute eating player.

Sibir has a couple of interesting talents coming through the system. Ivan Ryabov was the top producer in the U16 system with 32+57 in 36 league games and 3+11 in eight games in the U16 Finals. Along with him is Makar Krutokhvostov, another smaller winger coming up, his game is built around his slipperiness and shot.

2025/26 Prediction: 2nd Place

Snezhnye Barsy Astana

Last Season: 14-33-7 (8th Place)

Key Players: Mstislav Shipilin (D), Marat Sagymbayev (D)

2025/26 Prediction: 8th Place

Sputnik Almetievsk

Last Season: 13-39-2 (9th Place)

Key Players: Kirill Kutuzov (RW/LW), Artyom Ovchinnikov (RW)

Prospect: Adel Kalimullin (C, 2026)

Kalimullin is a dynamo of energy. He levels opponents with open ice hits, sprints all around the ice, and is an aggressive offensive threat. More dynamic handling will be required to advance his game, but he’s a ton of fun.

2025/26 Prediction: 6th Place

Tyumenski Legion

Last Season: 19-26-9 (6th Place)

Key Players: Ivan Yanovsky (RW/C), Timur Kholikov (D)

2025/26 Prediction: 7th Place

The Western Conference is where the top MHL talent lies. Homing a multitude of different clubs located in major hubs: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yaroslavl, it’s no surprise why that is.

2024/25 Recap

• Kharlamov Cup Champions: MHK Spartak Moskva

• Promoted: Krasnaya Armiya Moskva & Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk

• Relegated: MHK Atlant Mytishchi & Amurskie Tigry Khabarovsk

Overall, this season went just about as expected out West. AKM Tula started off the season hot - winning 23 out of 29 - but an overall losing record against the big two kept them to a, still impressive, fourth place finish. Meanwhile, AKM-Junior got pounded hard to start the season as they lost their first 11 games. They spent the rest of the year flipping streaks, landing them in a mid-table spot in the Silver Division.

MHK Dynamo Moskva had their worst regular season since 2019/20, finishing sixth place and were eliminated by Loko Yaroslavl in the opening round of the playoffs. Loko had themselves a solid season, though a clear step back over the last two years. The back-to-back standings toppers had to settle for a third place finish and a semi-finals exit.

The aforementioned ‘big two’ are MHK Spartak Moskva and SKA-1946 St. Petersburg. They were neck and neck throughout the entirety of the regular season with the two most talented rosters in the MHL. It only made sense for the two to meet in the Kharlamov Cup Finals where Spartak blew a 3-0 series lead as SKA-1946 forced a Game 7. This comeback gave us an incredibly strange turn of events. The day before the final game, Spartak announced they would have to switch venues due to a scheduling conflict. This meant that instead of playing at the Megasport Arena (12,396 cap.), the game would be played at the Sokolniki Palace (1,538 cap.). Of course, fans were outraged, chairs were thrown onto the ice, and the whole situation became a tire fire, overshadowing MHK Spartak Moskva’s 6-2 victory to win the Cup.

• Most Points: Ignat Lutfullin, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (66)

• Most Goals: Maxim Ilyichyov, Russkie Vityazi (33)

• Most Assists: Ignat Lutfullin, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (43)

• MVP: Ivan Ryabov, MHK Spartak Moskva

• Best Goalkeeper: Yaroslav Kuzmenko, MHK Spartak Moskva

The Missing Team

Announced on June 24th, Vityaz’s financial debts reached the point of the club not being functional and, thus, the KHL announced that both Vityaz and Russkie Vityazi would not be playing in the 2025/26 season. Three days later, the KHL announced that Vityaz are excluded from the KHL through 2029/30.

It wasn’t a shock announcement, but reality really set in once the transfers out started happening. Dmitri Buchelnikov (DET) was moved to CSKA, Ivan Vorobyov (STL) to Spartak, Yaroslav Busygin to Avtomobilist. Any player not moved out of the Vityaz system by July 15th would become an unrestricted free agent.

Focusing on the junior-level players on the move, Maxim Ilyichyov was the biggest fish after an incredible season as the leading goal scorer and finding time to play 12 KHL games. Ivan Detkov finished just two points shy from becoming the all-time leader and four goals from the all-time scorer for the Vityaz junior club.

• C, Maxim Ilyichyov (33-15—48) - Tolpar Ufa

• W, Saveli Zhirov (20-15—35) - Avto Yekaterinburg

• W, Timur Marchenko (15-7—22) - ?

• G, Nikolai Murashov - Ladia Togliatti

• W, Ivan Detkov (8-14—22) - Buran Vorenezh

AKM Tula

Last Season: 35-15-4 (4th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Mikhail Lisenkov (C), Artyom Krikunenko (C)

Out: Ilya Kanarsky (G, CHI), German Shulenin (C/RW), Matvei Bryntsev (C), Kirill Beshkorov (D), Yaromir Yermakov (LW)

As one of the oldest teams on average age, AKM Tula faces the challenge of key players graduating out of the MHL. Going into this season, they will be down their starting goaltender in Kanarsky, a 31-goal scorer (2nd in the MHL) in Shulenin, and, the club captain, Bryntsev. Yermakov still may return, however, it’s more likely that he’ll re-sign as a member of the VHL club.

Prospects: Viktor Levchenko (G, 2025)

Viktor Levchenko passed through the 2025 NHL Draft, but his stats with all three AKM teams last season were great - too bad he’s on the smaller side of things.

NHL Drafted: Kirill Zarubin (G, CGY)

Zarubin backed up Kanarsky for the full 2024/25 season and should be bumped up to the starting role assuming he stays with the club.

2025/26 Prediction: 5th Place

The revolving door system works in AKM’s favour here to keep them a mid-table team in the Gold Division. Yermakov and Shulenin will be impossible to replace, but the strong defensive system they’ve implemented keeps the puck out of the net enough to give some leeway. The Kanarsky loss is offset by one of Zarubin or Levchenko taking the starting job. I could see them finishing as low as 8th and no higher than 4th.

