Mikhail Kriklivy (D, L, 5’11”, 190, Loko Yaroslavl MHL, 05/23/2007)
Mikhail Kriklivy is a left-shot defenseman standing 5’11” and 190 pounds, playing for Yaroslavl Loko-76 in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league. In 2024/25, Kriklivy posted modest offensive numbers with 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 35 games while averaging 14:29 TOI per game. His primary deployment came in a defensive role, where he excelled at even strength and on the penalty kill (1:29 PK time/game) — a quick thinking highly reliable off-puck defender.
Statistically, Kriklivy displays standout transition skills, boasting a 91% pass completion rate and elite takeaway numbers (5.4 per game). He moves pucks cleanly and quickly, thriving in fast-paced transition and breakouts. However, concerns exist surrounding his puck battle win percentage (48%), his limited offensive creativity (0.22 pre-shot passes/game), and physical play — he absorbs more hits (0.95/game) than he delivers (0.68/game), which is uncommon for defensemen playing in the Molodyozhnaya Hokkeinaya Liga.
Why Kriklivy Should Be Drafted
1) Elite First-Pass and Transition Ability
Kriklivy’s 91% passing accuracy and ability to exit the defensive zone quickly and cleanly are elite traits. He is a transition driver from the back end, highly effective at starting quick breakouts when under heavy pressure — an increasingly valued skill in modern professional hockey.
2) Strong Defensive Awareness and Structure
He plays a smart, patient defensive game, positioning himself well without the puck. His high-end defensive stickwork (5.4 takeaways/game) and willingness to block shots (0.66/game) indicate strong habits that coaches can trust in critical defensive minutes.
3) Efficient, Low-Risk Play Style
Kriklivy rarely overhandles pucks or forces risky plays. His low giveaway rate (2.2/game) in a league where defensive breakdowns are common speaks to his maturity and commitment to simple, effective high percentage hockey.
4) Willingness to Sacrifice and Compete
Despite being undersized for a defenseman by NHL standards, Kriklivy consistently competes in puck battles and sacrifices his body to block shots. His 9 battle engagements per game reflect a player who understands how to be an effective supporting defender even without elite size or physical dominance.
Why Kriklivy May Not Be Drafted
1) Lack of Physicality and Strength Concerns
Kriklivy wins only 48% of his puck battles and delivers just 0.68 hits per game — concerning figures for a player who will need to defend against stronger, faster opponents at higher levels. Without improved strength, balance, and edge control, his defensive effectiveness will be significantly limited.
2) Limited Offensive Upside
He produces very little offensively, with a mere 0.22 pre-shot passes/game and just 5 points in 35 games. His offensive game is heavily reliant on safe outlet passing rather than generating scoring chances or creative offensive zone play, potentially capping his ceiling as a depth, defensive-only defenseman.
3) Susceptibility to Physical Pressure
He is hit more often than he delivers hits (0.95 vs 0.68 per game), indicating vulnerability when pressured by aggressive forechecks. Professional forechecking pressure could expose this further unless physical resilience and skating balance improve.
4) Size Limitations at the Pro Level
At 5’11” and 190 pounds, Kriklivy is undersized for a pure defensive defenseman, particularly given that he does not possess overwhelming speed, explosiveness, or physical presence to offset the size gap.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-pairing NHL defenseman; transition specialist or PK depth defenseman
Development Track: Two more seasons in the MHL/KHL system focusing on strength training, battle skills, and skating explosiveness, followed by 2–3 years in the AHL developing defensive-zone physicality and transition timing under faster North American forechecks.
Draft Range: 7th Round
Verdict: Kriklivy is a low-risk, high-compete late-round draft option for teams looking for a dependable, transition-driving defenseman who can anchor a penalty kill and play clean, low-event hockey. His path to the NHL will depend on whether he can add enough strength and physical bite to survive the physical demands of professional hockey, but his passing ability, compete level, and defensive IQ provide a strong developmental foundation.