Dmitri Utkin

Utkin is a thickly built left shot how plays the right wing. He is strong on his feet and as a puck carrier will initiate contact after zone entries or while cycling below the goal line. He has a wider skating base which allows him to generate a powerful cross under for separation after contact. He plays with his eyes up showing the consistent awareness to locate the activating weakside defenseman during breakouts and the second wave of the attack through the neutral zone or zone entries. He does not have a rocket, but he does show a deceptive release by looking the goaltender off towards a pass and then firing a quick snapper towards the upper third of the net. After dominating the Russian U17 league he has been playing in the MHL since 2020. Utkin will need to continue developing his top speed for a chance to play in North America as well as his overall strength as he is winning only 47% of his puck battles.