Almaz Cherepovets

Last Season: 27-20-5 (7th Place — Eliminated in Play-ins)

Key Players: Makar Fomin (D), Anton Melchakov (G), Oleg Sadovin (C)

Out: Vitali Pesterev (D), Alexander Shilov (LW/RW), Yegor Smirnov (W/F), Emil Pyanov (C), Ivan Yershov (D)

Cherepovets have brought an influx of youth to the KHL team, leaving their MHL side in a state of flux with players bouncing up and down. Smirnov, Pyanov, and Yershov will both likely be spending the majority of the season with Severstal. Their best defencemen, Vitali Pesterev, has been moved up to the VHL level along with Alexander Shilov for two more major losses.

Prospects: Anton Melchakov (G, 2025), Makar Fomin (D, 2025), Konstantin Borisov (LW, 2027)

Fomin and Melchakov both went undrafted last month and will be making cases to be names to keep tabs on for 2026. Fomin is a transition master through his skating and passing - fitting in smoothly to the KHL last year because of his give-and-go style. At 5-foot-10, there’s slim chances to see Melchakov be a pick this year, even with the results he’s put up. Borisov is the top 2009 in the Cherepovets system, a much needed goal-scoring presence if he hits the ground running.

NHL Drafted: N/A

2025/26 Prediction: 8th Place

Almaz is in for a difficult season with how strong the teams in this division have proven to be. They did well to bring in, defencemen, Andrei Korzin from Omsk at the start of last season and Leonid Istomin from Vityaz on July 9th. Anton Melchakov gives peace of mind between the pipes and forwards Oleg Sadovin, Vsevolod Denezhkin, and Yegor Vlasov should lead the way to avoid relegation.

Dinamo-Shinnik Bobruysk

Last Season: 37-11-6 (Promoted)

Key Players: Nikita Salygo (LW), Alexander Yatsenko (D), Nikita Pavlov (RW)

Out: Dmitri Tukach (C/RW), Matvei Shidlovsky (LW/RW), Ivan Shatilo (D)

As a younger MHL team, Dinamo-Shinnik didn’t have much turnover this season. Their three major loses aren’t small by any means, though. Tukach has been great over the past two seasons as one of the top producers on the team. Shidlovsky was a reliable 30-point winger, Shatilo played big minutes and was their best defenceman overall, in my opinion.

Prospects: Daniil Rusakovich (G, 2027)

Maybe a weird pick, however, if Yevgeni Prokhorov leaves for the OHL, there will be competition for that starting role. Daniil Rusakovich is a 6-foot-3 netminder who put up respectable numbers around multiple U17 competitions.

NHL Drafted: Yevgeni Prokhorov (G, BUF)*

As it stands, Prokhorov will be the starting goaltender for Dinamo-Shinnik. He put up a .903 save-percentage in the regular season before dropping a .943 between the play-in round and playoffs. He was selected by the Flint Firebirds in the Import Draft, though.

2025/26 Prediction: 9th Place

This is always a tough team to gauge. With their talent coming out of Belarus, I don’t get the same viewings as the Russian teams, so I don’t see these players before they hit the MHL. That said, they have a solid team all around, just lacking that real power at the top of the line-up. They’re losing the best players from when they were last in the Gold Division, so maybe this is the rejuvenated team who could surprise.

Krasnaya Armiya Moskva

Last Season: 39-11-4 (Promoted)

Key Players: Pyotr Andreyanov (G), Ilya Pautov (RW), Nikita Frolov (C)

Out: Danila Stanislavsky (D), Timofei Obvintsev (G, TOR), Fyodor Yelsukov (D), Oleg Maistrenko (C/RW)

Three confirmed losses for Krasnaya Armiya come through the back line. Stanislavsky and Yelsukov have both been regulars since entering the league in 2021/22 and both will be in the VHL next season with Yelsukov moving to the Ufa system. Obvintsev leaves the CSKA farm unable to make himself the first choice goalkeeper. Maistrenko is the biggest loss up front as he should be moving into a professional role.

Prospects: Nikita Ovcharov (LW, 2026)*, Valeri Nikonov (G, 2026), Nazar Privalov (C, 2027), Daniil Yermolov (C/LW, 2027), Gleb Olkhovik (RW, 2027), Vladimir Shtyrkhunov (D, 2027), Artyom Katsuro (RW, 2027)

That’s a lot of names! Ovcharov and Nikonov are the 2026 Draft eligibles to watch. The former is a complementary forward with a powerful shot, but is a near guarantee to report to the Québec Remparts. Nikonov should be stepping up into the back-up role. The other names are all 2009-borns, with the majority featuring in my 2009 Spotlight on EliteProspects. Olkhovik and Katsuro were left out of that article, but not for a lack of skill. Katsuro is going to be one of the most entertaining players in the league with his handling, pace, and processing speed while Olkhovik is all about reliability and possession.

NHL Drafted: Pyotr Andreyanov (G, CBJ), Matvei Shuravin (D, FLA), Ilya Pautov (LW, PHI), Yan Matveiko (C, CGY)

Andreyanov has locked himself into CSKA with a contract extension until 2030 - expect another strong year from him as the starting goalie. Shuravin and Pautov both took steps forward in their development this past season. The hope for both is more professional minutes. Shuravin was given time in both the KHL and VHL in his draft year, but only laced up twice for Zvezda last season. Pautov is yet to play pro hockey. Matveiko was selected as a D+1 by Calgary despite his low production; I believe he’ll have to fight hard to keep a top-six spot with the influx of forward talent.

2025/26 Prediction: 3rd Place

An ambitious projection for the newly promoted side, but the strength throughout the squad is undeniable. Losing the names they did would hit a lot harder if they didn’t have absolute firepower to replace them. They face the problem of having too many U20 talents, which is going to make roster competition a fierce battle as the ‘09s look to break in and the veterans attempt to move up.

