Lavr Gashilov

September 2026 – Lavr Gashilov is a high-skill, offense-first center the New Jersey Devils grabbed 119th overall, a classic high-ceiling, low-floor swing on a player who lit up Russian junior hockey. An alternate captain for Avto Yekaterinburg, he finished with 16 goals and 53 assists for 69 points in 51 games, first-round-level production that made him a value at his draft slot. The passing is the draw. He is a patient, creative playmaker with soft hands and high offensive IQ who manufactures high-danger chances from anywhere in the zone, more a possession-and-distribution threat than a straight-line burner. The concerns are equally clear. His work away from the puck and his defensive game lag, and his skill set really only fits a top-six role, which raises the floor risk if the offense does not translate. His path adds uncertainty: he is under contract in Russia through 2026-27, with the KHL, VHL, or an eventual move to North America all on the table. For fantasy he is one of the more intriguing upside bets in this group, a potential top-six playmaker with power-play value, and a dynasty stash worth holding, with his push toward KHL minutes this season the signal to track before any add. Andrew Epps