The 2026 NHL draft features some truly elite Russian talent that could be impactful NHL players. The 2025 Russian class flew a bit under the radar, enhanced by the large number of Canadians selected in the top half of the first round. This year, however, there are a few prospects who could seriously push for a high draft position. Let’s dive into these players and explore what makes each of them so highly-touted. 

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Viktor Fyodorov – F – Torpedo Gorky Nizhny Novgorod/Chaika Nizhny Novgorod 

Fyodorov is the top player that Russia features in the 2026 draft. Without exaggeration, he can do everything. Fyodorov is a do-it-all center that has promising upside. He is defensively responsible and positions himself in the right areas at the right time. Fyodorov also possesses good offensive skills and a high motor. He can play below the dots and has a nice ability to find open ice. There is not really much Fyodorov can’t do. He plays in every situation and is able to have a positive impact.

Throughout the early part of this season, Fyodorov has bounced around between the MHL and VHL with one game played with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL. In his lone KHL appearance, Fyodorov fit in nicely. He showcased his defensive responsibility and was a positive presence on the ice. He will likely stick with Torpedo-Gorky in the VHL for a large part of the season, providing ample runway for development at higher levels of play. Fyodorov has proven and should continue to prove why he is a top prospect for the 2026 draft.

Lavr Gashilov – F – Avto Yekaterinberg 

Gashilov is one of the elite playmakers, not only in the Russian region, but in the entire class. He can both fire a crisp, hard, tape-to-tape pass or lightly feather one over a defender’s stick to set up his teammates. On the power play, he is a dynamic threat to create a grade-A scoring chance. He works along the right-wing boards, but does not seem to deviate from that spot. He does play a bit one-dimensional, but possesses elite tools. 

Gashilov is already up to 19 assists in just 14 games. He is picking up right where he left off in last year’s MHL campaign and is one of the key offensive weapons for Avto Yekaterinberg. Once he is elevated to higher levels of play, it will be interesting to see is Gashilov can play with the pace required to maintain his offensive success. 

Gleb Pugachyov – W – Chaika Nizhny Novgorod

Pugachyov is an offensively inclined winger with impressive physical stature. He stands at 6-3 and is not afraid to throw his weight around, both on the forecheck and in net-front battles. He has a good release on his shot and is not afraid to put the puck on the net. The one aspect of Pugachyov’s game that stands out for his size is his skating. He can get up and down the ice relatively quickly and does have a nice base for further development in other areas, which is needed. However, Pugachyov struggles to really provide much impact on the defensive side of the puck, as his positioning is questionable at times. He still provides intriguing offensive upside, but a big year would go a long way.

Nikita Scherbakov – D – Toros Neftekamsk/Salavat Yulaev 

Scherbakov is a big, sturdy defender who is great at shutting plays down. He stands at 6-5 and is able to get up and down the ice relatively easily. He can serviceably move the puck on the breakout and has a bit of offensive touch. Shcherbakov won’t make his money as an offensive defenceman, but his defensive prowess certainly will draw the attention of teams come draft night.

So far, he has split time between the KHL and VHL and found similar results in both, He certainly sees the ice more in the VHL and has been able to provide a bit bigger of an impact as a result. With NHL teams salivating over this kind of player, Scherbakov could be in line for a massive rise in his draft pick range with continued success. 

Yaroslav Fedoseyev – D – Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk/Chelmet Chelyabinsk 

Fedoseyev ripped up the MHL in the first 11 games of the year and earned the promotion to the VHL, where he has fit in nicely. He has not produced offensively at as high of a rate as before, but he is still a positive impact player. He is a good skater and is able to create time and space with his legs. He is also composed and poised with the puck, usually opting for the safe breakout option to his teammate, rather than a risky play. He steps up well and forces dump-ins, rather than allowing the attacking team to gain the line with their legs. Fedoseyev does have a tendency to run around in his own zone, so cleaning that up will go a long way for his overall game. 

Honorable mentions: Arseni Ilyin (F), Vladimir Selivanov (G), Dmitri Borichev (G)

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The Russian class in the 2026 NHL entry draft features a lot of talent that teams would love to get their hands on. Let’s see how these names continue to develop over the course of the season. Check back here for monthly updates. Follow my substack @nickorr for scouting reports all season long! Follow on Twitter/X: @norr028

Nick Orr