Loko Yaroslavl

Last Season: 36-12-4 (2nd Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Andrei Yelezov (LW), Ilyas Magomedsultanov (D), Matvei Kotkov (RW)

Out: Maxim Mayorov (G, DAL), Maxim Belousov (D), Yegor Surin (C/NSH)

Mayorov couldn’t quite get the first-choice spot with Loko before aging out of the MHL, but he did make his KHL debut last season. Belousov has been a key player on the blueline over the past two seasons and is now off to Togliatti. The rising star of Yaroslavl is Yegor Surin, who very likely played his final games in the MHL last season after a fantastic run with Lokomotiv in the Gagarin Cup Playoffs.

Prospects: Matvei Kotkov (RW, 2026), Dmitri Borichev (G, 2026), Leonid Sokol (RW/C, 2026), Ivan Kovalenko (LW, 2027), Artyom Frolov (C, 2027)

Kotkov established himself as a top 2008-born prospect, racking up 24 points in 27 games with Loko, the fourth highest point total on the team. With improvements to his skating, he could be a mid-round prospect. Borichev will be fighting to establish himself as a regular in what may end up being a four horse race. Sokol is a highly entertaining winger who broke into this team early and stuck around for the full season. He is a speedy and skillful winger, but that 5-foot-9 frame isn’t primed for an NHL Draft Selection.

NHL Drafted: Ilyas Magomedsultanov (D, SJS), Roman Luttsev (C, TBL), Kirill Yemelyanov (C, BOS), Roman Shokhrin (D, CAR)

Magomedsultanov and Shokhrin made for an interesting pairing as the two, big defencemen both play an aggressive style. Magomedsultanov sits further back to take on more defensive responsibility while Shokhrin adventures forward with his chaotic brand of offence. I can’t see Loko breaking the two up, so I would expect this to remain their second pair. Luttsev will be continuing his fight up into the KHL, so this should not be another full season in junior for him - his 63 point season last year proves he doesn’t need it. Kirill Yemelyanov likely slots in as the first line centre after a promising run in the playoffs in that role. His two-way presence is highly valuable, expecting a jump in production for him.

2025/26 Prediction: 2nd Place

Belousov leaves a gap to be filled on the Loko blueline, but other than that, this team is strong from top to bottom. In fact, all eleven of their top scorers are still eligible to return for next season - although, Luttsev is likely out of the squad. The youth that stepped in and became members of the core last season was a pleasant surprise and they have more strength on the way. I don’t see a world where they finish outside of the top three.

MHK Dynamo Moskva

Last Season: 31-18-3 (6th Place — Eliminated in Conference Quarter-Finals)

Key Players: Kurban Limatov (D), Ivan Arkhipov (C), Mikhail Melikov (LW)

Out: Ilya Panin (RW), Alexei Kuznetsov (D), Maxim Proskurin (LW), Matvei Maximov (RW), Makar Khanin (RW, MTL), Mario Patalakha (D)

Matvei Maximov has grown into a star of the league and exploded in the postseason with 12 points in 8 games, including a six-point game in the series winning victory over Krylia Sovetov in the play-ins. On top of Maximov; Panin and Proskurin have aged out and Khanin is likely moved up and out of the regular roster. Patalakha is the biggest loss on defence, though he only played 11 games for MHK Dynamo last season and was loaned out for KHL minutes. Kuznetsov was a bottom-pair mainstay.

Prospects: Vladimir Selivanov (G, 2026), Yelisei Ryabykin (D, 2026), Semyon Chuklinov (D, 2026), Nikita Gromakov (LW, 2026)

Selivanov featured in 14 games last season and took over the starting job with good results in the postseason. He’ll be challenging Ilya Podsukha hard for his role. Ryabykin and Chuklinov both debuted in the MHL last season and have similar profiles based around skating and adaptability to different roles.

NHL Drafted: Kurban Limatov (D, CAR)

Limatov is the lone draftee on the roster and he’s a great one to have. A 6-foot-4 defenceman with outstanding mobility, handling skill, and physicality; he’s a player that Dynamo will be relying upon to play big minutes.

2025/26 Prediction: 6th Place

I’m expecting a similar performance to last year from MHK Dynamo Moskva. They’re going in to this season with a hole in their forward core. The bright side is the retention of their top-line of Ivan Arkhipov flanked by Artyom Bondar and Mikhail Melikov. Their success this season will come down to how that middle-six fills out. Minimal personnel changes on defence and in net.

MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg

Last Season: 33-15-4 (5th Place — Eliminated in Conference Semi-Finals)

Key Players: Daniil Prokhorov (LW), Roman Bausov (D), Maxim Gusev (D)

Out: Maxim Panov (D), Nikita Demyanov (D), Kirill Bobrovskikh (C), Ruslan Rakhimov (LW), Leonid Boikov (RW)

Rakhimov is, by far, the biggest loss for St. Petersburg—he’s still eligible to potentially return, too. He led the team in scoring last year with 49 points and was the premier playmaking presence on this team. Besides him, Panov and Demyanov were reliable blueliners in limited minutes. Boikov will be back in the VHL for the first time since the 2022.

Prospects: Nikita Gromakov (LW, 2026), Ilya Dolgopolov (D, 2026)

A keen eye may have spotted that I listed Gromakov for both Dynamo clubs. It’s because he’s played for both of them already, duh. He skated three times with Moskva at the beginning of the season and was moved to St. Petersburg in December with a stint in the NMHL in between. He has solid offensive potential with his shot and consistency to get chances to use it. Dolgopolov is a fun name to say and a decent little player. Trustworthy defensive, defenceman.

NHL Drafted: Roman Bausov (D, CAR), Daniil Prokhorov (LW, NYI)*

Roman Bausov was given a major role in his sophomore season, given the second most ice time among defenders and keeping a clean defensive record. An injury ended his playoffs early, so he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder coming into this season. Prokhorov is such a wildcard. He climbed up draft boards fast and there was no telling where he was going to be picked. Now, after being selected by the Sarnia Sting in the Import Draft, the hard hitting winger’s home is uncertain for next season.

