As the playoffs near their conclusion in leagues across Russia, some players have put together impressive postseason performances to help their teams. Let’s go around and look at some of these efforts among drafted players and those who hope to hear their names called in June.

Matvei Korotky – SKA-1946 St. Petersburg – MHL (Drafted by STL)

Though on the brink of elimination, SKA-1946 is in the MHL finals, and Korotky is a big reason why. In 12 playoff games, Korotky has 13 points, which is second on the team. This success comes from a strong regular season, during which Korotky split time between the MHL and KHL. He had a brilliant 31 points in 27 games with SKA-1946 in the first part of the regular season before spending the second half of the year with the KHL club. He had an impressive six points in an eight-game stretch in February before cooling off as the regular season wound down.

Korotky is a highly skilled forward with a high motor in the offensive zone. His six-foot size proved effective during the playoffs, aiding his high point total. Korotky is under contract in the KHL until 2027, so the Blues must wait until he comes to North America. But already, the team looks to have found some great value on their seventh-round selection.

Semyon Frolov – MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva – MHL (2025 Draft Eligible)

Frolov is one of the top goaltenders available in the 2025 draft class, and his play this season has supported this assessment, including his performance in five total playoff games. In three games with MHK Krylia Sovetov Moskva, he sported a .912 SV% with one shutout. He did not allow a goal in the other two playoff games with MHK Spartak Moskva.

Frolov possesses strong side-to-side mobility. He utilizes his edges to push across the crease and cut down on weak-side chances. Additionally, he is confident playing the puck and can be a factor in his team’s breakout.

Alexander Plesovskikh – MHK Spartak Moskva – MHL (Drafted by TOR)

Plesovskikh was the third-leading scorer on MHK Spartak with 12 points in 17 games. The Maple Leafs’ 2024 fifth-round selection (152nd overall) piggybacked a 15-goal, 38-point regular season with a strong postseason effort. Owing to his playmaking ability and passing vision, he had 23 assists for MHK Spartak. The Leafs hope this key offensive trait will separate Pleskovskikh once he arrives in North America.

Additionally, Plesovskikh is 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, and utilizes this size effectively. He is a good skater and is effective along the boards. He gives Maple Leafs fans much reason to be excited, though it may take some time to see him within the organization.

Kirill Yemelyanov – Loko Yaroslavl – MHL (2025 Draft Eligible)

Yemelyanov only played in eight playoff games, but he made an impact. He had four goals and four assists, suitable for a point-per-game effort. Among draft-eligible Russians, Yemelyanov is a solid option in the back half of the draft. He is not the biggest player on the ice, but his hockey sense and general puck skills make him effective at the center ice position. He does not currently feature a dominant offensive game, but proper development should give him a high offensive ceiling in the NHL.

Expect a jump in point production as Yemelyanov matures physically and in his abilities. For now, he will be a strong pick in the middle rounds of the draft and should make an impact in North America.

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