A Year in Review: KHL/VHL/MHL

All of the Russian players in one place (KHL Free Agency Primer at the end)

Not that I was dreading this or attempting to put this Year in Review off, but this behemoth was always going to be the longest one. The Canes currently have 16! prospects playing hockey in Russia and their seasons finally came to an end this past week. Adding in the fact that a handful of these guys played in multiple leagues for multiple teams makes this overtly complicated and tedious. But alas, it’s the nature of the Brand.

After the past few years of being blessed by Alexander Nikishin, this year was a slight down year for Canes Prospects in Russia. Some struggled after career years, some found success with new teams and some found success in new positions. We saw a couple defensemen make impressive strides in their development and a whole heap of milestones, those ranging from first KHL goal, first KHL point, and first suspension of over 5 games (that applies to next season). With all that said, let’s talk about the Canes Prospects applying their trade in Russia.

Note: these are in alphabetical order.

Nikita Artamonov, RW (Torpedo/Neftekhimik/Torpedo-Gorky, KHL/VHL)

With doing these in alphabetical order, it means tackling the Russian elephant in the room first. After producing a top 5 KHL U20 scoring season of all time, Artamonov struggled to continue that momentum and had a down year. In 66 games played, he had 5 goals and 9 assists for 14 points.

From the start of the year, it was going to be a weird year. Reports came out that Torpedo was going to have Artamonov in the VHL to start his season right before the KHL season began. After scoring in that first game, he was called up for 3 games, then sent back down for 1 game. Called up for 6 games, sent down for 5 games, called up for 5 games, sent down for one game, then finally called back up for 2 games before being moved to Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk, his hometown team. He had some quick success, getting 4 points in his first 7 games. He then went on a 22 game pointless streak. “Pure Art” then had 5 points in his last 8 games before heading into the playoffs, where he didn’t have a point in those 5 games.

Look, was it unrealistic that a young player was going to repeat a 21% shooting percentage? Yes, more than likely. But to see a regression of KHL points from 39 to 10 is almost unbelievable. Artamonov was always a higher floor player, someone whose game translates rather well to a modern day bottom 6. But after last year, it felt like there was some middle 6 and maybe top 6 upside there. He’s a solid forechecker with good hockey sense, but the rest of his game still needs some work.

Outlook for 2026/27: Back in May of last year, Artamonov signed an extension with Torpedo until the end of the 2026/27 season. I wonder what happens with him, as Torpedo seems loaded on forwards and are rumored with signing more. With KHL free agency coming up on June 1st, we should know more then.

(Note: I completely forgot that Torpedo-Gorky, the VHL affiliate of Torpedo, was not registered for the VHL season. So, as of now, Torpedo does not have a VHL team.)

Fyodor Avramov, W (HK Sochi/Yuznhy Ural Orsk/Kapitan Stupino, KHL/VHL/MHL)

The wish that I had going into the season for Fyodor Avramov was that he’d stay in one place for the majority of the season and he wouldn’t bounce around a ton. That wish was partially granted, as he spent most of the year with Sochi at the KHL level. The monkey’s paw that curled was that his ice time was under 10 minutes a night for the majority of the year. In 56 games played, he had 12 goals and 13 assists for 25 points.

🤔

First off, congratulations to the kid for getting his first (and second) career KHL goals. Subsequently, those are also his first KHL points. His MHL production was solid, over a point per game for a 20 year old is expected. I’m glad they made him captain of the team, because those leadership skills are always desirable. I had really hoped he’d have a longer stint in the VHL after going a point per game in those 5 games, but Sochi needed him as a 4th liner/13th forward more. Avramov brings a very specific skillset to the table, that being a power forward. He’s 6’3, 200 pounds with a physical game. Sneaky good shoot with solid offensive instincts and again, he’s a power forward. He offers something only one or two other prospects can offer, but he’s got the size to really excel in that role if he’s developed correctly.

Outlook for 2026/27: More on this down below.

Roman Bausov, RHD (MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg, MHL)

The first of a couple injured Canes prospects in today’s article, Bausov had a ton of intrigue going into this season. Canes fans that went to development camp last year got their first look at Bausov and his massive frame. A massive right handed defenseman who skates incredibly fluidly, an injury before the season took him out of action. In 18 games played this year, he had 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points.