2025/26 Prediction: 7th Place

There’s so much uncertainty in this team right now. Given the amount of players without contracts for next season (including all three goaltenders) and the overall age of the team last year, there may be a much heavier focus on youth on MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg. They’ll also likely be reaching into the NMHL bag even more. If Prokhorov leaves, I can’t see them making it deep into the postseason.

MHK Spartak Moskva

Last Season: 43-7-2 (1st Place — Kharlamov Cup Winners)

Key Players: Yaroslav Kuzmenko (G), Nikita Tyurin (D), Maxim Filimonov (LW)

Out: Ivan Ryabov (C), Sergei Lukyantsev (LW), Anton Maryshev (D), Yegor Martynov (D), Roman Zolkin (D), Yegor Varyushkin (C/RW), Andrei Yarikov (RW)

This is one of the best groups of players to graduate out of the MHL. Lukyantsev is already on his way to become an icon of the Spartak badge, playing at all three levels last season and appearing in, a record-setting, 103 games in total. The same can be said for Ryabov (who only played a measly 96 games), who put together one of the best single-season performances by an MHL player ever and led the charge all the way through the finals. Maryshev and Martynov are both devastating losses on the blueline. The two of them led the team in ice time per game and are both on course for promising professional careers. Varyushkin was the team’s fifth top scorer with 31 in 31, but it was his playoff performances that take the cake, playing a pivotal role on a line with Ryabov and Plesovskikh.

Prospects: Vsevolod Matveyev (D, 2026), Artyom Mate (D, 2027), Illarion Babkin (D, 2027), Yevgeni Yakunin (C, 2027)

The age and talent of last year’s roster left little room for youth, but Matveyev was able to squeeze in as a 2026 NHL Draft eligible. Maybe not a player who will be garnering attention for the draft itself, though earning a role early is crucial for him. The remaining names are all 2009s. Mate and Babkin could very well replace the gaps left by the graduating defencemen. Two fluid movers who can play in various roles and two of the best ‘09s in the country right now. Yakunin plays a style that led me to drawing a comparison to Igor Chernyshov. Big bodied forward with a strong small-area game, excels on the rush, and drives results as a play sequencer.

NHL Drafted: Semyon Frolov (G, CAR), Yegor Midlak (G, FLA), Yegor Yegorov (G, CGY), Nikita Tyurin (D, DET), Alexander Plesovskikh (LW, TOR)

Three goalies with NHL connections on one roster… and none of them have the starting job. Semyon Frolov is the one to watch; my prediction is that he’ll be moved to Spartak-MAH (the brand new Spartak junior club) to be their full-time starter. As for Midlak and Yegorov, just hope they play some games.

Nikita Tyurin established himself as a standout defenceman as a rookie. A fantastic puck-mover through his elusiveness and venturesome moments of high-end handling. Plesovskikh had a great first season with his new team, showing more offensive talent this year while still fulfilling his regular duty as a two-way winger.

2025/26 Prediction: 1st Place

As I wrote this, I started to doubt that prediction. However, I’m holding firm that they have the squad to pull it off. They continue to nab players from lower status clubs, picking up Maxim Filimonov from Atlant, who should be able to replace the scoring of one of the forward losses. They also acquired Danila Sysoyev from Omsk and Danil Kochurov from Ufa—two big pick-ups. It might not be as dominant a season overall, but I expect the ‘09s to step in with big impacts early and the new forward acquisitions to put together strong seasons.

SKA-1946 St. Petersburg

Last Season: 42-8-2 (2nd Place — Eliminated in Finals)

Key Players: Yaroslav Korostelyov (G), Amir Nugmanov (LW), Nikita Surayev (RW)

Out: Vyacheslav Dubrovtsev (D), Matvei Polyakov (RW), Ivan Vydrenkov (D), Timur Kol (D, CAR), Nikita Nedopyokin (C), Ignat Lutfullin (LW), Ivan Remezovsky (D), Viktor Andreichenko (LW)

SKA-1946 goes down their three top scorers from last season in Lutfullin (66), Polyakov (50), and Nedopyokin (48) as they all move up to the VHL level. Lutfullin took huge steps forward to become their top guy, excited to see how his career pans out. On top of those three, Viktor Andreichenko was a debutante for 1946 last season and proved to be valuable depth at 0.5 p/gp.

On the defensive side of things, those are huge losses. Vydrenkov split the year down the middle between MHL and KHL and should be with the main club full time next year—6-foot-4 physical monster. Remezovsky has been a great player to watch, really strong puck moving instincts in addition to a game that has taken great steps forward since his debut. Timur Kol moves to his third KHL team in Dynamo Moskva, he was unlikely to play junior next year, anyway.

Prospects: Arseni Ilyin (RW/LW, 2026), Maxim Seldemirov (C, 2026), Yaroslav Krasavchikov (C/RW, 2027), Sergei Zatsepin (RW, 2027), Daniil Savin (LW, 2027), Stanislav Larionov (D, 2027)

Arseni Ilyin’s production slipped in his second MHL season, though his ice time was tanked as he moved up a club. His high-end playmaking was left mostly to be seen at ‘international’ level with the Russian U18 team at the Future Cup where he dominated. Seldemirov made his debut and found an instant role as a two-way centre in a bottom-six role. Expecting more offensive output next year.

The 2009s are headlined by Krasavchikov, a smaller winger with incredible pace and a small-area game so good that I could not believe how small he really is. A real demon on the forecheck. Zatsepin is a player who can reliable score goals and his huge frame only adds value. Savin is another hard working winger, the open ice skill I’ve seen looks like it is highly translatable to the MHL. If Larionov makes this team, I will be jumping for joy. He stands at 5-foot-7 right now, so not a prototypical defenceman for SKA-1946, yet his offensive ability and slipperiness make up for that size and he’s been easily one of my favourite players to watch on Armiya-SKA.

NHL Drafted: Matvei Korotky (C, STL), Yaroslav Korostelyov (G, SJS)

Korotky took a major step forward last season to boost him all the way up to playing solid KHL minutes as a rookie. This does mean that he won’t be a daily player in the MHL. As a result, Korostelyov becomes the primary drafted prospect to watch. He put up amazing results in the regular season and was kicked to the sidelines comes playoff time in favour of Zavragin and Moysevich.

