Weekly 2027 Draft Eligible Three Stars

Sergei Skvortsov | LW | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod (MHL)

Russian winger Sergei Skvortsov has gotten a little taste of what it’s like to play in one of the world’s top leagues this season. The 6-foot, 163-pound forward has played in nine KHL games this season. Despite never getting more than 11:56 in ice time, the youngster has managed to make an impact. He scored in his first career game and picked up an assist in his second.

The skilled Russian forward is the number 6 ranked player on the Draft Prospect Hockey board and the second-ranked left winger behind fellow Russian Nazar Privalov.

This week the Semyonov, Russia native was back in junior in the MHL and did not disappoint. Breaking in two-on-one on a power play, Skvortsov set up to receive the pass from his teammate. He made no mistake with a quick shot over the sprawling goalie. Later in the contest, he doubled up after seizing a loose puck in the slot. He fired it quickly, giving the goalie no chance to react.

Skvortsov was held without a point in his next two games but responded with a pair of assists to close out the week in an overtime loss.

October KHL Report: Top Draft Eligibles

While Privalov and Pustovoi are elite prospects, Skvortsov is right up the list beside them. While a much smaller profile, just 6-0, 163 pounds, Skvortsov is an elite offensive talent who is on display this season. He has split time between the KHL and MHL, unlike the other two, but his impact can still be visualized on the ice. His smaller frame allows elite skating ability to complement his wicked shot. Skvortsov is truly a difference maker on the ice.

After a very strong two-game start with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, the point production has tapered off and he has seen six games in the MHL. Each of the traits described above are put on full display at this level. The speed is hard to match for any defender and very few players stand a chance of slowing him down. At the NHL level, Skvortsov’s speed and pace of play would fit in nicely. We’ll see how much more KHL time he gets, but Skvortsov is yet another high draft pick with a sky-high offensive ceiling.

Michael’s Monthly: September

Top 20 NHL Draft Rankings

3 – Sergei Skvortsov

Skvortsov is such an interesting player to me, probably the most intriguing in this year’s draft. He possesses an elite skating ability, his speed and edgework combine for incredible movement, and he is often able to blow past defenders with ease. His shot is very unique, the timing and speed of the release is extremely unpredictable to read, the shot itself isn’t necessarily fast or hard, but he is able to throw the opposition off so much, and the accuracy is definitely there. I wouldn’t say he shy’s away from physicality, but he does struggle with it, a lot at times, will need to gain some strength this season. Its difficult to pinpoint a clear player comparison, but I see a lot Travis Konecny, a flashier version.

2027 NHL Draft Rankings: DuPont, Neuenschwander, and Privalov Lead Round 1

9 – Sergei Skvortsov (6’0″ | 154lbs | LW | Chaika Nizhny Novgorod | Russia)

You’ll hear a lot of buzz around Sergei Skvortsov over the coming months, but he comes with plenty of question marks. He is going to be one of the biggest wildcard prospects in this draft, a player who could very well challenge for the #1 spot or fall to the back half of the first round. His game revolves around strong skating and elite edge work to evade defenders, creating space for his high IQ, playmaking, and finishing ability to flourish. Physicality remains the main concern; at 6’0″ and just 154 lbs, he has a long way to go in terms of adding strength for the NHL level, though doing so without sacrificing his dynamic agility will be a delicate balance. It’s early, but if Skvortsov can bulk up while maintaining his pace, he could very well push for the top spot come draft day.