Bausov was one of the players I really wanted to see play this season, as the live viewings I got during development camp left me with a LOT of questions on his development would go. The injury derailed a hefty chunk of his season, but I was still left rather impressed with the viewings I did have. He was a top 4, even top pair defenseman at times for MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg and that’s mainly due to what he offers. He’s a rangy freak of nature who is able to skate incredibly well for a player of his size. He’s physical, being able to lay down some rather thunderous hits. I think the offensive side of his game has some more to offer. He’s got a decently powerful shot and the passing is there. A season that’s given me even more intrigue into the player he can be.

Outlook for 2026/27: A hopefully fully healthy season for MHK Dynamo St. Petersburg.

Semyon Frolov, G (MHK Spartak Moscow/MHK Spartak MAX, MHL)

The next Canes Prospect who lost a lot of his season to injury, Frolov did end up getting really valuable minutes this season. In just 13 games played this year, he had a 2.63 goals against average and a .912% save percentage.

The top goalie in the pipeline currently, Frolov had a slightly better statistical season than these numbers suggest. If we take out the 2 games he played for MHK Spartak MAX, where he had a 4.04 goals against and a .879% save percentage, he actually had a 2.18 goals against average and a .922% save percentage. Frolov is at his best when his mix of aggressiveness and technical ability combine and become one. His skating allows him to be this aggressive because he has the ability to recover rather quick. This season was nearly lost, but the playoff performances in the MHL final give me a lot of hope for Frolov.

Outlook for 2026/27: A hopefully fully healthy season for MHK Spartak Moscow.

Vladimir Grudinin, LHD (Severstal, KHL)

A few minor injuries kept Grudinin out of a couple games this year, but it was more of the same for Grudinin, who’s carved out a role for Severstal. In 58 games played, he had 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points.

Grudinin has carved out a good role for Severstal, being a reliable top 4 defenseman who plays on his off-side while getting heavy penalty killing minutes. He’s not the biggest defender, standing at 5’11, but his stick work keeps him afloat against physical forwards. As well, his skating is great. Not the quickest player ever but he’s got enough mobility to evade forecheckers and get the puck up ice. He showed real ability as a shutdown defenseman with plus skating, which has become rather consistent for him over the past 3 years.

Outlook for 2026/27: He’s got one more year on his current contract with Severstal.

Timur Kol, LHD/RHD (Dynamo Moscow/MHK Dynamo Moscow, KHL/MHL)

After spending last year splitting time between the KHL and MHL, Kol found himself spending 95% of his year in the MHL after his trade to Dynamo Moscow. In 49 games played this year, he had 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points.

I’ve explained the absurdity of Kol’s usage in the MHL but I’d like to point it out one more time. Kol’s average ice time in the MHL was 25:17. The next closest ice time was 23:23 (funnily enough, that was Kurban Limatov). He was the team’s PP1 quarterback and he looked really solid in that role, attributed to the fact that his shot is such a threat that it forces penalty killers to close out and it gives Kol passing lanes. He’s got a rocket of a shot, somewhat similar to what Nikishin was able to do in terms of power and accuracy (even though Boom has the stronger shot). He’s got the physical side on defensive that you’d like defenders to have, not just wildly using his stick to knock the puck away and actually using his body. Not 100% sure if there is true penalty killer potential in there (mainly because I can’t see if he did on EliteProspects or the MHL site), but I’m a big fan of his work at even strength and his ability on the power play. Also got his first career KHL point (and a second one), which I’m glad he was rewarded for because he came darn close during his time with SKA.

Outlook for 2026/27: More on this down below.

Andrei Krutov, W/C (Torpedo/Amur/Torpedo-Gorky/Chaika, KHL/VHL/MHL)

Another Torpedo forward that ended up going out on loan, Krutov showed a little more development this season with Amur as they seemed to have a lot of trust in the forward. In 56 games played this season, he had 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points.

The point total doesn’t tell the whole story here, as Krutov really earned the trust of the Amur coaching staff as the season was winding down. He started as the 13th forward and worked his way up to the middle 6. More interestingly, he was used as a center for a good few games and had flashes of success, both in the dot and handling the responsibilities that a center handles. His hands play a big role on how he can be successful in the dot, as his hands are one of Krutov’s best qualities. He’s able to do things with the puck that not a lot of Canes Prospects can do. Able to weave in and out of defenders, Krutov’s offensive ability is really solid. He’s slowly learning the KHL way of hockey while also getting better at becoming a complete player. Really, really interested to see if he can continue working as a center next year.

Outlook for 2026/27: In the same boat as Artamonov, as Torpedo continues to bring in forwards. A move (loan or trade) seems likely for Krutov.

