Danila Semikhin (RW, L, 6’1″, 185, AKM Tula, 02/26/2007)
Danila Semikhin is a skilled and opportunistic left-shot winger playing on his off-wing who led AKM Tula’s forward group in even-strength contributions and served as a top-line offensive driver throughout the 2024–25 season. Finishing second on the team in points (33), assists (19), and third in goals (14) through 50 games, Semikhin emerged as a productive forward despite operating on a club with limited offensive support.
Averaging 14:47 TOI, with 2:47 of power play time per game, Semikhin’s role was heavily tilted toward offensive deployment. He generated a high volume of shot attempts (4.3/game) and created 2.0 scoring chances per game, though his 9% scoring chance conversion rate suggests there’s room to improve his release, finishing skills and shooting selection. His playmaking flashes are evident through 0.73 pre-shot passes per game and an 85% passing success rate, indicating competence in both possession and puck distribution. However, he must get stronger on pucks (49% puck battle win rate) and more committed without it — evident in his -7 plus-minus and low physical engagement (0.38 hits/game).
Why Semikhin Should Be Drafted
1) Reliable Top-Line Production with Limited Support
Semikhin was top-three in every key offensive category on an underpowered MHL team. His ability to drive play and consistently generate points (0.66 PPG) without elite surroundings speaks to his offensive IQ, instincts in the offensive zone and ability to produce when playing against the opposing team’s top defensive unit.
2) Effective in Power Play Situations
He averaged nearly three minutes of power play time per game and moved pucks effectively in structured sets. His ability to find soft areas and shoot in-stride makes him a capable secondary option on a power play unit.
3) Well-Rounded Offensive Skill Set
Semikhin combines soft hands, a deceptive release, and above-average passing touch. He sees seams and completes passes at an 85% success rate — he can handle pace and maintain offensive zone time even when pressured.
4) Size, Mobility, and Puck Touch Translate
At 6’1”, 185 lbs, with a left shot playing the right wing, Semikhin can create offense in motion and generate space off the rush. He’s particularly effective on zone entries and in second-chance puck recovery scenarios (1.91 PRS/game).
Why Semikhin May Not Be Drafted
1) Needs to Improve Physical Engagement and Battle Willingness
With just 0.38 hits per game and a 49% battle win rate, Semikhin is not consistently physical despite possessing the frame to be. He gets bumped off pucks in tight areas and will need to increase strength to play through contact at higher levels.
2) Low Defensive Impact and Zone Awareness
He averaged less than three seconds of shorthanded time per game, and his -7 rating (team best +5, team worst -17) shows inconsistency in off-puck awareness or disengagement when the puck isn’t on his stick. His defensive zone support and off-puck tracking require attention before he can be trusted in North American professional hockey.
3) Efficiency as a Shooter Must Improve
Despite solid volume, he converts just 9% of scoring chances and has a high rate of blocked (1.29/game) and missed shots (0.55/game). Improving shot selection and release will be essential if he wants to translate offense to more competitive leagues.
4) Low Faceoff Utility and Limited Special Teams Versatility
As a winger without details, he provides no real defensive zone faceoff value and saw virtually no penalty kill usage. While he can function on the power play, he’ll need to become more versatile in situational usage to maintain lineup flexibility at the pro level.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Middle-six scoring winger at the AHL level who has NHL potential with improved defensive awareness.
Development Track: 2 years in the CHL or USHL with a focus on battle strength, two-way engagement, and improving shot efficiency. 2 years in the AHL learning how to play in a 5-on-5 match-up role.
Draft Range: 7th Round / Free Agent
Verdict: Semikhin is a finesse-oriented winger with real offensive upside. His size, puck skill, and power play feel give him tools to develop into a scoring option, but his physical game and commitment to play away from the puck will determine whether he becomes a long-term asset. For teams looking for late-round offensive value from Europe, he offers intriguing upside if given a patient development timeline.