Dmitri Zlodeyev

October 2023 – Last season, Zlodeyev split his time between the KHL and the VHL. He played 18 games in the KHL with Spartak Moskva, although he was on a team that didn’t perform well, Zlodeyev had extremely limited ice time, averaging just 6:36 per game. This season, it is expected that Zlodeyev will have a better opportunity as he has signed an AHL deal with Abbotsford. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

March 2022 – It has been a busy season for the 20-year-old Russian, splitting his season between five clubs across three tiers of play (KHL/VHL/MHL). Heck, although short-lived, he even sprinkled in some WJC action as an alternate captain to boot. He has found a very comfortable home in the MHL, combining for 41 points through 28 games, which he has split between two clubs. Additionally, he also sports a plus-24 rating, along with 41 penalty minutes during that span, and continues to showcase his ability to work in a variety of situations. He brings an impressive motor to the forefront and shows an eagerness to insert himself into the play. A bottom-six NHL pivot remains a relevant benchmark for his future outlook among the Canucks’ depth chart. Dave Hall 

April 2021 – Unfortunately, it was a season plagued by injury for the 19-year-old Russian pivot. When healthy, however, he posted decent numbers while splitting time between the MHL and VHL. The 2021-22 campaign is set to be a major year for his development, as he is slated to make the jump to the KHL as a teenager – an opportunity that does not get handed out often. Of course, you can expect very limited minutes, yet, the accelerated bump in tiers should be viewed as a positive boost for his overall growth. Given his preferred style of play, that being pacey and high-energy, his bottom-six role should suit him well. He is no guarantee to play North American hockey, however, should he do so, continues to project as a bottom-six role player. Dave Hall

October 2020 – Zlodeyev has been off to a quick start to begin 2020-21. He’s clicked at just under a point-per-game in the MHL against his U20 peers. However, even more impressively has been his play against men. In seven games in the VHL – Russia’s version of the AHL, he’s scored four goals and been a useful part of the team’s bottom six. The 18-year-old is a feisty type who thrives down low while pressuring defenders. It’s a style that should lend itself well to transitioning up the ranks – albeit with a lower offensive ceiling than some. Cam Robinson

October 2020 – Zlodeyev was drafted 175th overall by the Canucks. Zlodeyev is expected to spend at least two more years in Russia before crossing the pond.  Jokke Nevalainen

July 2020 – Zlodeyev had a stellar 2019-20 season for both club and country. He is a very strong two-way player who is quick on his feet, but lacks some aggression. Despite playing a soft game for the most part, he uses that speed to terrorize the opposition in the defensive zone. He tends to shy away from board battles and stands in positions that allow the opponents to easily get the puck when it moves away from the boards. He did get a lot of penalty killing time this season, however, he shows a lack of defensive consistency and doesn’t spark much hope for being a real penalty killer at the next level. With the puck on his stick, Zlodeyev is nearly impossible to stop. To go along with his pure speed, his lateral movement and agility make him incredibly unpredictable and he uses his skating ability to create space in the offensive zone. He has no true weaknesses on offense besides occasionally holding the puck for too long or getting bumped down to the ice. He has a very powerful shot which he uses often, averaging just over two shots per game, as well as a strong ability to create plays with dangerous and accurate passes. He makes faceoffs look easy, most notably in the offensive zone. He can quickly win the puck himself straight off of a draw and control possession until he finds a play to create. Zlodeyev has the skill-set to be a powerplay leader, but he needs to iron out the issues of not moving the puck quick enough and losing possession, in addition to his lack of shooting in open areas. Zlodeyev shined at the 2020 U18 Five Nations tournament playing on a line with Prokhor Poltapov and Bogdan Trineyev. He really showed off his playmaking and defensive abilities, as well as a goal scoring threat by picking up two goals. He was exceptional at blocking passing lanes and quickly shifting gears and moving the puck forward.  Dylan Griffing