Yaroslav Bryzgalov (LW, L, 6’3″, 202, Des Moines Buccaneers, 03/23/2007, Merrimack)
Yaroslav Bryzgalov is a physically mature, left-shot power forward who brings a strong net-front presence, solid hands in tight, and flashes of offensive zone instinct. He shows an NHL frame, a willingness to engage physically, and the ability to create offense in limited minutes. However, deficiencies in pace, puck management, and defensive awareness limit his current effectiveness. While raw in several areas, Bryzgalov possesses a unique foundation of size, strength, and scoring instincts that could be developed into a bottom-six NHL role with the right timeline and patience.
Case For Drafting Bryzgalov:
Bryzgalov already has an NHL-ready frame at 6’3″, 200 lbs, and consistently uses his strength to establish body position around the net and along the walls. Despite playing just 11:41 per night, he generates 1.35 Grade “A” chances per game — an impressive rate for his usage, showing that he finds scoring ice effectively. His 15% conversion rate on those chances is solid, and with a quick catch-and-release release and good net-front instincts, he’s a legitimate scoring threat down low.
His loose puck recovery rate (1.6 per game) shows he’s consistently hunting rebounds and staying around the play. He also produces 2.4 takeaways per game, pointing to a developing stick and feel for pressure in the offensive zone. He doesn’t overhit but plays physical when it matters — a trait that aligns well with modern power-forward profiles. His play in puck battles is even (50% win rate), and his deception on shot selection (only 0.29 blocked per game) is another quiet strength.
Despite an ongoing adjustment from Belarus to North American hockey, he has flashed better-than-expected pace once he builds speed, and Neutral Zone evaluators have noted improved balance, positioning, and shift-to-shift consistency since arriving in the USHL.
Case Against Drafting Bryzgalov:
Bryzgalov’s foot speed is still developing. He lacks the explosiveness and lateral agility to defend in space or track pacey puck carriers. His gap control defensively is vulnerable, and he’s been exposed in one-on-one situations while in defensive zone coverage more than once. He’s still learning the defensive side of the game and can be guilty of overcommitting on backchecks or losing off-puck coverage. His lack of short-area quickness limits his effectiveness when retrieving pucks off the forecheck or creating separation below the goal line.
Puck management is also a concern — his pass completion rate (83%) is low for a winger with limited offensive creation responsibility, and his 4.2 giveaways per game is something to pay attention too. He tries to do too much in tight or attempts low-percentage passes under pressure. While he creates chances, his shot selection still needs improving — with 0.5 missed shots per game, there’s room for him to be more efficient and measured.
His penalty differential (0.29 drawn/game) is underwhelming for a player with his size — indicating he’s not consistently putting pressure on defenders or driving his feet to the top of the crease. Combined with limited special teams impact (1:12 PP, 0:01 PK per game), Bryzgalov is still a role player with a long development runway.
Projection:
Bryzgalov projects as a long-term development winger who could grow into a depth NHL role if his skating, pace, and puck decisions improve. The size/skill package is intriguing, and there’s clear value in his net-front play, but he’s currently a project. If given time in a strong development environment (Merrimack or structured AHL system), he could develop into a bottom-six forward who chips in offensively and leans on opponents physically.
Recommendation:
Draft Grade: Late Round / Priority Free Agent
Bryzgalov is a raw but intriguing power forward with pro tools in place. With the right guidance and time, his size, scoring instincts, and physical presence give him a chance to carve out a pro career. He’ll need to show clear growth in skating, defensive processing, and puck discipline over the next 18-24 months. Recommend continued live viewings and consider for a late-round flyer and quality time with National League development coaches.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images