October KHL Report: Top Draft Eligibles

It has been a whirlwind start to 2026-27 for Yakunin. The 6-3 center has already played multiple games at the KHL, VHL and MHL level. He has failed to record a point in the KHL for VHL, but does look comfortable at the MHL level. As the season balances out, he should spend the most time with MHK Spartak. He is dependable and logs heavy minutes. His points come in bunches, thanks to four multi-point efforts and he continues to showcase strong and intriguing traits.

While his true point-production ceiling is still a question, Yakunin does have the traits necessary to be an effective NHL center. He is smart with the puck and features a well-rounded defensive game. Yakunin is also hard to knock off the puck, winning battles and earning second chances for his line. Yakunin might not be the flashiest player in this year’s draft, but he could easily wind up as one of the most dependable. He should slot nicely into the mid-to-late first round.