The country of Russia consistently provides the NHL with top-tier talent on both sides of the puck. The 2027 draft will be no different. Here is a look at the players receiving the most attention headed toward next summer’s selection process.
Forward Nazar Privalov, KHL CSKA Moskva – Most often compared to Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin due to his unique blend of size (6’4″ 205 lbs) and puck skills, it appears as though Privalov will be locked in a season-long battle with countryman Skvortsov (profiled below) as the first Russian player taken off the board next summer. The two are often listed as pick #’s 2 and 3 behind projected first overall pick Landon DuPont, and are often interchanged, depending upon the rating system. As a 16-year-old last season playing in the MHL (Russia’s top junior league), Privalov registered 49 points (30G 19A) in 51 games against players four or five years older than he. For his efforts, Privalov was promoted to the KHL this season, although he is playing a very limited role for CSKA Moskva. Because KHL teams are notorious for providing limited opportunities to its young players, perhaps a return to the MHL would be very beneficial for his continued development. Privalov logged an average of 17 minutes of ice time per night last season, and was named the MHL’s Rookie of the Year along the way.
Forward Sergei Skvortsov, KHL Torpedo Novgorod & MHL Chaika Novgorod – Skvortsov also compares to star players such as Ilya Kovalchuk (retired), Connor McDavid & Mitch Marner for his lethal shot, elite feet, and creativity with the puck. Although he weighs in at 163 pounds right now, he already stands north of 6′ tall and has plenty of frame to easily eclipse the 200-pound mark. He has logged 13 games this season playing in both the MHL & KHL ranks, and has registered a combined 6 points this season (a goal and 3 assists the MHL, and a goal and assist in the KHL). This follows up his 2025-26 season in the MHL, where he posted 43 points (19G 24A) in 52 games.
D-man Vladimir Shtyrkhunov, QMJHL Shawinigan Cataractes – Shtyrkhunov is the lone d-man in this group, although his elite offensive talents essentially make him a fourth forward when he is on the ice. However, the projected late 1st/ high 2nd round pick is lauded as a two-way d-man, and plays with a high motor and extremely physical edge. Like Privalov and Skvortskov, he also competed in the MHL a season ago, posting 32 points (4G 28A) in 55 games in 2025-26. He has since relocated to North America, and has registered 7 points (3G 4A) in 7 games for Shawinigan in the Q this season. He certainly will be on the Team CHL roster for the CHL USA Prospects Challenge in early December.
Forward Andrei Pustovoy, KHL Lokomotiv Yaroslavl & MHL Loko Yaroslavl – Like Skvortsov, Pustovoy is logging ice time this season in both the junior & pro ranks, and has registered a combined three points (2G 1A) in 14 games. Blessed with elite size (6’3″ 201 pounds) and puck skills, he is the prototypical power forward with straight-ahead determination in driving the net. Although he is capable of playing both the center and wing positions, the projected mid-first rounder is anticipated to transition permanently to the wing upon moving to North America due to his aggressive attacking style and elite finishing traits.
