Ivan Stefanishin (D, R, 5’11”, 190, SKA-Yunior Krasnogorsk, 02/06/2007)
Ivan Stefanishin is a right-shot defenseman with high-level hockey IQ and elite puck-moving ability who played meaningful minutes in the MHL for SKA Yunior while also earning a call-up to SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL—a strong endorsement from one of the most structured programs in Europe. Despite a relatively quiet offensive season (16 points in 42 games), Stefanishin is a highly efficient, poised, and dependable puck distributor, trusted on the top power play unit and relied upon to make clean exits and manage play in transition. He’s a cerebral player with a high floor, but questions remain about his offensive assertiveness, shot selection, and physical impact at the next level.
Why Ivan Stefanishin Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Elite Puck Movement and Transition Efficiency
Stefanishin’s 91% pass completion rate is one of the top marks we’ve seen in this draft class among defensemen. He makes accurate, purposeful decisions and does not waste pucks—evidenced by a strong 2.3 giveaways/game rate despite averaging over 17 minutes per night. His 0.75 pre-shot passes/game shows he can spark offense, and he consistently finds the first option and moves the puck quickly under pressure.
2) Smart Defender with Advanced Game Processing
He wins 56% of his puck battles, which is notable given his size and style of play. He doesn’t play with much edge (0.55 hits/game), but his anticipation and timing (1.08 puck recoveries after shots, 0.78 BL) allow him to consistently disrupt plays and recover pucks. He’s a clean, low-maintenance defender who doesn’t chase the game.
3) Trusted in All Situations
Stefanishin averaged 2:06 of power play time and 0:22 of short-handed time per game, showing he’s viewed as a puck distributor and steady presence on special teams. His +12 rating was second among blueliners on his team, and he was regularly tasked with starting shifts in both the offensive and defensive zones.
4) Professional System Acclimation
His development within the SKA system (arguably Russia’s best developmental track) and appearance in the KHL as a 2007 shows maturity and trust from the organization. He plays a poised game with structure and accountability, and his puck management would translate well to North American systems that emphasize pace and possession.
Why Ivan Stefanishin Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Lacks Offensive Dynamism or Activation Instincts
Despite top power play usage, Stefanishin did not produce offense consistently. He had just 2 goals and 16 points in 42 MHL games, and his scoring chance rate was 0.0%— meaning he did not generate a single Grade “A” chance off the rush or from activating into the royal road for a shot. His shot selection is tentative, and his 2.5 shot attempts/game is modest for a top-4 MHL D-man with PP1 minutes.
2) Not Physical or Explosive
At 5’11”, 190 lbs, Stefanishin is below average-sized for the NHL and does not play with bite. His 0.55 hits/game and 0.41 hits against show he’s a player who defends through positioning and quick feet. He isn’t going to impose himself defensively and relies on angles, stickwork, and positioning. He lacks the raw physical tools (aggression, edge and high end natural strength) that jump off the ice and compensate for his passivity.
3) Offensive Ceiling May Be Capped
While he can run a power play and make plays in transition, Stefanishin does not regularly jump into the rush, walk the blue line with deception, or manipulate defenders with pace. His 0% SC%, 0.0 goals created off primary activations, and 0.69 missed shots/game — limited creativity and upside as an NHL offensive defenseman.
Projection & Fit
Player Type: Low-event, puck-distributing two-way defenseman with pro habits
NHL Projection: Bottom-pairing with strong puck management skills and power play depth potential
Development Needs:
Must activate more offensively and shoot with greater confidence
Add physical strength and conditioning to handle North American pace
Improve deception and decision-making at the offensive blue line
Draft Recommendation: 7th Round
Ivan Stefanishin is a clean, cerebral, system-driven right-shot defenseman who plays an efficient, responsible game. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks, manages the puck very well, and plays with maturity beyond his age. However, his low shot generation, complete lack of net-drive mentality, and minimal physicality cap his upside at the NHL level. For teams looking for a low-risk, steady right-shot defenseman who could mature into a reliable bottom-pair option, Stefanishin provides value in the late rounds. He won’t run your power play or anchor your penalty kill, but he might be a plug-and-play depth piece down the road.