Matvei Kotkov (RW, L, 5’11”, 156, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 08/27/2008) Matvei Kotkov is a 5’11’, 156-pound left-shot winger playing for Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL, he is skilled but undersized so his strength development a critical part of his projection. His 2025/26 season production of 28 points in 32 games with a strong +20 is consistent with a an NHL draft pick playing for Loko (Kirill Yemelyanov – 2025 6th round pick is at a PPG). He is an offense-oriented winger who generates scoring opportunities and plays with a change of pace and the awareness to recognize fading gaps. Kotkov averages nearly five shot attempts per game with 2.7 shots on goal and creates 2.7 Grade-A scoring chances per game, fearlessly putting himself in positions to threaten offensively rather than relying solely on secondary contributions from outside the dot-lane. He plays a 2-on1 offensive game which allows him to distribute into space for his linemates. In the offensive zone he can maintain possession through contact and bounce off checks despite his smaller frame. Kotkov could become an NHL player through his offensive instincts, shot generation, and ability to create scoring chances. Those are legitimate offensive traits that can translate if his physical development continues. Players who consistently produce scoring opportunities and demonstrate playmaking awareness often find ways to find their way into NHL line-ups as they mature physically. His willingness to attack offensively, combined with puck management and an active presence around scoring areas, gives him upside as a skill winger capable of contributing in a top-nine role if his physical development continues in the right direction. However, I have real concerns that limit his projection. At 156 pounds, he is significantly underdeveloped physically compared to NHLers, and until he adds considerable strength he will struggle to consistently win puck battles or maintain possession against stronger competition. His puck battle success rate is currently around break-even (49%), which I can easily view as a positive given his size but clearly shows the challenges he will face as the level of competition increases. Additionally, his offensive style and creativity can lead to unnecessary turnovers when he tries to make the low percentage but spectacular play. While his offensive production is strong, will his scoring instincts translate against stronger and more structured defensive play. Ultimately, Kotkov projects as a skill-driven offensive winger whose NHL potential will depend heavily on time in the weight room, physical development and his ability to maintain his offensive creativity against faster and stronger competition. If he adds strength and continues to generate offense while improving puck management under pressure, he could develop into a productive NHL winger who contributes through scoring and playmaking. If his physical limitations are genetic and he is shy about the weight room then his offensive game does not translate at higher levels.