Artyom Vilchinsky (D, L, 6’6″, 230, SKA 1946 St. Petersburg, 09/16/2006)
Artyom Vilchinsky is a massive, shutdown-style defenseman who has quietly become one of the most effective 5-on-5 players in the MHL. Despite seeing almost zero power play usage, Vilchinsky consistently finishes with elite territorial metrics, highlighted by a team-best +47 rating. His size, reach, and ability to win net-front and corner battles make him a highly attractive long-term prospect as a physical stay-at-home defenseman. While the offensive ceiling is limited and there are questions about his puck management, Vilchinsky plays with structure, reads plays well, and consistently tilts the ice in his team’s favor.
Why Artyom Vilchinsky Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Pro Frame and Physical Tools
At 6’6″, 230 lbs, Vilchinsky already carries an NHL-ready body. He uses his size to win 56% of his 50/50 puck battles, consistently imposing himself physically without taking penalties (just 16 PIMs in 51 games). His 0.77 hard hits per game reflect a physical game without being reckless or undisciplined. - Elite 5-on-5 Impact
Despite averaging only 2 seconds per game on the power play, he generates 7:20 of offensive zone time per game, which is elite. That speaks to how well he defends, transitions, and controls territorial play at even strength. His +47 rating leads his team and is among the best in the league. - Defensive Awareness and Stick Detail
Vilchinsky’s 8 takeaways per game are a remarkable figure for a defenseman. He breaks up plays early, clogs passing lanes, and reads the developing rush well by locating the second and third layers and then communicating with his backchecking forwards. His ability to retrieve 1.91 loose pucks after shots per game is another indication of his defensive anticipation and net-front awareness. - Trusted Penalty Killer
He averages 1:53 of PK time per game and is trusted to protect leads and kill penalties late in games. While his mobility will always be a topic of discussion, his reads and positioning allow him to play effectively against high-skill opposition in tight-checking scenarios.
Why Artyom Vilchinsky Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
- Limited Offensive Upside
After scoring 3 goals and 12 points in 2023/24, he has 0 goals and 12 points in 51 games this year, and his 0.36 grade “A” chances per game reflect his limited ability to activate and generate individual offense. His 1.02 shots blocked per game and 0.6 missed shots per game are too high for someone taking just 1.5 shots on goal per night. His shot mechanics are a work in progress and his puck management under pressure still need improvement. - Puck Movement is Just Average
His 84% pass completion rate is average and well below the 88% benchmark we look for in a stay at home defensemen at the next level. He completes just 0.32 passes per game that directly lead to a teammate’s grade “A” scoring chance—another sign of his limited vision or hesitation under pressure. - Lack of Dynamic Mobility
Vilchinsky’s footspeed and agility are a step behind more mobile defenders. While he defends well in-zone with length and anticipation, he can be beat off the rush and doesn’t carry the puck with confidence. With that said, for such a massive young player his skating posture is sound and something that NHL development coaches will work with.
Projection and Final Verdict
Draft Range: Late 3rd to 5th Round
NHL Projection: Shutdown defenseman and penalty-kill specialist
Comparable: Nikita Zadorov
Vilchinsky’s defensive impact is real and consistent. He plays mistake-free hockey, clears the front of the net, retrieves pucks quickly, and provides reliable penalty-kill minutes. His size, composure, and territorial results make him a very interesting prospect. However, his lack of offensive development and limited puck skill may put a hard cap on his ceiling.