Egor Afanasyev

June 2025 – The Sharks acquired Afanasayev from Nashville last summer but were unable to sign him as he returned to the KHL. But the team signed him to an $800,000 deal on May 19 and the 24-year-old will return to North America. The aggressive, hard-hitting 6-4, 211-pounder was nearly a point-per-game player in the AHL before he left, though he couldn’t put up half those numbers in Russia. With the Sharks, expect him to chip in as a third-line shift disturber, capable of 120+ Hits and 20-25 points if he can stick. There is a risk, in that his contract is low enough to bury in the AHL (in which case, one would expect him to simply return to the KHL). – Dobber

June 2023 – Afanasyev made his NHL debut in 2023 with the Predators after a late-season call-up from the Admirals. He stuck around with the big club for 17 games, primarily in a 4th line role, but he saw a few games on a line with Cody Glass and Philip Tomasino, which led to his first NHL goal in game 17. His season in the AHL was mostly unspectacular at 0.45 points-per-game pace, but he had a strong showing in the playoffs with 11 points in 16 games, good for 3rd on the team. With one year left of waiver exemption and Nashville leaning on younger players, expect him to see multiple stints in the NHL in 2023-24. Jeff Grybel

June 2022 – Afanasyev found himself up and down the lineup the entire season with Milwaukee. He saw a variety of linemates but still scored 12 goals and 33 points in 74 games, good for seventh in team scoring. Afanasyev played the second-most games out of anyone on the Admirals, with only Mitchell McLain ahead of him. Before he makes the leap to the NHL, Afanasyev could still use at least another year of seasoning in the AHL. He is still only 21, and for a first full professional season, it was not one to complain about. If he can score between 20 and 25 next season and get his point totals up to at least 50, I think he will be deserving to make his NHL debut. With his lack of waivers, he will be looked at constantly in 2022-23 as a call-up candidate, so watch for him in deeper leagues as a potential streaming pick-up. Curtis Rines

January 2022 – Transitioning from Europe to North America is not easy for every player, and after a slow start, Afanasyev is finding his footing in the AHL with Milwaukee. He currently sits top 25 in AHL rookie scoring with six goals and 15 points through 32 games played and is ranked seventh in team scoring for the Admirals. If he wants to make the full-time jump to the NHL sooner rather than later, he will have to increase his point production at 5v5 as four of his six goals have come on the man-advantage. Even with that, don’t be surprised if Afanasyev makes his NHL debut as early as this year. If injuries hit the Predators lineup, his name could be near the top of the call-up list, especially as he is still waivers exempt. Curtis Rines

April 2021 – Afanasyev has made his way back into the CSKA Moscow roster. His point totals continue to show positive progress as he has produced six points through 16 games, notable numbers considering his age as a KHLer. Playing a regular shift against more physically mature talent will only help his development in taking the next step. Nicholas Kawka

December 2020 – Afanasyev was loaned to CSKA Moscow to start his 2020-21 season for a brief time with the KHL club but has spent the majority of his fall in MHL with Krasnaya. He has shown well in the transition and been very productive scoring at a goal per game pace. Afanasyev was also part of the Russian team that won the Karjala Cup in November. He will be trying his hand at the World Junior Championships for the first time in December. Nicholas Kawka

November 2020 – Afanasyev is on loan to Krasnaya Armiya Moskva in the MHL. He scored two goals in his first game. Afanasyev had a strong first season in the OHL in 2019-20 and will look to continue developing his power game while the OHL reboot timelines continue to develop. Nicholas Kawka

April 2020 – As hoped, Afanasyev led Windsor in scoring this season with 67 points in 62 games.  He was able to maintain his goal scoring prowess from his transition from the USHL and tallied 31 off of over 200 shots on goal.  Afanasyev continues to develop another level to his skating, which will only add to his ability to contribute offensively.  In order for Afanasyev to take the next step in his development, he will need to incorporate a more physical element to his game.  If he is able to combine a harder game along with his soft hands, Afanasyev will generate much more attention from opposing teams and fantasy owners. Nicholas Kawka

October 2019 – Afanasyev has been named to the Russia roster in the CHL/Russia series that will kick off in early November.  Nicholas Kawka

October 2019 – Since being drafted by Nashville in June, Afanasyev has transitioned from the USHL to the OHL.  Now with the Windsor Spitfires, Afanasyev will be leaned upon as a steady source of scoring. Already in the new year, he has a goal and three assists in five games for Windsor.  Against stiffer competition this season, Afanasyev is sure to be challenged and hone his game in the process. – Nicholas Kawka

July 2019 – The Predators drafted a monster of a player in Afanasyev in Round 2 of the 2019 draft.  He possesses extremely soft hands for a player of his stature and has a wicked shot off the half wall.  From the hash marks in, Afanasyev creates havoc for defenders down low and makes for a matchup nightmare.  He has greatly improved his skating over the past year and will need to continue refining his strong stride.  He is not known for his physicality, but shows strong body awareness by shielding the puck with great effectiveness.  Afanasyev scored 62 points in the USHL in 2019, a 48 point improvement from 2018. In time when his raw abilities and muscular growth align, Afanasyev could be a pillar on the wing for the Predators. – Nicholas Kawka