2025-26 Team: Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)
Date of Birth: December 3, 2007
Place of Birth: Yegoryevsk, Russia
Height: 6-foot-7, Weight: 207 Pounds
Catches: Right
Position: Goalie
NHL Draft Eligibility: First Year Eligible
Rankings
- NHL Central Scouting (EU Goaltenders): 2nd
Yegor Rybkin is a towering goaltending prospect coming out of Russia this year. His massive 6-foot-7 frame makes him an imposing presence in the crease, and he covers a ton of lateral space incredibly easily. His ability to seal his posts is admirable, and leaves hardly any easy space for shooters to hit. NHL teams are always looking for big, athletic goaltenders to add to their prospect pools and Rybkin looks like a great prospect to swing on if you’re looking at ultimate potential.
However, there is such a thing as being too big when it comes to goalies. While it’s very uncommon for NHL goalies to be 6-feet or shorter, it is roughly as rare to see a 6-foot-7+ goaltender as well. Rybkin’s massive legs means there’s a ton of space at the five-hole that closes a lot slower than it does for a 6-foot-2 goalie.
Yegor Rybkin – NHL Draft Projection
Goaltenders are impossible to predict in the NHL Draft, though even in years like this with no clear high-end goaltending prospects, many goalies end up being selected in the first 50 or so picks. I think the earliest Rybkin would be in play is likely the late second round and I wouldn’t be shocked if he slid down around the 5th or 6th rounds. His potential is massive, but there are tons of questions, mainly surrounding why he didn’t get a ton of games this year in Russia’s top junior league.
Quotables
“His best assets are his intimidating size in the crease, rebound control and competitiveness.” – Mike Morreale, NHL.com
Strengths
- Massive frame
- Athletic build for a young goalie
- Seals posts well
Under Construction- Improvements to Make
- Hasn’t been able to hold the net (few games played)
- Massive window through the five-hole
- Gets beat on fakes too easily
NHL Potential
Rybkin’s athleticism, paired with his mammoth frame gives him a ton of NHL potential, and a similar projection as recent high draft picks like Sebastian Cossa. However, Cossa had a much stronger resume as a draft eligible prospect and is also one of the least “sure-thing” goaltenders to go in the first round recently so maybe that’s not the model to copy.
Risk- Reward Analysis
Risk- 4/5, Reward 4/5
Yegor Rybkin Stats
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