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Ivan Ryabkin is the latest in a long line of talented forwards to emerge from Russia, quickly making a name for himself with his remarkable performance in the MHL as a 16 year old prospect. During his D-1 season, Ryabkin shattered the MHL record for the most points by a U17 player, amassing an impressive 58 points. Ryabkin’s scoring output is even more impressive when you consider that he accomplished it in twelve fewer games than Matvei Michkov.

(Picture courtesy of quanthockey.com)

Ryabkin’s playing style is dynamic and highly effective, though it differs in some key respects from that of his countryman, Michkov. While both players exhibit a wide array of offensive skills, Ryabkin prefers to underhandle the puck and make a quick pass to a teammate before darting into a soft spot on the ice, looking to open up a shooting lane or to set up a give-and-go passing play. His approach emphasizes efficiency and intelligent movement over flashy puck-handling displays, but make no mistake, Ryabkin is capable of both. 

Ryabkin scored 22 goals in the MHL last season, 11 of which came from a wicked wrist shot. His release is quick, and he has the ability to catch and shoot, fire the puck in stride, or release it off of a pivot. Ryabkin generates power on his shot by applying significant downward force on his stick and rotating his core on the follow-through. The force that his shot generates combined with its accuracy gives him the ability to beat goaltenders cleanly from mid-distance. Ryabkin also incorporates a one-timer into his game, but that is still a work in progress. He starts his release from too far behind the puck, causing him to catch too much ice, giving the opposing goalie a split second longer to square himself to the puck. His one-timer also lacks the power to compensate for the slower release, making it a less effective weapon from distance. Additionally, when Ryabkin receives a less-than-perfect pass—a common occurrence in the fast-paced nature of hockey—he often struggles to get a clean shot off, especially when shooting off-balance or from awkward angles. 

Ryabkin excels at using deception to his advantage as a shooter. He skillfully manipulates defenders and goaltenders by feinting passes with his eyes before releasing his shot, adding a deceptive layer to his game. However, to elevate his scoring potential even further, Ryabkin could benefit from varying his release angles. At present, he tends to release his wrist shot from a consistent angle, which can make his shot more predictable. By incorporating techniques like the curl-and-drag to alter his release point, Ryabkin could add another dimension to his shooting, making it even harder for goaltenders to stay square to his shot.

Ryabkin’s goal-scoring potential is rooted in more than just his shooting ability; it’s his strategic off-puck movement and his ability to read the game that make him a consistent scoring threat. In the video below you can see how Ryabkin slips in and out of coverage to position himself as a scoring threat off the puck. Each clip highlights how Ryabkin carefully times his routes to the net, exploiting moments when the opposition has momentarily lost track of him. Ryabkin’s sense of timing is impeccable—he makes his move just as the opposition shifts their attention, ensuring that he is in the right place at the right time to capitalize on scoring opportunities. His understanding of where the most dangerous areas of the ice are, and knowing when to attack them, makes Ryabkin a dangerous off-puck scoring option. His willingness to pay the price at the net further enhances this skill, which is likely to translate effectively as he progresses to higher levels of competition. 

Although Ryabkin is more than capable as a goal scorer, it’s his anticipation and hockey intelligence as a passer that have truly set him apart and have driven his record-setting production. His ability to read the game allows him to stay a step or two ahead of his opponents, making him a constant threat on the ice. On the forecheck, Ryabkin excels at predicting the opposing defense’s intentions, timing his movements to intercept breakouts behind the net or along the boards. Ryabkin’s intelligence is further showcased in his ability to identify and exploit defensive lapses. Whether it’s slipping a pass beyond a defender whose stick is out of position or drawing multiple defenders toward him before dishing the puck to an open teammate, Ryabkin consistently finds ways to capitalize on even the smallest mistakes. These subtle yet frequent instances of outthinking his opponents contribute significantly to his offensive success.

