With the 43rd pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Colorado Avalanche selected Yegor Shilov, a center out of Russia. Shilov is a 6’1”, 176 lb 18-year-old.
Shilov really made a name for himself playing on several different teams in his teens. His point production took a massive step during his age-15 year, as he played on three separate teams (specified by age), and put up 66 goals and 71 assists in the Russia U16 and Russia U17 leagues over 50 games.
In 2024-25, Shilov played in 70 games for the Long Island Gulls (U16 AAA) and Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. He put up 43 goals and 67 assists over that time. With the Victoriaville Tigres in 2025-26, Shilov played in 63 games and had 32 goals and 50 assists.
So, there really doesn’t seem to be a ton to complain about regarding his production, in other leagues, I suppose.
On the Avalanche, Shilov might be a third-line center, or perhaps a fourth-liner. While Brock Nelson is getting up in age, the issue with Shilov is his pace. Apparently, he lacks top-end pace, which is not a good thing when you’re talking about the NHL level.
According to some outlets, the pace at which Shilov plays is “the worst they have seen from any player this year.” That is not a positive endorsement at all.
The only thing that we can hope for is that he’ll end up being coached the proper way to work on his pace and speed of the game.
There are several outlets who have ranked Shilov higher than where the Avalanche got him at. That alone is a positive sign. However, it’s up to him and his coaches to get him ready for the NHL level.
There are several things Shilov needs to work on in his time before entering the NHL: His physicality, explosiveness and what to do when he does not have the puck on his stick. Those will be crucial for his development.
As a center, you want to have good puck skills, which he does. But adding to the other aspects of his game is going to be so important if he wants to make it big in the NHL.
The Avalanche are the perfect organization for him because he will have great teachers/coaches and teammates.
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