2025/26 Prediction: 3rd Place

A slight drop-off is to be expected when losing such crucial names. I think there’s enough in the tank to separate them from the teams below, though the gap is getting tighter. Losing half of their 20-goal scorers certainly hurts. Luckily, Sevastian Kapchuk found his scoring touch last season with 19 in 49 games. They’ll need one more player to step up - I’m hoping it’s a sneaky ‘09. Defence is a mess with those losses, though, they lost multiple irreplaceable players. They can fill the holes with capable MHL players from their pool, however, they’ve lose their top-four power.

AKM-Junior Tula Region

Last Season: 21-30-3 (6th Place)

Key Players: Viktor Levchenko (G), Danila Semikhin (LW)

Prospect: Matvei Viskov (D, 2026)

Viskov is an interesting little defenceman who showed signs of a creative, offensive playstyle while splitting time between AKM-Junior and AKM Novomoskovsk. Solid playmaking flashes, though his size and limited mobility mean an unlikely player for NHL Draft considerations.

2025/26 Prediction: 5th Place

Amurskie Tigry Khabarovsk

Last Season: 16-29-7 (9th Place — Relegated)

Key Players: Stepan Novak (RW/LW), Yaroslav Matyev (D)

Prospect: Yaroslav Matyev (D, 2026)

A 6-5, 220 left-handed defenceman with 19 KHL games under his belt is Yaroslav Matyev. I watched him at three different levels (U18/MHL/KHL) this season and it was an entertaining experience. He’s mobile and knows how to use his size to his defensive advantage. Showed minute-eating ability at the KHL already through defensive stops into clean breakouts (rinse and repeat), top-four quality in the MHL with more freedom, and a joke of a player against U18 opponents.

2025/26 Prediction: 1st Place

Dynamo-Kareliya Kondopoga

Last Season: 4-47-3 (10th Place)

Key Players: Fyodor Kuzmin (RW), Artyom Petrov (D)

2025/26 Prediction: 10th Place

Kapitan Stupino

Last Season: 19-30-5 (8th Place)

Key Players: Arkadi Loginov (RW), Vladimir Mukhin-Demidov (D)

2025/26 Prediction: 9th Place

MHK Atlant Mytishchi

Last Season: 27-20-5 (8th Place — Relegated)

Key Players: Alexei Krylov (LW), Ilya Koltyarov (C)

Prospects: Alexei Krylov (LW, 2026), Daniil Stepankov (LW, 2027)

Alexei Krylov had an interesting debut season in the MHL with 17 points in 39 games. Not a stat total that jumps off the page, but his nine goals were enough for 2nd place on the team - I would expect him to double that total. Stepankov was the most interesting ‘09 in the Mytishchi system in my viewings. Intelligence is his strong suit and the overall toolkit projects well to the MHL level.

2025/26 Prediction: 3rd Place

MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva

Last Season: 25-23-6 (3rd Place)

Key Players: Alexei Rodionov (D), Khetag Gagiyev (D)

Prospect: Artyom Kuzin (C, 2027)

Kuzin is the pick of a thin crop and I can’t say it with too much conviction. He’s a player I’ve only seen bits off, but those bits looked like a future MHL scorer. Just strong offensive instincts, good finisher, moves well.

2025/26 Prediction: 2nd Place

Sakhalinskiye Akuly

Last Season: 19-29-6 (7th Place)

Key Players: Anton Plekhov (LW/RW), Semyon Vinogradov (D)

2025/26 Prediction: 8th Place

SKA-Yunior Krasnogorsk

Last Season: 21-28-5 (5th Place)

Key Players: Maxim Gusev (D), Yegor Privalov (RW/LW)

Prospect: Nikita Silyutin (LW/RW, 2026), Vladislav Drozhzhin (D, 2026), Ivan Bezukladov (D, 2027)

Silyutin is a 5-foot-10 winger with a hunger for physicality. Big hits accompanied with an actually detailed physical game for a player with his frame. Also 5-foot-10 is Drozhzhin, a smooth moving defenceman who impressed me with some awesome moves to create space against the forecheck. A potential 2009 (along with the players listed with SKA-1946) is Ivan Belukladov. He moves well for his 6-4 frame, utilizes his long reach well, and plays an aggressive brand of defence.

2025/26 Prediction: 6th Place

Spartak-MAH Moskva

Last Season: Did not exist

Key Players: Artyom Khaidarov (C), Oleg Trofimchuk (LW/RW)

Prospect: Vsevolod Kokorin (RW, 2027), Dmitri Pavlov (LW, 2027)

Kokorin has the potential to be a true power forward. He plays a hard-nosed game along the perimeter, pace bursts in open ice, and drops the shoulder for moves to the centre. Has to improve on showing that force more frequently. Strangely, Pavlov’s name isn’t on either Spartak roster yet. I thought his advanced off-puck game, high sense, and skating were all MHL quality, must be something going on there.

2025/26 Prediction: 4th Place

Taifun Primorsky Krai

Last Season: 17-31-6 (9th Place)

Key Players: Ivan Fomin (LW), Demyan Yermak (RW/C)

Prospects: Ivan Fomin (LW, 2025), Rafik Varosyan (LW/RW, 2026)

Ivan Fomin was the best prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft class in categories you can’t even pronounce. 5-8, 137 of anger, speed, and a million points.

Rafik Varosyan left for the OHL last season with Owen Sound and has returned to the Admiral system for his draft-eligible season. Not exactly a great sign, but he’s a fun player; pacey, skillful.

2025/26 Prediction: 7th Place

Note: This list is players who *play* in Russia!

