Kirill Yemelyanov (C, L, 6’0″, 171, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 01/08/2007)
Kirill Yemelyanov is a high-IQ, play-creating center who blends poise, creativity, and competitiveness into a game that’s rapidly gaining traction as the 2024–25 season progresses. While currently undersized and still raw physically, Yemelyanov’s offensive instincts, faceoff efficiency, and deceptive puck skills are separating him in a deep Loko Yaroslavl lineup. He’s trending in the right direction and has the tools and upside to develop into a reliable middle-six NHL center if he can continue to build strength, add power and tighten up his defensive zone habits.
Case For Drafting Kirill Yemelyanov:
- Elite Processing Speed and Offensive Zone Execution
Yemelyanov averages 2.6 Grade “A” scoring chances per game, a number that immediately places him among the MHL’s most dangerous forwards. He identifies soft spots in defensive coverage and attacks open ice instinctively—he manipulates defenders with head and shoulder fakes and times his movements to arrive in scoring areas with purpose. - Strong Faceoff and Possession Metrics
He takes 17 draws per game and wins 59%—a standout figure and one of the best among draft-eligible players in the MHL. His faceoff prowess signals strong timing, an understanding of leverage, and anticipation. He’s also completing 89% of his passes, another metric that speaks to his poise and puck security in possession. - High-End Skill with the Puck
His creativity with the puck stands out—he executes complex plays under pressure and finds lanes others don’t see. His 0.86 completed passes per game that lead directly to a teammate’s Grade “A” chance reflects both vision and execution. His footwork is quick, and his edge control allows him to roll off or ride with contact and extend plays around defenders despite a lean frame. - Competitive, Feisty Nature
Yemelyanov has a chip on his shoulder—he initiates contact and isn’t shy about getting involved physically despite his 170-lb frame. He wins 47% of his puck battles, which is solid considering the strength gap at this point in his development. He is annoying to play against and that is a quality that tends to scale well into the National League. - Trending Up
After a slow start statistically, he has found rhythm and is currently producing at over 1.5 points per game, with a line of 13 goals and 10 assists in 35 games. He’s playing meaningful minutes in a structured MHL program and producing in the second half of the season—a key trait for projecting upward development.
Case Against Drafting Kirill Yemelyanov:
- Slight Frame and Below-Average Physicality
At 6’0”, 170 lbs, Yemelyanov is thin and not yet physically prepared for heavy contact at higher levels. He absorbs 0.94 hits/game, which is high for a center on international-sized ice. His 47% puck battle win rate is good for now, but it will likely decline at the next level without added muscle and explosiveness. - Below-Average Shooting Efficiency
Despite creating a high number of dangerous looks, his 16% conversion rate on Grade “A” chances is only average. He needs to improve shot deception, quicken his release, and his ability to get pucks off quickly in traffic—especially one-timers that aren’t passes directly into his sweet spot and quick-stick rebound looks. His 0.65 blocked shots per game is also too high for a puck-dominant center on the power play. - Defensive Game Still Developing
While he sees the ice well in the offensive zone, his defensive detail and off-puck reads lag behind. He gets caught puck-watching and doesn’t always track his assignment back into the slot. As a center, this could limit trust from coaches unless addressed. His physical competitiveness suggests this will come, but it’s currently a weakness. - No Special Trait Separating Him Physically
Yemelyanov lacks elite speed, elite hands, or elite shot. What makes him effective is his blending of many good traits, but the lack of a singular elite physical tool may cap his ceiling. He’ll need to be a high-efficiency player at the next level to overcome this.
Projection & Recommendation:
NHL Projection: Middle-six playmaking center with special teams upside if strength and scoring efficiency improve.
Draft Range: Late 2nd to 3rd Round.
Comparable: Jesper Boqvist with added strength, power and body mass.
Development Timeline: 3–4 years (will require a full MHL-to-KHL-to-AHL development arc)
Final Recommendation:
Draft Kirill Yemelyanov in the 3rd round as a play-creating, possession-driving center who processes the game at a high level and brings strong offensive zone intelligence. His current production, faceoff wins, and game-processing ability are enough to warrant belief in his upside—especially if he commits to gaining weight and improves his off-puck detail. He’s not flashy, but he plays smart, wins draws, and makes his teammates better. That’s a profile worth betting on with a third-round pick.