Kirill Yemelyanov’s journey from the icy rinks of Irkutsk, Russia, to the radar of NHL scouts is a story on its own. He has high hockey IQ, and a skill set that continued to evolve with. Born on January 8, 2007, Yemelyanov has emerged as one of the more intriguing European prospects eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Growing up in Irkutsk, a city in eastern Siberia, Yemelyanov was immersed in a culture that values discipline, resilience, and sport. It’s safe to assume that he followed the careers of Russian stars like Evgeni Malkin, or Alexander Ovechkin—players who inspired a generation of young Russians to dream of the NHL. His early hockey development began with Lokomotiv-2004 Yaroslavl, a youth affiliate of the storied Lokomotiv Yaroslavl program, known for producing technically sound and tactically disciplined players.
By the time he reached his mid-teens, Yemelyanov had already begun to stand out for his cerebral approach to the game. He joined Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL (Russia’s top junior league) for the 2024–25 season, where he played a full slate of games and began to carve out a role as a dependable two-way center. Despite playing in a conservative system that doesn’t always allow for flashy offensive numbers, he managed to post 20 points in 44 games, including 10 goals and 10 assists. His performance in the MHL playoffs was even more impressive—he tallied eight points in eight games, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
Yemelyanov’s style of play is largely based on IQ and anticipation. At 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, he’s not the most physically imposing player on the ice, but he compensates with a strong motor, excellent positioning, and a knack for reading plays before they unfold. He’s particularly effective in the faceoff circle, where he wins nearly 59% of his draws—a testament to his timing, leverage, and understanding of puck drops. His ability to control possession and dictate pace makes him a valuable asset in all three zones.
Offensively, Yemelyanov is a play-creator rather than a pure scorer. He excels at identifying soft spots in defensive coverage and using subtle head fakes and shoulder dips to manipulate defenders. His passing is crisp and purposeful, and he completes nearly 89% of his passes—an elite figure for a junior-level center. He’s also capable of executing complex plays under pressure, often threading passes through tight seams or setting up teammates for high-danger scoring chances. His creativity with the puck is one of his defining traits, and he’s particularly dangerous when operating below the hash marks or along the half wall.
His shot, while not overpowering, is quick and accurate. He’s shown the ability to score off the rush and from set plays, though his shooting efficiency—particularly on Grade A chances—remains an area for improvement. He converts on about 16% of his high-danger opportunities, which is average for a player of his profile. With added strength and a quicker release, he could become a more consistent scoring threat.
Defensively, Yemelyanov is a work in progress. He shows flashes of strong awareness and commitment in his own zone, often supporting his defensemen and helping to break up plays. However, he can sometimes get caught puck-watching or lose track of his assignment, particularly when defending against faster, more agile forwards. His coaches have noted that while his offensive instincts are advanced, his defensive reads need refinement.
One of the more underrated aspects of Yemelyanov’s game is his ability to maintain possession in tight spaces. He’s adept at using his body to shield the puck and extend plays, even when under pressure. His edgework and agility allow him to pivot away from defenders and create time for his teammates to get open. He wins nearly half of his puck battles—an impressive figure given his relatively lean frame—and he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice to make a play.
Yemelyanov’s development arc suggests a player who is trending upward. After a slow start to the 2024–25 season, he found his rhythm in the second half, producing at over a point-per-game pace and earning more responsibility in key situations. His ability to adapt and improve over the course of a season is a strong indicator of his coachability and work ethic—traits that NHL teams value highly.
Heading into the 2025 NHL Draft, Yemelyanov was ranked 31st among European skaters by NHL Central Scouting. Other outlets had him scattered across the board, with some projecting him as a late second-round pick and others seeing him as a potential steal in the third or fourth round. Ultimately, his draft stock was impacted by the lack of international exposure—due to geopolitical circumstances, Russian players have had limited opportunities to showcase their skills on the world stage. Still, those who have watched him closely believe he has the tools to develop into a reliable middle-six NHL center.
Scouts describe him as a “high-IQ, play-creating center” who blends poise, creativity, and competitiveness into a well-rounded game. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective—he wins faceoffs, drives possession, and makes his teammates better. His current limitations—lack of elite speed, average physicality, and inconsistent defensive play—are all areas that can be addressed with time, coaching, and physical development.
Looking ahead, Yemelyanov is expected to continue his development in Russia, likely moving up to the KHL with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in the coming seasons. This path will allow him to gain experience against older, more physically mature competition while refining the finer points of his game. If he can add muscle, improve his shot, and tighten up his defensive habits, there’s a real chance he could become a dependable NHL contributor within three to four years.
Dom - Hockey 