Ilyas Magomedsultanov (D, L, 6’2″, 178, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 10/24/2006)
Ilyas Magomedsultanov is a mobile, physically engaged left-shot defenseman who shows legitimate two-way upside, underpinned by competitive edgework, positional detail, and above-average defensive habits. While his offensive instincts are still raw and his north-south skating mechanics need improving, he defends the rush with purpose, supports play responsibly, and blocks shots at a high rate. He has MHL top-four value today and could develop into a reliable, low-maintenance, third-pair NHL defenseman if his puck decisions and skating stride are cleaned up.
Why Magomedsultanov Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Physical Competitiveness
Magomedsultanov consistently plays hard on opponents, averaging 2 hits per game — a high-end number for a defenseman in the MHL. He initiates contact to close space defensively and has demonstrated an ability to finish hits with purpose. His 65% puck battle win rate on 6 engagements per game is elite and stands out as a projectable asset at higher levels.
2) Defensive Detail and Efficiency
He is active with his stick, finishes plays, and positions himself well on retrievals and in rush defense. He blocks 1.39 shots per game and completes nearly 88% of his passes despite modest offensive deployment. His 1.77 loose puck recoveries and 6 takeaways per game highlight his ability to read play and recover pucks under pressure.
3) Poised Under Pressure
He shows flashes of calm puck handling when pressure is on. He doesn’t panic when the forecheck arrives and has the edge control to pivot, escape, and walk the blue line with composure. He handles retrievals effectively and isn’t afraid to absorb contact or make a play through traffic.
4) Excellent Puck Management
A 4.2 giveaways per game rate is impressive considering his heavy defensive zone usage and shows strong puck discipline. He’s not forcing plays into bad spots, which bodes well for a stay-at-home role or third-pair deployment.
5) Older for Draft Class with Room to Grow
Born in late 2006, Magomedsultanov is one of the older eligible players in this class and will still be 19 on draft day. With his current frame (6’2″, 178) and playstyle, he has a clear physical ceiling and should fill out into a 205+ lb frame. There’s legitimate developmental upside with an NHL profile.
Why Magomedsultanov Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Limited Straight-Line Speed
His stride is currently too choppy and inefficient. He lacks top gear acceleration and cannot carry pucks end-to-end or beat pressure cleanly when skating in straight lines. His edgework allows him to survive in the MHL, but without meaningful improvement in stride mechanics, he won’t be able to close gaps or separate from pressure at the National League level.
2) Questionable Offensive Upside
He contributes 0.19 scoring chances per game and has one goal scored this season, with the majority of his 3.0 shot attempts/game coming from low-danger areas near the blueline or the perimeter. Despite some confidence walking the blue line, he rarely creates sustained offensive pressure and is not a shooting threat from the point.
3) Puck Distribution Needs Maturity
Magomedsultanov still makes rushed, purposeless passes even when not pressured. This tendency negates his otherwise calm demeanor with the puck and is likely a processing issue under specific conditions (e.g., neutral zone regroup or second touch breakouts). His 0.92 passes per game leading to a shot is a solid number, but it’s driven more by volume than vision.
4) No Power Play
He averages just 0:31 of PP time per game. He has no clear power play value. That’s not disqualifying, but it limits his projectability to a second-pair at the NHL level.
Projection and NHL Outlook
Projection: Bottom-four defensive defenseman with penalty killing and match-up potential
Developmental Focus:
Improve north-south skating stride and explosiveness
Slow down mentally and reduce rushed passing decisions
Build strength to reach 205-212-lbs without losing mobility
Refine puck movement under light pressure
Draft Grade: 3rd–5th Round
Verdict:
Ilyas Magomedsultanov is a long-term, low-risk project pick who checks several boxes NHL teams value in bottom-pairing defenders: size, physicality, composure, and game processing. He won’t run your power play, and he may not become a puck-moving threat, but his defensive ceiling and maturity are intriguing. With patience and skating development, he can become a reliable stay-at-home defender, especially in a structured, defensively responsible system. He’s the kind of Day 2 pick that won’t win headlines but could quietly earn a contract and an NHL job down the road.