Ivan Ryabkin (C, L, 6’0″, 200, MHK Dynamo Moskva, 04/25/2007)
Ivan Ryabkin is an exceptionally skilled forward with elite puck-handling, playmaking vision, and offensive anticipation. His dynamic offensive abilities, paired with his edge and physicality, make him a potential top-5 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Despite a record-breaking performance in the MHL as a 16-year-old, Ryabkin has struggled with consistency and effort this season, leading to concerns about his competitiveness and commitment to becoming a well-rounded World class player. With improvements in his defensive habits, decision-making under pressure, and overall consistency, Ryabkin projects as a top-six NHL forward with high offensive upside.
Strengths
Elite Puck Skills:
Exceptional hands allow him to maneuver through defenders in tight spaces with quick, precise stickhandling.
Smoothly controls bouncing pucks while maintaining vision and awareness to make plays.
Uses deception effectively, manipulating defenders with his eye movements and subtle shifts to create passing and shooting lanes.
Offensive Anticipation:
Displays advanced hockey IQ, often the first to react to rebounds or loose pucks.
Generates Grade “A” scoring opportunities through quick puck retrievals and calm puck handling under pressure.
By confidently attacking the middle lane he is effective on zone entries, consistently finding open teammates or creating space for himself to attack high-danger areas.
Shooting:
Quick, accurate release with an expanded one-timer zone.
Shoots with purpose, consistently aiming to score and catch goaltenders off-balance.
While his shot lacks elite power, his precision and deception compensate effectively.
Physicality and Edge:
Plays with grit, using his strength and an upward leg drive to deliver impactful body checks.
Engages physically in puck battles and along the boards, often coming out 50/50 puck battles with possession looking to make a play.
Balances finesse with a physical style, giving him the versatility that NHL coaches are looking for.
Skating:
Smooth and efficient skater with good balance through contact.
Maintains puck control at top speed, showing agility and quick cuts to evade defenders.
He is not a burner, but effective at generating space and staying ahead of opponents who are trying to track him down.
Areas for Improvement
Consistency and Effort:
Has shown stretches of laziness and disinterest, particularly this season, leading to inconsistent performances.
Healthy scratches in the MHL raise concerns about his work ethic and commitment to becoming an elite player in the National League.
Defensive Awareness:
Tends to puck-watch and drift out of position in the defensive zone.
Cheats to the offensive side during 50/50 battles, prioritizing offensive transition opportunities over defensive responsibilities.
Decision-Making Under Pressure:
Occasionally rushes plays or makes low-percentage decisions when under duress.
Needs to trust his skills more to handle tight situations effectively rather than resorting to high risk plays or poor shot choices.
Shot Power:
While accurate and deceptive, his shot could benefit from added power to become a more consistent scoring threat at higher levels.
Competitiveness:
Must play with more consistent engagement and intensity to fulfill his potential as a top-5 pick.
Record-Breaking 2023/24 MHL Season:
He set a new U17 scoring record with 58 points, surpassing Matvei Michkov’s total in twelve fewer games.
Showcased elite offensive instincts, playmaking, and creativity.
Current Season Concerns:
Decline in production and visible lack of effort have raised questions about his focus and commitment.
Despite flashes of brilliance, his impact has been inconsistent, and his effort level has been a disappointment.
Projection
Ryabkin’s skill set and offensive instincts give him the potential to be a top-line NHL forward and power-play threat. However, his current struggles with consistency, effort, and defensive engagement could hinder his development without significant improvements. If he can address these areas and reignite the work ethic that propelled his record-breaking MHL season, Ryabkin has the potential to be one of the most dynamic forwards in the 2025 draft class.
Draft Outlook: Top-15 selection with potential to rise into the top-5 with improved consistency and effort.
Player Comparison: Evgeny Kuznetsov – A skilled, creative forward with elite puck skills and vision, but whose success depends on maintaining consistent engagement and effort.
