2026 NHL Draft – Top 10 Russian Prospects – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Twenty-one Russian players were selected in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles, which is the fourth highest nationally. Goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov (Columbus Blue Jackets, #20) was the top pick, followed by forward Alexander Zharovsky (Montreal Canadiens, #34) and goaltender Semyon Frolov (Carolina Hurricanes, #41). The Hurricanes picked four Russians in total.

10. Alan Shaikhhlislamov, Forward

Final NHL Central Scouting Ranking: 25th (International Skaters)

A speedy winger gifted with a good shot and a strong motor, Alan Shaikhlilamov is a hard worker who had a strong season in the Russian Junior League with Tolpar Ufa, collecting 35 points on 18 goals and 17 assists in just 31 regular season games. He had a limited opportunity in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), but in the next season, he is expected to grow as a player and develop more in his game, as this season he often looks like a forward who needs to use his teammates more and share the puck more, even if he is often the best shooter on his line.

9. Viktor FyodorovForward

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 23rd (International Skaters)

Once considered the best player born in 2008 in Russia, Viktor Fyodorov did not break out as expected, however he had a solid season in the KHL and showed glimpses of NHL potential in his game. He also showed interesting traits, such as a strong approach, good playmaking skills, and a strong work ethic. He won’t be the offensive dynamo in the NHL that he was expected to be back in the day, but he has some intangibles that coaches will love.

8. Nikita Shcherbakov, Defender

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 13th (International Skaters)

Nikita Shcherbakov impressed this season with his size and mobility. The young blueliner had his KHL debut, with limited exposure, but he didn’t look out of place, proving he can play in a tough spot at a high pace.

The big defender spent a lot of time with Toros Neftekamsk in the second game of Russia, where he showed stability, great mobility, and a high level of maturity, even scoring a hat trick in February, setting a league record for such a young blueliner. He has good skating skills, but needs to bulk up to make the most of his large frame. He is very tall at 6-foot-5 and has good reach, but needs to build weight and play a physical game.

7. Yegor RybkinGoli

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 2nd (International Goals)

Yegor Rybkin is a big Russian goaltender, his 6-foot-7 frame makes for a formidable presence in the crease and he displays excellent speed even for his size. His ability to close his gaps is impressive, and leaves almost an easy space for shooters to hit.

However, that kind of size has its drawbacks, as his big legs mean there’s a ton of space in the five-hole that he covers much less than a smaller goaltender. He has a lot of potential, but there are question marks surrounding him before the selection, due to his limited exposure.

6. Gleb Pugachyov, Forward

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 9th (International Skaters)

A big winger with a strong motor, Gleb Pugachyov is a great project that could be fully suited for a bottom six role in the NHL. With proper development and training, he can become a regular player in the league with a focus on physicality, forwardness, and toughness.

He has good skill in a bottom six role with goalscoring skills. He has a good shot and can put the puck in the back of the net, although it is not a strong feature of his game. He had a great season in the KHL and other Russian leagues.

5. Dmitri Borichev, goalkeeper

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 1st (International Goals)

Dmitri Borichev is an athletic goaltender with a strong glove and excellent tracking ability. He always positions himself effectively to make saves, rather than relying primarily on his size: an approach that may limit other goaltending prospects at the junior level.

He has some flaws in his game, but most are normal for goalkeepers his age, and over time, they can be refined until they are no longer a problem. He is a solid prospect with exciting potential and could be a diamond in the rough for any franchise patient enough to invest in his development.

4. Maksim Sokolovskii, Defender

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 40th (North American Skaters)

At 6-foot-8, Maksim Sokolovskii is one of the tallest players to be selected in late June, as his size alone makes him an intriguing prospect. However, he has shown excellent flashes, with solid defensive play, a visible side to his game, and even interesting glimpses in the attacking area.

He’s been climbing a lot of ranks in the second half of the season, and at this point, he can even go above and beyond expectations. Sokolovskii doesn’t hesitate to use his impressive frame to his advantage. He moves well for his size, covering large ice with efficient, powerful strides. Defensively, he brings patience and composure to his game, rarely making rash decisions: qualities that have been a key part of the London Knights’ ability to finish among the 10 best defensive teams in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) this season.

3. Egor Barabanov, Forward

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 39th (North American Skaters)

After being overlooked twice, Egor Barabanov finally found his core this season with the Saginaw Spirit of the OHL. His 91 points were good for fourth in the league, and his 63 assists were second only to Jake O’Brien of the Brantford Bulldogs. He was part of one of the OHL’s strongest lines along with the league’s leading scorer Nikita Klepov and Dimian Zhilkin.

After a very successful season in the OHL, Barabanov will enter the NCAA next season as he has committed to UMass beginning with the 2026-27 campaign. He will be one of the top players in this year’s draft.

2. Egor Shilov, Forward

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 19th (North American Skaters)

Egor Shilov is an extremely talented offensive player who loves to play the puck in the offensive zone and always seems to know what to do to cause maximum damage. He is consistently productive at whatever level he plays, and his rookie season in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) was a career-high 82 points in 63 regular season games. He also posted five points in a short playoff series against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

Shilov has all the tools to be a first round pick with the potential to play a goal line role in the NHL. However, his game also means that he is a boom-or-bust player, as it is hard to imagine him playing in the bottom six. However, his tool bag alone should warrant him a top pick.

1. Ilia Morozov, Forward

Final NHL Central Scouting ranking: 10th (North American Skaters)

The rookie center was the youngest player in college hockey until Oscar Hemming joined Boston College in the middle of the season and now he has grown into a first rounder. He had a solid season with Miami University, playing on the top two lines all season and being used in all situations. Even when his offensive production took off in the second half, he remained loyal and trusted by his coaches.

Ilia Morozov projects as a second or third line center at the NHL level. His one-on-one ability, dual commitment, and defensive reliability make him a coach’s dream to use — able to contribute on the power play, penalty kill, even strength, and high-pressure situations late in games. That kind of flexibility is exactly what NHL rosters are built around.

Abundance of Talents From Russia

Russia can expect two or three players to hear their names called in the first round, but the true depth of this class will emerge on Day 2. The Hurricanes, in particular, will work – they have made a habit of targeting smooth, mobile Russian defenders in the middle rounds.