Ilya Nabokov

April 2024 – It’s not often that you see a 21-year-old selected in the NHL draft, but it’s not often that you have the opportunity to draft a goaltender of Nabokov’s quality either. After a strong start to the KHL season, Nabokov has shown great in-season development, and his regular season and playoff statistics reflect that. He is an extremely strong skater, able to move effectively and quickly into positions. He consistently takes the correct lines, and is excellent at anticipating play and adjusting his depth based on the situation. His rebound control and tracking in and around the net may need some refining but by all measures this is an excellent professional goaltender available to be drafted. (April Rankings: #80) Colin Hunter