Mikhail Ilyin, the promising forward prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins, has set his sights on North America. After a period of uncertainty, the Penguins have officially locked him into a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2025-26 NHL season and stretching through 2027-28. This move signals the Penguins' commitment to integrating fresh talent into their roster.
Ilyin, at just 20 years old, made impressive waves in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) last season with Severstal Cherepovets—Russia's top-tier hockey league. Collecting seven goals and a total of 30 points over 64 games, Ilyin placed himself in elite company as one of only eight teenagers in KHL history to hit the 30-point mark in a single season. Across three seasons with Severstal, Ilyin racked up 19 goals and 61 points in 150 games, establishing himself as a formidable presence on the ice.
Drafted 142nd overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Ilyin proved his worth by finishing third in scoring for Severstal and playing a pivotal role on the team's top line. Alongside Daniil Aimurzin, who notched 31 goals and 57 points, and Kirill Pilipenko, who added 30 goals and 56 points, Ilyin formed one of the most dynamic trios in the KHL. Their combined total of 38 goals and 143 points this season was instrumental in Severstal's competitive performance.
With his move to the NHL, fans can anticipate Ilyin bringing his playmaking abilities and scoring acumen stateside, adding an exciting new dimension to the Penguins’ lineup. The synergy he developed with his Severstal linemates hints at his potential to fit seamlessly into NHL contexts, making him a potential asset for the Penguins' quest for future success.
