Makar Fomin (D, L, 5’11”, 165, Almaz Cherepovets, 12/17/2006)
Strengths: Why Fomin Should Be Drafted
- Elite Passing and Puck-Moving Ability
91% pass completion rate is elite for an undersized offensive defenseman, showing strong vision, poise, and efficiency in moving the puck up ice.
0.86 passes per game directly lead to a teammate’s shot – high-level playmaker who contributes to offensive opportunities and dominates in offensive transition.
Excels in controlled breakouts and transition play, utilizing his skating and awareness to push the pace. - Skating and Mobility
Fluid skater with excellent edge work and lateral agility, allowing him to escape pressure and make controlled exits.
Smooth, deceptive movements at the blue line make him a dangerous option on the power play.
Uses his mobility to defend effectively, particularly with strong gap control, quick lateral mobility and active stick play. - Defensive Reads and Awareness
4.6 takeaways per game is an elite number for an undersized defenseman – high-end anticipation and active stick play.
2.8 giveaways per game is a very low number, especially for a defenseman playing an offensive role – he makes smart, calculated decisions with the puck.
Despite his size, he doesn’t shy away from physical contact and shows good positioning in defensive zone assignments. - MHL Dominance and KHL Experience
Strong MHL season with 18 points in 29 games and a +18 rating, showing he is one of the better two-way defensemen at the MHL level.
12 games in the KHL at 18 years old, a rare feat for young defensemen – he is already capable of handling professional minutes.
Weaknesses: Why Fomin Might Not Be Drafted
- Undersized and Lacks Physical Strength
At 5’11”, 165 lbs, Fomin is well below NHL size standards for a defenseman, especially considering his low physical engagement numbers (0.5 hits per game, 0.52 hits received per game).
Can struggle in board battles, winning 49% of 50/50 puck battles – will his lack of size and strength become a bigger issue as he faces stronger competition.
His struggles in the KHL (-6 in 12 games) compared to the MHL (+18) highlight his need for added strength, power, and stamina to compete at the pro level. - Shot Selection and Offensive Efficiency Issues
Too many of his shot attempts are blocked (1.07 per game)— a lack of deception in his release and a need to improve lateral mobility with the puck to create better shooting lanes.
0.61 shots per game miss the net, which is too high for an offensive-minded defenseman who needs to capitalize on opportunities.
Only 9% of Grade “A” scoring chances result in goals – his shot lacks power and accuracy—something that needs improvement if he wants to be a true offensive threat. - Power Play Effectiveness at Higher Levels
While Fomin excels in the MHL with 2:20 power play time per game, he has not recorded a single point in 12 KHL games.
Needs to develop more ways to create offense when space is taken away at the pro level.
Final Verdict: Draftable or Not?
Projected Late-Round Pick (5th-7th Round) / Potential Undrafted Free Agent
Why Draft Him?
Excellent puck-moving defenseman with elite passing ability.
Strong defensive reads and takeaways despite his size.
High-end mobility and skating make him a valuable transition player.
Already getting pro-level experience in the KHL at 18.
Why Not Draft Him?
Undersized defenseman who currently lacks the strength to win battles at higher levels.
Although young, his offensive production drops significantly at the pro level.
Struggles to get shots through, limiting his impact as a shooter.
Needs to develop a more well-rounded physical game.
Projection:
Best-Case NHL Upside: Middle-pairing puck-moving defenseman, potentially a power-play asset if he can develop his shot.
Most Likely Path: Develops in the KHL for a few more full seasons before making a transition to North America. Could be an NHL free agent signing in the future if he improves strength and shot.
Draft Range: 5th-7th Round / Potential Undrafted Free Agent
Conclusion:
Fomin has intriguing offensive upside, elite passing ability, and high-end skating, which makes him an intriguing draft option for teams looking for a mobile puck-moving defenseman to compliment their bigger defensive minded prospects. However, his lack of strength and inefficient shooting habits make him a project rather than a guaranteed NHL prospect. If he can add muscle, refine his shot, and prove he can be effective in the KHL, he has a legitimate chance of making it as an NHL player down the road.