Andrei Bykov (D, L, 6’3″, 192, MHK Spartak Moskva, 12/25/2007) Andrei Bykov is a 6’3′, 192-pound left-shot defenseman playing for MHK Spartak Moskva in the MHL, and physically he has the frame that NHL staffs are looking for. His 2025/26 season production of 33 points in 52 games with a +13 rating will catch NHL scout’s eyes as he is a defenseman who plays a balanced two-way game. He averages over 13 minutes per game with usage on both the power play and penalty kill, but it’s quite clear that he is not yet trusted in key minutes or game deciding top-pair minutes. Offensively, he shows the ability to support the attack and get shots through from the blue line but he is not a threat to be attacking the royal road off of a broken play to set up a Grade A. He uses his size effectively when boxing out or ending the cycle by pinning his man to the wall. The reason Bykov could become an NHL player is that he possesses a combination of pro-sized dimensions, 200′ production at the junior level, and enough puck-moving ability to support transition play. Defensemen with his frame who can generate offense through transition and move the puck with confidence often attract NHL interest because those traits translate. His offensive involvement show that he can contribute as a chaos causing playmaker from the blue line, and his willingness to play physically and engage in battles suggests show he has the foundation to develop into a reliable two-way defender. However, I certainly have reasons to be cautious about his projection. While his point totals are strong for his minutes played, his overall ice time is modest compared to top defensemen in the league, which raises questions and concerns about his processing. His puck management is prone to middle ice giveaways in the grey areas, basically when he is pressured hard he will make mistakes that lead to Grade A’s against. He moves the puck effectively when he has time and space, but rarely do you have both in North America. Additionally, He does not consistently dominate physically despite having the frame to do so. In my opinion, Bykov has legitimate NHL potential because of his size, and ability to contribute in multiple situations. If he continues to improves his puck management under pressure, and develops a mean streak he could develop into a bottom-pair NHL defenseman after time in North American junior hockey and additional time in the minors. If his defensive consistency and puck management do not improve, he is more likely to settle into a role as an offensive-minded defenseman who stays in Europe.