
Vyacheslav Vasilyev (C, L, 6’2″, 195, SKA 1946 St. Petersburg, 01/11/2007)
Vyacheslav Vasilyev is a well-rounded two-way center with a strong combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ, making him one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NHL Draft. His offensive game is marked by a quick-release shot, excellent playmaking ability, and effective use of his size to create space. Defensively, Vasilyev shows potential but has areas to improve, particularly in his coverage and physicality. With added consistency in his decision-making and defensive scanning, he has the tools to project as a middle-six NHL center capable of contributing in multiple roles and controlling the pace of the game.
Strengths
Hockey IQ and Vision:
Vasilyev has an exceptional understanding of the game, demonstrated by his ability to read plays and position himself effectively before anyone else on the ice realizes where the puck is heading.
His shoulder-checking and anticipation allow him to assess options quickly, contributing to his ability to create grade “A” scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates.
He excels at creating offense off of the cycle, using deception and quick cuts to generate time and space for himself and his linemates.
Offensive Skillset:
Possesses an elite snap shot with a quick release and heavy velocity. His expanded one-timer shooting zone allows him to adjust to poor passes without sacrificing accuracy or power.
Exceptional hands in tight, making him a dangerous finisher around the net. He demonstrates creativity and patience in scoring situations, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities due to an ultra quick stick.
A creative playmaker who consistently finds teammates in stride with hard, flat, accurate passes that are easy to handle.
Size and Physicality:
At 6’2″, 195 lbs, Vasilyev uses his frame effectively to protect the puck, win board battles, and create space in the offensive zone.
Shows a strong net-front presence, engaging physically to crash the crease for rebounds and maintaining positioning under pressure.
Willing to engage contact and can carry defenders to the net, demonstrating strength and determination in high-traffic scoring areas.
Puck Management and Cycling:
Dynamic on the cycle, leveraging quick turns and puck protection to maintain possession and create opportunities.
Displays intelligent use of picks and deception to disrupt defenders and open up lanes without taking penalties.
Areas for Improvement
Defensive Consistency:
While Vasilyev shows moments of strong defensive reads, he has a tendency to lapse in coverage, particularly against the cycle when he can blindly follow the puck.
Needs to improve his side-to-side defensive awareness to better track opponents and prevent scoring chances.
Physical Engagement in the Defensive Zone:
While he uses his body effectively in offensive scenarios, he must become more aggressive defensively, eliminating opponents from plays with greater physicality and pinning them to the wall.
Increasing his willingness to engage physically in defensive battles would elevate his two-way game making him a number 1 center.
Decision-Making Under Pressure:
Vasilyev occasionally forces passes into high-risk areas, such as the high slot, leading to turnovers.
Needs to refine his puck management on line rushes and avoid holding onto the puck too long when under duress.
Faceoff Efficiency:
With a 49% success rate in face-offs, Vasilyev must work on his technique and gain strength to become a more reliable option in the circle, especially if he is to remain at center at the professional level.
Key Development Goals
Consistent Physical Engagement: Improve physicality and defensive awareness to better support his team in his own zone.
Puck Management: Focus on simplifying plays under pressure and reducing unnecessary turnovers on line rushes.
Faceoffs: Put in the time and work on becoming more consistent and reliable in the face-off circle.
Explosiveness: Enhance first-step quickness to separate from defenders more effectively and improve overall pace of play.
Consistency: Bring the same intensity and effectiveness to every shift, particularly in defensive scenarios so he can be trusted to be on the ice in key defensive zone face-offs are going to impact the game’s outcome.
Projection
Vasilyev projects as a middle-six two-way center with the potential to impact both ends of the ice at the NHL level. With continued development in his defensive consistency and physicality, he could also become a reliable penalty-killing option and a force in net-front situations on the power play.
Draft Outlook
We have Vasilyev rated as a mid first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, with the potential to rise into the top 10 if he demonstrates improved defensive play and physicality during the second half of his draft year. His size and offensive instincts give him the tools to stand out among his peers.
Player Comparison
Adrian Kempe – A big, skilled center with excellent playmaking ability and puck protection skills, capable of controlling play in the offensive zone and eliminating plays defensively.
Final Assessment
Vyacheslav Vasilyev is a promising two-way center with a blend of size, skill, and intelligence. His offensive instincts and ability to control the puck in tight spaces make him a standout prospect, while his defensive game and decision-making leave room for growth. With the right development path, Vasilyev has the potential to become a reliable NHL center who contributes in all three zones.