When Ryabkin is at his best, he is constantly moving the puck with purpose, leveraging the confusion caused by quick puck movement to slip into open space, set up a shot, or execute a give-and-go pass. Ryabkin plays the game at a relentless pace that few can match. His approach is defined by his preference to move the puck quickly rather than carry it for extended periods. This strategy is rooted in his deep understanding of the game—he knows that the puck can move faster than any player on the ice. By prioritizing quick puck movement, Ryabkin constantly forces the opposing defense to react, keeping them on their heels and disrupting their structure. This approach not only enhances his team’s offensive fluidity but also maximizes the effectiveness of his teammates, as they can exploit the openings created by the quick, precise passes he delivers. 

As you can see from the video above, Ryabkin has the ability to deliver a wide array of passes from either his forehand or backhand. The ability to make saucer, hook and slip passes from either side of his blade significantly expands his passing options, allowing him to thread the needle from a wider range of angles and positions. Defenders struggle to anticipate his next move, as he can deliver pinpoint passes from either side of his body. Ryabkin’s passing prowess is further complemented by his habit of positioning the puck in his hip pocket. This stance not only disguises his next move but also enhances his ability to switch seamlessly between passing and shooting. In one-on-one situations, Ryabkin becomes a particularly challenging player to defend because he is equally threatening as both a passer and a shooter. If the opposition becomes too aggressive in their approach and over-commits on Ryabkin, he has the ability to make them pay by finding an unmarked teammate.

The lone drawback in Ryabkin’s otherwise impressive passing game is the volume of high danger passing plays that he attempts. While the rewards can be substantial when these passes succeed—often leading to prime scoring opportunities—the downside is that Ryabkin sometimes forces the puck into tough, heavily defended areas of the ice. When his team isn’t properly set up to recover possession or contain a counterattack, these risky decisions can backfire, leading to turnovers that leave his team vulnerable. At the MHL level, Ryabkin’s talent allows him to get away with low-percentage passes, but as he faces tougher competition, opponents will be better equipped to exploit these mistakes. The silver lining is that Ryabkin is still young, and with time and experience, he has the potential to become not only a dangerous and creative playmaker but also a more reliable one—someone his coaches can trust to manage the puck efficiently in critical moments. 

Ivan Ryabkin’s skating stride is smooth and powerful. He frequently uses dynamic crossover patterns to build momentum in transition, often attacking defenders at an angle rather than directly. This approach makes him more difficult to defend, as he leverages his skating ability in tandem with his puck handling to create offense. When defenders try to close him off or play stick on puck, Ryabkin typically responds by attacking their inside shoulder, keeping the puck securely in his hip pocket. As he closes in, he shifts his weight and deftly pushes the puck past the defender’s heels, effectively taking them out of the play.

Ryabkin’s above-average power and agility make him a formidable one-on-one threat, especially when combined with his strong handling skills. His ability to maintain control of the puck at top speed while navigating around defenders highlights his dynamic offensive capabilities. However, there is still room for growth in his game. One area where Ryabkin can develop is in his use of his outside edges to cut back when a defender is pressuring him in the offensive zone. Incorporating more cutbacks into his game would allow Ryabkin to create additional space for himself, particularly against higher-level competition where defenders are more difficult to beat in one-on-one situations due to their size and speed. This skill is crucial for success in the NHL, where the ability to create separation from defenders and maintain possession under pressure can be the difference between a scoring chance and a turnover. 

Another area that sets Ryabkin apart from other skilled Russian forwards is the physical edge he brings to his game. He not only finishes checks when the opportunity arises but also actively seeks out contact, adding a gritty dimension to his play that is uncommon for a player with his offensive talent.

Defensively, Ryabkin shows more promise than you might expect from a player of his prototype. He possesses a strong work ethic, and competes to win pucks back on the forecheck, as well as to supporting his team during transitions through the middle of the ice. Just as he does offensively, Ryabkin leverages his intelligence to anticipate plays and disrupt them before they develop. However, he sometimes becomes overly focused on the puck carrier, which can cause him to lose track of his defensive assignment and create gaps that more experienced opponents could exploit. Additionally, his energy level away from the puck can be inconsistent—a common challenge for young players. 

Despite these areas for improvement, Ryabkin has all the necessary attributes to excel as a center at the next level. With continued development and maturation, particularly in his defensive consistency and puck management, he has the potential to become a dynamic top-six center in the NHL. There is no question that Ryabkin is the best Russian prospect in the 2025 class, and a strong contender for a top-five selection next June.