1. Matvei Michkov

Right Wing
SKA St. Petersburg
5’10” / 148
Range: Top-4

Matvei Michkov has been the most talked about prospect this year barring Connor Bedard. He missed the first stretch of the year through injury before landing a roster spot on SKA-Neva in the VHL where a divide grew between the eye test and the stats. He racked up points fast, but there was a real lack of structured hockey going on and it was becoming more and more difficult to get a read on the player. I don’t watch much NHL action, but I don’t think there’s a single player who sits at the offensive blue line while play is going on in his own zone. The cherrypicking, decision making, and lack of, frankly, real hockey was a confusing sight and he slipped down my list as a result.

Things changed very quickly when he was moved to HK Sochi on loan. Similarly to SKA-Neva, Sochi stinks and I feared that this was just going to be the same thing — Matvei Michkov just going out there and doing whatever he wants because the team needs goals and he can score them. What really happened was that a hockey player was born. The playmaking has always been one of my favorite parts of his game and he finally began to use his vision and passing skill to connect plays through transition. He refined just about every aspect of his game to become a real, dominant player at the KHL level and the flip switched basically overnight. He got stronger, started making brilliant plays, and even began chipping in on the backcheck.

Michkov has about every offensive tool you could want, there’s some hiccups putting everything together, but there’s serious potential with this player.

2. Dmitri Simashev

Defenseman
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
6’4” / 201
Range: Top-10

Dmitri Simashev began his DY campaign with a very impressive preseason, earning him a spot on a very strong Lokomotiv side in the KHL. His role was simple and limiting, basically just ‘get the puck and get it out of the zone as fast as possible’. He took that role and showed that he can already be a reliable defender at that level despite being just 17-years-old.

There’s plenty to love with this defenseman. He’s big, rangy, skilled, and, arguably, the best skater in the whole draft class. His defensive game is superb — matching footwork, closing the gap, and attacking the puck with his reach advantage. He’s not a big hitter by nature, but he has certainly shown the ability to send guys flying when he feels the urge. He’s evasive with the puck on his stick, a crisp passer, and walks the blueline like a figure skater. It’s easy to forget the guy is 6’4” sometimes.

There may not be a better defenseman in this class. The tools are phenomenal and his game is only going to continue to develop and adapt as he plays more professional hockey.

3. Daniil But

Left Winger
Lokomotiv Yaroslavl
6’5” / 203
Range: Top-15

I’ll just say it outright, Daniil But was a pretty bad hockey player at the start of the 2022/23 season. The size and shot were there all year, but he just could not put things together and I wasn’t even sure if this was a top-two round guy. Obviously given his ranking, things changed since then.

But is a huge man, but it’s the little things in his game that rocket him up my list. He has great hands in tight spaces, using his frame to shield the puck and making effective moves to get away and open up ice for himself. The aforementioned shot is great, as well, making him a dangerous dual-threat winger when he gets going. His skating is limiting, but he’s learned how to play into his weaknesses and make them less of an issue. With his skating, he stopped trying to beat so many guys 1-on-1 and he began cutting back towards the blueline and distributing from there. The growth he’s had over the course of the year has been tremendous to watch, similar to Gleb Trikozov last year.

The winger has huge potential if he can continue to take steps forward, put on some strength, and get some more playing experience at the professional level sooner rather than later.

4. Mikhail Gulyayev

Defenseman
Avangard Omsk
5’10” / 170
Range: Top-15

One of the more divisive players in the 2023 Draft, Mikhail Gulyayev brings a lot to the table. Like Simashev, he earned KHL minutes pretty early on into his season, but the results were less positive and he ended up spending more time between the MHL and VHL.

Gulyayev is a weapon in transition. He has explosive speed, great agility, and the hands to boot. You give him an inch and he takes a mile. He’s proven to be very difficult to stop when he finds his rhythm, transferring that energy into offense to be the best offensive defenseman this year has to offer. His defensive game gets a lot of criticism, but there’s actually plenty of promise in that area. He’s small, sure, but he’s a speed demon and quickly jumps into plays to break them up. Even when you think he’s out of a play, he can take one glide and be right where he needs to be.

He’s a pretty raw talent with plenty of games that left me feeling underwhelmed, but the upside is big with this player and he is someone who would’ve really benefited from getting time on the international stage.

5. Timur Mukhanov

Right Winger
Severstal Cherepovets
5’8” / 170
Range: Top-20

It wouldn’t be a proper NHL Draft without a small Russian forward to latch onto and Timur Mukhanov immediately fit that bill with a very promising preseason with Omskie Yastreby. He quickly became a regular for Omskie Krylya at the VHL level and never really looked like he was challenged by facing men despite his size.

Mukhanov is one of the better two-way forwards this year. He reads situations quickly and then uses his high motor and quickness to sneak into plays and come out with the puck. Even against men, he engages in battles along the boards and challenges in loose puck races, once again using that speed to gain the advantage of being able to get himself braced for contact before his opponent arrives. Offensively, Mukhanov loves utilizing his teammates, which is great, but also terrible because Omskie Krylya is full of players who do not enjoy passing or playing hockey as a team sport in general. He’s a gifted playmaker with good puck skill and creativity, but his finishing ability has left plenty to be desired.

He’s going to be available way later than he should be and he was just traded to Severstal Cherepovets, where KHL ice time is much more likely for the young winger. If you get this kid in the fourth round, you can laugh to the bank.

6. Alexander Rykov

Left Winger
Chelmet Chelyabinsk
5’11” / 170
Range: Mid-Second Round

I took keen interest in Rykov watching him as a DY-1 in the MHL with a game reminiscent of Fyodor Svechkov. It’s pretty rare to see a player so young take up as much defensive responsibility and it wasn’t much of a shock to see him land a roster spot with Chelmet in the VHL.

Rykov is a strong playmaking presence with a pretty solid shot, too. The hands aren’t standout, but his puckhandling in tight is a major plus, again reminding me of Svechkov. He’s a player you can stick in anywhere in the line-up and he’ll get the job done. What keeps him down is the lack of any real aspects that truly stick out above the rest. He’s sort of a jack of all trades, master of none player, but there’s still certainly NHL upside with the qualities of a middle-six plug that’ll do what he needs to do.