Kurban Limatov, LHD (MHK Dynamo Moscow, MHL)

Everyone’s new favorite defensive prospect, Limatov continued to flash the interesting qualities that got him hype during the draft this year while improving his point totals. In 49 games played this year, he had 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points.

Kurban Limatov is one of the most fun prospects to get live viewings of because of the way he plays the game. He’s 6’4 with unbelievable skating ability, which allows him to try and be much more aggressive than others. Whether that be on a pinch from the blueline or attempting to stop an entry from the other team, Limatov loves to make the aggressive play. The offense is interesting, since he’s able to be so mobile around the blueline to create separation and he’s got a decent shot. The defense is improving and the aggressive play style can be a double edge sword. I’ve seen him jump a play and miss which leads to a grade A and I’ve seen him read a play, make the breakup, and get a breakaway by himself. Truthfully, I see some K’Andre Miller qualities in Limatov. They’re both big, rangy defenseman who have a more aggressive play style while also being able to contribute in all sitautions. I’m not saying Limatov is the next Miller, but there are Miller-like qualities I see.

Outlook for 2026/27: Well, he’ll have a delayed start to his season after he picked up a 9 game suspension in MHK Dynamo Moscow’s last playoff game that carries over to next season. I’d imagine he’ll get some chances in higher leagues next year as well.

Timur Mukhanov, W (Severstal/Torpedo/Torpedo-Gorky/HK Tambov/Chaika/Almaz, KHL/VHL/MHL)

Timur Mukhanov gets to claim that he was the only Canes prospect within Russia that played in every single professional league for two different teams, which is something you don’t see every day. In 69 (nice) games played, he had 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points.

11 of those points came in an 11 game run in the MHL playoffs, where he was arguably their team’s most important forward, which he should be. He’s a 20 year old forward playing in a U20 league while he has over 150 games of KHL experience, it should be expected. When Mukhanov is on his game, he’s a dynamic offensive dynamo. He’s a shifty skater who has the speed and mobility to escape defenders. Big fan of his passing ability.

Outlook for 2026/27: He recently signed a 2 year, 2 way extension with Torpedo. I’d expect a full year of bouncing between KHL and VHL (would require a loan to VHL team).

Alexander Pelevin, LHD (Torpedo/Torpedo-Gorky, KHL/VHL)

Pelevin has carved out a nice role with Torpedo-Gorky as their reliable PK guy. Outside of that, don’t ask. In 51 games played, he had 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points.

The reigning October 7th player of the week in the VHL, Pelevin is a physical, shutdown defenseman. He skates well enough and loves to throw a few hits. Even though he’s 5’11, Pelevin can really throw some crazy fun hits. The offensive side still hasn’t fully developed, mainly relying on secondary assists for points and the odd shot that finds it’s way through traffic. Next year will be Pelevin’s last year as a prospect.

Outlook for 2026/27: He’s signed with Torpedo through the end of the 2026/27 season.

Alexander Perevalov, RW (Metallurg Novokuznetsk, VHL)

One of the guys who needed a fully healthy season to gauge where he was at in his development, Perevalov did end up having that. In 75 games played this year, Peravalov had 23 goals and 18 assists for 41 points.

Perevalov was primarily a 3rd line winger towards the end of the year after being a top line winger during the regular season, he’s an interesting player to get a read on. He’s got a real nice shot and some solid playmaking skills, combined with his netfront work on the power play. He’s not the biggest guy in the world, but he’s got a great ability to make the goaltender’s life difficult with screens and the ability to score in tight. The skating is decent and he’s not the world’s greatest defensive winger, but there’s an interesting offensive winger there.

Outlook for 2026/27: More on this down below.

Alexander Rykov, W (Traktor/Chelmet/Belye Medvedi, KHL/VHL/MHL)

For Rykov, this was his healthiest year ever, as he played over 50 games in a year for the first time in his career. He set career highs in both games played and in points, as in 66 games played, he had 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points.

After getting a live viewing of Rykov at development camp last year, I became invested in the player that he can be. He’s the mold of what a modern day NHL bottom 6 player is. He skates hard, he has good compete, he’s decently physical, he’s a good forechecker, he has solid offensive instincts, he’s played on the penalty kill and power play. This year was a little weird, with Rykov getting shuffled around the KHL and VHL and when he had some good showings in the middle 6, he’d get moved back down to the bottom line or the 13th forward. I think there’s more growth on the offensive side of Rykov’s game, too. He’s got good offensive instincts so I’d be interested in his next role having some room for growth in terms of ice time.

