Ilya Dolgopolov (D, L, 6’2″, 199, MHK Dynamo Moskva, 10/18/2007) Ilya Dolgopolov is a 6’2′, 199-pound left-shot defenseman playing real minutes for MHK Dynamo Moskva in the MHL, and right now he has the frame to withstand the wear and tear of the North American professional game. His 2025/26 season was an impactful one as he led his team in defenseman scoring with 23 points in 51 games and was fourth among defenders with a +8 rating. Statistically, Dolgopolov’s a balanced two-way defenseman rather than a pure offensive specialist. He averages nearly 18 minutes per game with meaningful power play and penalty kill time. He is highly competitive and shows consistent second effort (62% on 50/50s). His 89% pass completion, high percentage decisions and overall puck management are clearly what NHL coaches are asking for. Offensively, he is not going to wow you from the blue line but he gets his shots through to create net-front chaos and secondary scoring opportunities. My reasons for feeling Dolgopolov could become an NHL regular is that he possesses a blend of size, defensive reliability, and puck-moving competence that fits the mold of a modern two-way defenseman. His strong puck battle results, responsible net-side positioning through battles, and ability to play in both special teams situations consistently shows a young defenseman who understands the details of the game and can handle structured responsibilities. Additionally, his offensive production at the junior level shows that he has enough skill to contribute offensively when opportunities arise. However, I have reasons to be cautious about projecting him in the draft. While his production is solid, it is not elite for a draft-eligible defenseman playing major minutes in the MHL, and he does not display a dominant offensive trait that would project him as a first power-play quarterback, second power play shooting option or high-end puck mover at the NHL level. Relative to his size I would like to see him play with more of an edge, suggesting that and impose himself more often physically. Additionally, he has only played 2 VHL means the St. Petersburg staffs have uncertainty about how his puck management and defensive processing will translate against faster and stronger competition. Ultimately, Dolgopolov projects as a well-rounded defenseman with legitimate NHL potential built around his size, defensive awareness, and puck-moving efficiency rather than high-end offensive upside. If his skating, physical engagement, and decision-making continue to improve as he develops strength and power, he could develop into a reliable middle- or bottom-pair NHL defenseman capable of playing in multiple situations and getting defensive zone starts. If his development plateaus and he does not continuing developing offensively or add elements of nastiness, his projection may settle closer to that of a steady professional defenseman whose game translates better in secondary North American professional leagues.