Being well over a month into the 2026-27 KHL season, we already have a decent sample size of the next generation of Russian players. Last year, only Ilya Morozov (BUF) went in the first round. This season, however, Russia could feature multiple players in the first round, with a few vying for the top spot.
A trio of youngsters playing in the KHL highlight this group of talented Russians. Let’s get our first look at this grouping and which players to look out for in June.
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Nazar Privalov (F, CSKA Moskva)
Privalov is one of those prospects that brings everything to the table. At just 17 years of age, his frame is incredibly developed. He stands at 6-4, 205 pounds and is able to impact the game in various ways. Privalov utilizes his frame exceptionally well, able to supplement the lack of offensive production at the KHL level thus far. He bumps players and wins battles to earn the puck back, but has not been able to cash in as of yet.
Despite failing to record a point with CSKA Moskva so far, Privalov does have a history of dynamic offensive ability. He registered 30 goals in the MHL a year ago, on the back of 26 points in nine games in U-17. Additionally, Privalov is getting the young-Russian treatment of limited ice time with CSKA, so an expanded opportunity over time should be beneficial to his raw output. Make no mistake, though, all of the tools are there and whichever team is lucky to have Privalov in their lap is going to walk out very pleased with their selection.
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Andrei Pustovoi (F, Loko Yaroslavl)
Pustovoi and Privalov are in almost identical spots, though Pustovoi has a goal and assist to his name. Both are in limited ice time and have needed some time to adjust to KHL pace. He does not need the puck to be effective, as his sense and spatial awareness allow Pustovoi to find open ice. He also plays an especially rugged, mature game for a player in his situation. Pustovoi is not phased by the size and speed difference around him, rather embracing what he needs to do to win the puck back.
Pustovoi can fly up and down the ice and, at least at the MHL level, is the most dominant player on the ice. Pustovoi is the primary play driver for his line and features elite puck handling and shooting ability. Barring injury or enormous jumps from other prospects, it is hard to imagine a world where Pustovoi slips outside the top five.
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Sergei Skvortsov (LW, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod)
While Privalov and Pustovoi are elite prospects, Skvortsov is right up the list beside them. While a much smaller profile, just 6-0, 163 pounds, Skvortsov is an elite offensive talent who is on display this season. He has split time between the KHL and MHL, unlike the other two, but his impact can still be visualized on the ice. His smaller frame allows elite skating ability to complement his wicked shot. Skvortsov is truly a difference maker on the ice.
After a very strong two-game start with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, the point production has tapered off and he has seen six games in the MHL. Each of the traits described above are put on full display at this level. The speed is hard to match for any defender and very few players stand a chance of slowing him down. At the NHL level, Skvortsov’s speed and pace of play would fit in nicely. We’ll see how much more KHL time he gets, but Skvortsov is yet another high draft pick with a sky-high offensive ceiling.
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Yevgeni Yakunin (C, MHK Spartak)
It has been a whirlwind start to 2026-27 for Yakunin. The 6-3 center has already played multiple games at the KHL, VHL and MHL level. He has failed to record a point in the KHL for VHL, but does look comfortable at the MHL level. As the season balances out, he should spend the most time with MHK Spartak. He is dependable and logs heavy minutes. His points come in bunches, thanks to four multi-point efforts and he continues to showcase strong and intriguing traits.
While his true point-production ceiling is still a question, Yakunin does have the traits necessary to be an effective NHL center. He is smart with the puck and features a well-rounded defensive game. Yakunin is also hard to knock off the puck, winning battles and earning second chances for his line. Yakunin might not be the flashiest player in this year’s draft, but he could easily wind up as one of the most dependable. He should slot nicely into the mid-to-late first round.
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As you can see, the top of the draft should feature numerous Russians, a couple of whom could challenge for first overall. Time will tell how the rest of the season goes, but it is shaping up to be a strong year for Russia. Stay tuned each month for more coverage.
Nick Orr