Yelisei Ryabykin (D, L, 6’1″, 192, MHK Dynamo Moskva, 07/08/2008) Yelisei Ryabykin is a 6’1′, 181-pound left-shot defenseman playing heavy minutes for MHK Dynamo Moskva in the MHL, and while he still has room to add strength, he is a very intriguing long term defensive prospect. His 2025/26 season has shown encouraging two-way play with 17 points in 46 games, including 15 assists, while posting a strong +28 rating. Ryabykin ranks third among team defensemen in assists behind two players who are already NHL draft selections. He is capable of generating offense and moving pucks effectively in all three zones and from the blue line even if he is not the primary power play offensive driver. Overall he is a reliable, well-rounded defenseman. He averages over 19 minutes per game with meaningful time on both the power play and penalty kill, showing that his coaching staff trusts him in all situations. His 91% pass completion rate stands out among his peers, showing that he is comfortable handling the puck under pressure and making controlled or quick one-touch transition plays. His puck battle win rate of 66% is particularly notable and reflects strong competitiveness and leverage in contested situations. Offensively, he generates over three shots per game and contributes as a play facilitator with nearly one pre-shot pass per game, which aligns with his assist totals and supports the projection of a puck-moving defenseman capable of supporting offense. I feel the reason Ryabykin could become an NHL player is because he demonstrates a combination of size, defensive reliability, puck-moving efficiency, and strong puck battle results that translate well to the North American professional game. Defensemen who can manage the puck cleanly, win 50/50 pucks, and play responsibly in all situations often develop into reliable professional defenders, and he understands structure and positional play which again gives him an advantage over his peers. However, there are also factors that raise questions about i view his ceiling. While his assist totals are respectable, he does not currently show high-end offensive creativity or scoring threat from the blue line, which clearly limits his projection as a power-play quarterback or true offensive defenseman playing with the top unit. Additionally, he can over handle the puck and he will turn pucks over when pressured by a hard charging F1. He likes to make body contact, but at his size and receiving over one hard body check per-game in the MHL there is a chance he turns into a target once he gets to North America. Ultimately, Ryabykin projects as a well-rounded two-way defenseman with NHL potential built around puck management, defensive structure, and transitional efficiency rather than elite offensive upside or a true shut-down role. If he continues to add strength, maintain strong puck battle success, and improve his physical engagement, I feel he could develop into a reliable bottom-pair NHL defenseman capable of being trusted in all five face-off circles. If his offensive impact and physical assertiveness do not progress enough to separate him at higher levels, he projects as a dependable defenseman whose game translates better to depth piece rather than an NHL role.