7. Roman Kantserov

Right Winger
Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk
5’6” / 176
Range: Late-Second/Early-Third Round

I still struggle with projecting Roman Kantserov, but there’s no denying he’s a very good junior hockey player.

The main things that stick out with him are his handling and speed, using both in cohesion to blast through transitions and break off the walls and cut to the middle of the ice. Where he struggles is putting things together and finding proper balance to play a professional style. He gets away with a ton at the MHL level and hasn’t shown a ton of growth this year while being pretty old for this crop, which is certainly worrying. What keeps him in this range for me are the very strong flashes he’s had throughout the year. When he’s at the top of his game, he can look like a legit top-64 candidate and the hands are going to take him far in the Russian circuit, but I’m weary about if it’ll ever translate.

8. Ignat Lutfullin

Left Winger
SKA-Varyagi St. Petersburg
6’0” / 163
Range: Third/Fourth Round

Ignat Lutfullin is a fun player who will need patience as he grows. He’s an average at best skater, but he’s very intelligent to make up for it. He’s a problem-solver through his hands and vision, gets into high-value areas offensively, and is a pretty solid player on the defensive side of things. He has a tendency to over-handle and try things that he probably shouldn’t, but talented players playing on bad teams tend to have that issue.

The issues with skating and physicality are going to hold him back from playing at the next tiers of Russian hockey soon, yet the tools remain promising enough to be worth a pick this year.

9. Yegor Klimovich

Left Winger
Sibirskie Snaipery Novosibirsk
5’9” / 159
Range: Third/Fourth Round

I really liked Klimovich at the start of the year before falling off the train and subsequently liking him again at the end of it. He’s small, lacks physicals, doesn’t have much of a shot, and his skating is just okay, but the hands are just awesome and there’s a ton of creativity in his game. He’s not as quick as you would want a player of his skill-set, but he’s crafty to evade danger and give himself space to create through his playmaking. Will he ever play in the NHL? I would lean towards no, but he’s the kind of player you draft in the seventh round and just see what he can do in Russia and check up on him every three or so years.

10. Mikhail Ilyin

Left Winger
Severstal Cherepovets
6’0” / 181
Range: Fifth Round

Another player who broke into the KHL early due to a strong preseason, Mikhail Ilyin has the skillset to become a rock solid player at that level moving forward. He’s very smart and tactical, reading the space around him very well to be a reliable distributor with the puck and a responsible defender without it. He has a good physical and mental baseline to work off of, but the tools he has are underwhelming and really limit his projection. Already getting KHL minutes is a big thing for him and he’s looked good in his time with Severstal, the NHL translation is questionable.

11. Vyacheslav Malov (D+1)

Right Winger
Omskie Yastreby
5’8” / 176

Improved a ton over his draft year where I didn’t even have him on my list. Great hands and creativity, but the size and skating hold him back.

12. Anton Maryshev

Defenseman
MHK Spartak Moskva
6’0” / 163

Maryshev is pretty solid all-around, but he stands out most through transition with his smooth skating and flashes of skill. Nothing quite high end and there’s questions about his ability to read and process plays around him.

13. Alexander Suvorov (D+2)

Right Winger
Dinamo Minsk
5’9” / 159

I’ve liked Suvorov since his DY and he continues to improve as he gets used to the KHL. Great shot and his speed has gone from a weakness to a strength. NHL upside is questionable, so maybe more of a guy you keep an eye on to sign as a UFA later.

14. Nikita Baklashev

Defenseman
MHK Dynamo Moskva
6’2” / 183

Strong defensive defenseman with good reach and skating, but his game is just too simple at times. Looks like a pure shutdown defender moving forward.

15. Radel Zamaltdinov

Left Winger
Irbis Kazan
5’10” / 168

Bit of a wildcard here, small and missed the first half of the year, but the high motor and flashes of creative playmaking and defensive plays are intriguing.

16. Dmitri Vlasenko

Right Winger
Omskie Yastreby
5’9” / 159

Speedy winger with good hands who plays well through transitions, but struggles to find consistency.

17. Nikolai Khvorov (D+1)

Center
Omskie Yastreby
6’1” / 168

Really solid playmaker who adapted quickly to VHL hockey in his time there. Projects more so as a winger due to his perimeter play and whelming defense.

18. German Tochilkin (D+1)

Center
Spartak Moskva
6’3” / 179

Took advantage of his loan with Kunlun Red Star with some decent KHL outings. Tools are all pretty average, but the type of player who can slot into a line-up and perform in most roles.

19. Vadim Moroz (D+1)

Left Winger
Dinamo Minsk
6’2” / 185

Another player that you can just let cook in Russia and hope he maybe turns the corner and starts showing more NHL potential. Skilled, physically strong, and looked the part of a KHLer in his rookie season.

1G. Yegor Zavragin

Goalie
Mamonty Yugry
6’2” / 183

Zavragin is the best goalie in this crop, not sure where he lands on the list with the skaters, so I’ll just throw him in here at the end.

Tier One

1. Shane Wright - Center, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

“Well, you're smarter than anyone else in Arlen." - Hank Hill

2. David Jiříček - Defenseman, HC Plzen (Czech Extraliga)

“Be forewarned, I am merely the vessel through which the power flows.” - Bobby Hill

3. Logan Cooley - Center, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“I’m all jacked up on America right now! Anyone want to hear me recite the Constitution?” - Dale Gribble

Tier Two

4. Juraj Slafkovsky - Left Wing, TPS (Liiga)

“Well, you know me -- I'm larger than life.” - Cotton Hill

5. Gleb Trikozov - Left Wing, Omskie Yastreby (MHL)

“I love this guitar. Do you understand what I’m saying? Do you understand what love means?” - Hank Hill

6. Brad Lambert - Center, Pelicans (Liiga)

“Some things are like a tire fire, trying to put it out only makes it worse. You just gotta grab a beer and let it burn.” - Hank Hill

