Gleb Pugachyov
2025-26 Team: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)
Date of Birth: March 25, 2008
Place of Birth: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ht: 6-foot-3 Wt: 198 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Right Wing
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2026 first-year eligible
Rankings
- NHL Central Scouting (Mid-Term): 15th (among EU skaters)
- Baracchini’s March Top 96 (THW): 53rd
- Craig Button (TSN): 44th
- Daily Faceoff: 56th
- SMAHT Scouting: 33rd
A big winger with a strong motor, Gleb Pugachyov showed some interesting potential this season, especially with his physical and two-way play, even though he recorded his first points at the professional level. Pugachyov shows great energy and stamina, and his imposing size and physical abilities make him an interesting option for a bottom-six role with some offensive skills.
Pugachyov lacks the high-end offensive skills to be considered a surefire top pick, as he’s more of a project right now. His main tools are his size, motor, and energy, as a player who keeps on moving and forechecks and backchecks very hard. He’s not going to make things happen with fancy moves, but he can become very dangerous at the right moment, and is a player who never backs down. He’s gifted with a good shot, but should improve his release.
Related: THW’s 2026 NHL Draft Guide
He wasn’t expected to break out that early, but in January 2026, he had a good series of games in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and was awarded Rookie of the Week honors. He threw the body around in the senior league as well, but he will have to take an extra step in his development before playing that game in North America.
At the moment, Pugachyov is signed in the KHL through his entry-level contract with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod until the 2027-28 season. It’s not a problem, as such a deal will allow him to develop at home, as he’s definitely not ready for the pro game yet.
Gleb Pugachyov – NHL Draft Projection
As a player without strong offensive abilities or potential, Pugachyov is expected to hear his name on the second day of selections. Somewhere between the second and third round is a realistic expectation for a player of Pugachyov’s caliber and style, with forwards that have more flashy skillsets holding an advantage. However, one can see some teams getting excited by his size and speed.
Quotables
“Prototypical power forward, who has heavy skill. A competitive big hitter who plays a north/south game with a hard shot.” – Luke Sweeney, Dobber Hockey
“Pugachyov is a coach’s player who puts his full focus into driving downhill and creating chances close to the crease. He’s a ferocious physical-winger who has shown an ability to win battles in KHL corners. That’s an impressive skill for a player who still seems capable of adding muscle and speed.” – Gabriel Foley
Strengths
- Great size that can even improve in the next couple of years
- Owns a non-stop motor that helps him in both the offensive and defensive zones
- Never backs down and plays hard throughout the game
- Gifted with a good, hard shot that can surprise goalies
Under Construction/Improvements to Make
- Needs to improve his skating skills and overall agility
- A raw player who works and plays hard, but needs some coaching in his transition to pro hockey
NHL Potential
Pugachyov is a great project prospect perfectly fit for a bottom-six role in the NHL. With the right development and coaching, he can become a regular player in the league with a focus on physical play, forechecking, and intensity.
Risk- Reward Analysis
Risk: 3/5 Reward: 3/5
Fantasy Hockey Potential
Offense: 5/10 Defense: 8/10