Kirill Kudryavtsev Earns First AHL All-Star Nod Amid Strong Sophomore Season
The Abbotsford Canucks haven’t had the smoothest ride this season, but one player who’s quietly continued to elevate his game is defenseman Kirill Kudryavtsev. Now in his second pro campaign, the 21-year-old has been named to the AHL All-Star Game for the first time in his career - a well-earned recognition for one of the most consistent contributors on Abbotsford’s blue line.
Through 28 games, Kudryavtsev has one goal and 12 assists, tying him for third in team scoring and leading all defensemen on the roster alongside rookie Sawyer Mynio. That’s no small feat on a team that’s struggled to generate offense - Abbotsford currently ranks near the bottom of the league in goals scored - and it underscores just how valuable Kudryavtsev’s two-way play has become.
He recently snapped a five-game scoring drought with an assist against the Bakersfield Condors on January 6, a game where he also registered four shots on goal. That outing was a snapshot of what Kudryavtsev brings: steady puck movement, offensive instincts, and a willingness to activate in the offensive zone. He’s already fired 44 shots this season - more than halfway to the 81 he recorded over 65 games as a rookie - showing a growing confidence in his ability to contribute offensively.
A seventh-round pick by Vancouver in 2022, Kudryavtsev made the jump to pro hockey last season and didn’t miss a beat. He put up 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 65 games as a rookie and tied for the team lead in defensive scoring during Abbotsford’s Calder Cup playoff run, adding 10 points in 21 postseason games. That kind of production from the back end, especially in high-stakes playoff hockey, turned heads - and it’s clearly carried over into year two.
Before going pro, Kudryavtsev spent three seasons with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds, where he steadily built a reputation as a smart, reliable blueliner with a well-rounded game. In 2022-23, he was named both Most Gentlemanly Player and Best Defenseman for the Greyhounds, and a year later, he was their nominee for the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player award. That kind of recognition speaks to both his on-ice skill and his maturity - traits that have translated well to the pro level.
The Canucks clearly saw something special, signing him to a three-year entry-level contract in March 2023. He made his NHL debut on April 14, 2025, logging 13:33 in an overtime win against the San Jose Sharks. In that game, he recorded a shot on goal and three blocked shots - a solid debut that hinted at his readiness for the next level.
Internationally, Kudryavtsev has also shown he can perform on big stages. He helped Russia capture gold at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a tournament that included future Canucks teammates Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Liam Öhgren. His development path began in Yaroslavl, Russia, where he came up through the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl system before making the move to North America.
With his AHL All-Star selection, Kudryavtsev becomes the fifth player in Abbotsford Canucks history to earn the honor and the fourth to actually participate in the event, joining Christian Wolanin, Arshdeep Bains, and Ty Mueller. Defenseman Elias Pettersson (no, not that one) was named an All-Star in 2025 but didn’t participate due to an NHL call-up.
At just 21, Kudryavtsev’s trajectory is trending in all the right directions. He’s already proven he can handle a top-four role in the AHL, contribute offensively, and hold his own in NHL action. The All-Star nod is just the latest milestone in what’s shaping up to be a promising career - and Canucks fans should be paying close attention.