7. Matthew Savoie - Center, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

“Wade’s a good guy! You don’t know! He runs fast!” - Hank Hill

Tier Three

8. Liam Öhgren - Left Wing, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

“You gotta give a hundred and ten percent. That's what'll give you that winning edge.” - Hank Hill

9. Pavel Mintyukov - Defenseman, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

“This thing is a hoot!” - Bill Dauterive

10. Frank Nazar - Right Wing, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“Yes, I too have realized I suffer from a disability. It is known as GWS, or Good Worker Syndrome.” - Hank Hill

11. Šimon Nemec - Defenseman, HK Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)

“Dang it, I am sick and tired of everyone's asinine ideas about me. I'm not a redneck, and I'm not some Hollywood jerk. I'm something else entirely. I'm... I'm complicated!” - Hank Hill

12. Filip Mešár - Center, HK Poprad (Slovak Extraliga)

“You’re never going to be a war hero like me if you can’t shoot.” - Cotton Hill

13. Jagger Firkus - Right Wing, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

“Boy can shoot!” - Shooting Range Worker
”Hell yeah, he’s my boy!” - Hank Hill

14. Joakim Kemell - Right Wing, JYP (Liiga)

15. Calle Odelius - Defenseman, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

“The "S" stands for service. The "T" is for trust. "R" is for reliability. Now the "I", that stands for...” - Hank Hill

16. Vladimir Grudinin - Defenseman, CSKA Moskva (KHL)

“Hank, the boy can barely reach it. Now lower the piñata so he has a chance at it.” - Peggy Hill

17. Noah Östlund - Center, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

“The cookie may be small, but it contains great wisdom.” - Kahn Souphanousinphone

18. Cutter Gauthier - Left Wing, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

"I am finally getting the recognition I have always given myself." - Peggy Hill

19. Jiří Kulich - Center, HC Energie Karlovy Vary (Czech Extraliga)

“I'll be back so quick you'll call me... Quickie McGee!” - Hoyt Platter

20. Seamus Casey - Defenseman, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“Bobby, if you weren't my son I'd hug you.” - Hank Hill

21. Kevin Korchinski - Defenseman, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

“Prepare your brain for razzle dazzle!” - Kahn Souphanousinphone

22. Danila Yurov - Right Wing, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)

“You know, I’ve been thinking, son, and I realized you don’t have any goals.” - Hank Hill

Tier Four

23. Jonathan Lekkerimäki - Center, Djurgårdens IF (SHL)

24. Isaac Howard - Left Wing, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“Bobby's a good kid, but he's no genius.” - Hank Hill

25. Denton Mateychuk - Defenseman, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)

26. Marco Kasper - Center, Rögle BK (SHL)

“You're tough, Bill. You're the toughest Army barber I know.” - Hank Hill

27. Mattias Hävelid - Defenseman, Linköping HC (SHL)

28. Conor Geekie - Center, Winnipeg Ice (WHL)

“Where are his legs?” - Joseph Gribble

29. Lian Bichsel - Defenseman, Leksands IF (SHL)

“He seems bent on destroying everything I own. Why can’t he turn that energy into something useful like that boy with no legs who ran across Canada?” - Hank Hill

30. Owen Pickering - Defenseman, Swift Current Broncos (WHL)

“My name is… Mr. Big.” - Hank Hill

31. Devin Kaplan - Right Wing, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“Come on, Hank, pick up the pace.” - Dale Gribble

32. Lane Hutson - Defenseman, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“You know my dad's too short for roller coasters. He only comes up to here” - Hank Hill

33. Paul Ludwinski - Center, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)

“I'll be speedy!” - Bill Dauterive

Tier Five

34. Ivan Miroshnichenko - Left Wing, Omskie Krylya (VHL)

“Let's say I want a hammer. Do you know what a hammer is? That's what I want, a damned hammer!” - Hank Hill

35. David Goyette - Center, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)

36. Owen Beck - Center, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

37. Christian Kyrou - Defenseman, Erie Otters (OHL)

38. Sam Rinzel - Defenseman, Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)

39. Elias Salomonsson - Defenseman, Skellefteå AIK J20 (J20 Nationell)

40. Nathan Gaucher - Center, Québec Remparts (QMJHL)

41. Ryan Chesley - Defenseman, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

“I love two things: building doll house furniture and kicking ass. And I don't see any no houses 'round here.” - Big Jim

42. Danny Zhilkin - Center, Guelph Storm (OHL)

43. Jack Hughes - Center, Northeastern University (NCAA)

“I’m going to make my dad proud.” (falls off bike) “I’m going to not tell dad about that.” - Bobby Hill

44. Rutger McGroarty - Center, USNTDP Juniors (USDP)

45. Adam Sýkora - Right Wing, HK Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)

46. Matyáš Šapovaliv - Center, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

“I may look big, but very little of it is muscle.” - Bobby Hill

47. Julian Lutz - Left Wing, EHC München (DEL)

48. Beau Jelsma - Right Wing, Barrie Colts (OHL)

49. Jimmy Snuggerud - Left Wing, U.S. National U18 Team (USDP)

50. Mats Lindgren - Defenseman, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

51. Filip Bystedt - Center, Linköping HC J20 (J20 Nationell)

52. Isaiah George - Defenseman, London Knights (OHL)

Tier Six

53. Tomas Hamara - Defenseman, Tappara U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

54. Alexander Pelevin - Defenseman, Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

55. Kasper Kulonummi - Defenseman, Jokerit U20 (U20 SM-sarja)

56. Adam Ingram - Right Wing, Youngstown Phantoms (USHL)

57. Nicholas Moldenhauer - Center, Chicago Steel (USHL)

58. Ty Nelson - Defenseman, North Bay Batallion (OHL)

59. Jordan Gustafson - Center, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

60. Ilya Kvochko - Center, Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk (MHL)

61. Alexander Suzdalev - Left Wing - HV71 J20 (J20 Nationell)

62. Luca Del Bel Belluz - Center, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)

63. Fraser Minten - Left Wing, Kamloops Blazers (WHL)

64. Simon Forsmark - Defenseman, Örebro HK (SHL)