Sportsvival continues to build toward the 2026 NHL Draft by looking deeper into prospects from every corner of the hockey world. The goal is not just to look at the biggest names, but to find the players who may become strong value picks once draft weekend arrives. As the scouting process continues, Sportsvival will keep breaking down skill sets, projection, upside and fit, giving hockey fans a closer look at the next wave of NHL talent. Today we focus on Russian player Yegor Shilov.
Yegor Shilov, C, Victoriaville Tigres
Position: Center
Shoots: Left
Height/Weight: 6-foot-1, 181 pounds
Team: Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL
Born: April 30, 2008
Hometown: Tyumen, Russia
Projected Draft Range: Late First Round / Second Round
Background
Yegor Shilov is one of the more interesting offensive centers in the 2026 NHL Draft class because of how he thinks the game. The Russian-born forward has taken a different path, coming through the USHL before making the jump to the QMJHL with Victoriaville.
That move has been a strong one for his development. Shilov became a major offensive piece for the Tigres, showing that his skill, vision and puck game can translate against North American competition. He is not just a flashy player who makes one highlight play and disappears. He is a center who wants the puck, controls pace and can create offense in different ways.
Stats
2025-26, Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL
63 games, 32 goals, 50 assists, 82 points
Scouting Report
Shilov is a smart, skilled offensive center with high-end puck skill and the type of vision that makes players around him better. When the puck is on his stick, he plays with patience. He does not rush plays. He waits for lanes to open, pulls defenders toward him and then finds the right pass.
His hands are one of the first things that stand out. Shilov can handle the puck in traffic, make plays through sticks and create space even when defenders are closing in. He has the ability to slow the game down, which is a valuable trait for a center. He sees plays develop early and has the confidence to hold the puck until something opens.
As a scorer, Shilov has more finishing ability than some pure playmakers. His 32 goals show that he can beat goalies himself, not just set up teammates. He has a quick release and does a good job finding soft areas in coverage. He can score off the rush, off give-and-go plays and around the slot when he gets room.
The biggest question with Shilov is pace. He is skilled and smart, but he will need to continue improving his skating burst and overall tempo to become a true top-six NHL center. At times, his game can look a little too patient. In junior hockey, he can get away with holding the puck longer. At the NHL level, he will need to make some of those reads quicker.
Still, the offensive upside is real. Shilov has the kind of puck skill and hockey sense that teams look for late in the first round. If he improves his skating and adds more strength, he has a chance to become a very productive NHL forward.
Strengths
High-end hockey IQ
Shilov sees the ice at a high level. He understands where pressure is coming from and where the next play should go.
Puck skill
He is very comfortable with the puck on his stick. His hands allow him to create offense in tight areas.
Shilov can run an offense from the middle of the ice. He finds teammates through seams and has the patience to wait for better options.
He is not just a setup player. His goal production shows he has real finishing ability.
Power-play upside
His vision, hands and patience make him a strong power-play fit. He can work off the wall or from the middle of the ice.
Areas to Improve
Skating pace
Shilov needs to add another gear. His skating is not poor, but improving his burst would make him much more dangerous.
Playing quicker
He has the skill to hold the puck, but he will need to make faster decisions as the competition gets stronger.
Defensive consistency
He has the tools to be responsible, but he will need to keep improving away from the puck.
Adding more strength will help him protect pucks, win battles and handle contact at the next level.
NHL Comparison
Sportsvival NHL Comparison: Pavel Zacha type with more flash offensively
Shilov has some of the same size and center/wing flexibility that Pavel Zacha brings, but his offensive creativity gives him a little more playmaking flash. Like Zacha, he may not come into the NHL as a burner, but he has enough skill and size to become a useful top-nine forward with top-six upside if everything hits.
Draft Outlook
Sportsvival sees Yegor Shilov as a late first-round or second-round prospect in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The skill is good enough to push him into the back half of the first round. Teams looking for a smart offensive center with puck skill, power-play ability and scoring upside will have interest. The reason he could slide into the second round is the skating. Some teams may want more pace from a center before using a first-round pick.
But this is the type of player who could make a team look very smart if he is taken in the second round. Shilov has real offensive tools. He can think the game, create plays and produce. If his skating improves, he has a chance to become one of the better value picks in this draft.
Final Thoughts
Yegor Shilov is not the loudest player in the draft class, but he is one of the more skilled and intelligent forwards available. He plays with patience, vision and creativity. He can score, he can pass and he can run offense when the puck is on his stick.
There are things to clean up in his game, especially with pace and consistency away from the puck, but the upside is easy to see. Centers with size, hands and hockey sense do not usually last too long on draft day.
Sportsvival views Shilov as a late first-round/second-round talent who could become a strong offensive piece if his development continues in the right direction.