Egor Barabanov – 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Profile – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

Egor Barabanov

2025-26 Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Date of birth: May 16, 2006
Place of Birth: St. Petersburg, Russia
Ht: 6-foot Wt: 181 kilograms
Toys: L
Position: Forward
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 re-entry

Levels

The state of hockey may be different these days. But the Saginaw Spirit continues to produce exciting players for the NHL Draft. One of their most recent examples is Egor Barabanov, someone who was passed over in both the OHL and NHL Drafts. It’s another feather in the cap for Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill and his ability to find strong players.

Barabanov was not only an impact player, he was one of the OHL’s leading scorers after being signed as an undrafted free agent from the USHL. His 91 points are fourth in the league. His 63 assists were second in the OHL only to Brantford’s Jake O’Brien. He was part of one of the OHL’s strongest lines along with the league’s leading scorer Nikita Klepov and Dimian Zhilkin. The trio combined for 36 power play goals between them.

Barabanov quickly stands out with his playmaking ability. Not only does he see the game moving forward, he has the ability to get the puck where it needs to go even in tight spaces. His performance was on full display in February’s game against the Sarnia Sting where he recorded a goal and five assists. Among the ways Barabanov scored that night, he did everything from a pass up the ice to a one-touch into space and an easy pass to a successful layup. He also won a board battle with the wall to get the puck to his teammates. He also set up Klepov on the power play to explode. It’s not just Barabanov’s play that catches the eye, but also the number of different ways he can set up his teammates.

Interest in Barabanov has increased because he is more than a set-up man. The goal scored in the OHL Top Prospects Game was a good one. Having covered the net, he took the pass and went back to score. This game showed the hands he had to place and score in one move. He will now have ample opportunity to hone his overall game as he takes his skills to Mass in the 2026-27 season.

It doesn’t matter if it’s an inch or a mile 🤏

Egor Barabanov sneaks one just over the line to deliver @SpiritHockey even go back to one game!#KITVsSAG | #OHLPlayoffs | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/lcVF2tdXEM

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 28, 2026

Teams drafting Barabanov will see the incredible offense he brings as a center. While he will need to work on integrating key aspects of his game such as playing away from the puck and faceoffs, he is the type of player talent-seeking teams will covet. Going from random to near the top of the scoring race makes for a great story. It only emphasizes how well Spirit is doing in identifying talent and making the most of it. Barabanov is just the latest example of someone from Saginaw hoping to make an impact in the NHL one day.

Some THW Draft profiles

Igor Barabanov – NHL Draft Projection

Barabanov’s high-level ability makes him a candidate to hear his name called early on Day 2. Although he’s a re-entrant, Barabanov’s profile is one that teams like to bet on as the draft progresses.

Measurements

“One of the most notable rebounding prospects, Barabanov has been a joy to watch in Saginaw this year. Barabanov plays with a boatload of skill. He has quick hands and is always probing passing lanes, but he knows when he needs to shoot the puck himself. Barabanov does a solid job of exploiting consistently, he’s got better talent, and he’s always talented. The results are finally starting to follow – and it’s hard not to be upset with his game.” -Steven Ellis, Daily Faceoff

“Barabanov is a very talented playmaker. He’s a real threat when he comes off the perimeter because he escapes pressure, keeps plays alive, and has good vision and execution as a passer. And while he’s not big or unique with the puck, he’s a hard worker on the offensive end and gets touches. He’s had a great year, he’s improving and improving. He’s leading all the ice time he can handle.” – Brock Otten

Power

• A very good game maker
• The ability to finish
• Good hockey sense
• Level of competition
• It plays with an edge

Under Construction- Improvements To Be Made

• Size and strength
• Continuous defense development
• Faceoffs

NHL Power

Barabanov projects as a middle six forward who can play in any attacking position. His level of competition and work ethic shows a willingness to do what it takes to stick in the NHL once he gets there.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk- 3/5, Reward 3/5

The Power of Fantasy Hockey

Offense- 8/10, Defense 6/10

Awards/ Achievements

Barabanov won three championships in four seasons in New Jersey before joining the USHL. He also earned OHL Player of the Week honors.

Discussions/ Links

Statistics by Egor Barabanov

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