Outlook for 2026/27: More on this down below.

Roman Shokhrin, LHD (Loko, MHL)

In his last year of MHL eligibility, Shokhrin went out a champion, helping Loko win the MHL Final. In 66 games played, he had 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points.

To explain Shokhrin, I must say he plays a calm game. He’s not doing anything flashy offensively but he’s doing everything right defensively. While plus/minus is a stupid stat to judge defenseman on, going from a +19 to a +53!? in one year seems like a sign that he’s had some positive defensive development. He’s a physical defenseman, seeking out contact from time to time while having that ability to separate man from the puck. Skating is a plus attribute but I do wonder about the offense.

Outlook for 2026/27: He’s got one more year on his current deal with Loko, but I’m interested to see what happens with him as he’s aged out of the MHL, the only league he’s played in for the past 4 years.

Alexander Siryatsky, LHD,RHD (Metallurg/Magnitka, KHL/VHL)

One of the most improved prospects in the system, Siryatsky had a year that gets some flack from his head coach who benched him after a bad turnover in a playoff game, leading to some rather interesting quotes about “back in my day” and things of that nature. But don’t get it confused, Alexander Siryatsky was one of the bright spots for Canes prospects in Russia this year. In 43 games played this year, he had 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points.

I think I really need to stress the point that Alexander Siryatsky is 19 years old. For a U20 defenseman to establish himself as a consistent KHL defenseman is something that needs to be recognized. There were only 5 defenseman in the KHL that played more than 20 KHL games while being younger than 20 years old, Siryatsky was the second youngest, behind only Makar Fomin. There is a lot of interesting aspects within Siryatsky’s game, who’s calling card is his skating and range. Pre injury, Siryatsky was running a power play unit that included a good amount of Metallurg’s talent, including recent Chicago Blackhawks signee Roman Kantserov and former Canes Prospect Sergei Tolchinsky. He was trusted in a big moments, end of game situations and overtime shifts. He also got some good penalty killing time, leading me to believe there is an all around defenseman who could contribute in all situations.

Outlook for 2026/27: More on this down below.

Yegor Velmakin, G (Dynamo St. Petersburg, VHL)

After playing in less than 20 games for the past 2 years, Velmakin played his most games since the 2022/23 season. In 23 games played this year, he had a .908% save percentage and a 2.88 goals against average.

Velmakin is hyper aggressive in the crease, always wanting to challenge the shooter rather than just sit back. Does that hurt him from time to time? Oh, absolutely. But when it’s working, he looks like a goalie that could get NHL games. When he got a somewhat consistent run of games, he looked pretty solid. Next season will be his last as a prospect, as he’ll age out after the 2026/27 season.

Outlook for 2026/27: More on this down below.

Stanislav Yarovoy, W (Spartak Moscow/Khimik, KHL/VHL)

After Vityaz ceased to exist, Yarovoy was rumored with a move to North America. That did not happen and instead, Yarovoy was moved to Spartak Moscow, where he ended up playing just 5 KHL games this year. In 66 games played, he had 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points.

Yarovoy had a little bit of injury trouble this year but was also healthy scratched a couple of times in the playoffs. That was kind of annoying since he was at his best in the playoffs. He was able to dissect coverages and find soft spots for good chances, either a pass or a shot. His skating allows him to do that, even though it’s not high end. The defense has always stayed consistently good, even though Khimik didn’t or rarely used him as a PKer. Big fan of his offensive IQ. Next season will be Yarovoy’s last year as a prospect.

Outlook for 2026/27: He’s got another year on his contract with Spartak Moscow.

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A very quick primer for the upcoming KHL Free Agency. Currently, there are 6 Canes Prospects that are slated to be free agents.

• Fyodor Avramov

• Timur Kol

• Alexander Rykov

• Alexander Perevalov

• Alexander Siryatsky

• Yegor Velmakin

Timur Kol and Alexander Rykov have been made RFAs by their respective teams. As of May 29th, the others have not. I’d imagine Siryatsky stays with Metallurg. Outside of that, we’ll just have to wait and see

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One more thing, Matt and I will be live streaming the NHL Draft just like last year. We had a great turnout and it was a ton of fun hanging out and talking Canes Prospects and Canes hockey with everyone so we thought it’d be fun to run it back. More details and promotion for it will come when we get closer to the drat.