Yegor Rybkin is a towering goaltending prospect coming out of Russia this year. His massive 6-foot-7 frame makes him an imposing presence in the crease, and he covers a ton of lateral space incredibly easily. His ability to seal his posts is admirable, and leaves hardly any easy space for shooters to hit. NHL teams are always looking for big, athletic goaltenders to add to their prospect pools and Rybkin looks like a great prospect to swing on if you\u2019re looking at ultimate potential.<\/p>\n
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The Hockey Writers 2026 NHL Draft Guide<\/p>\n
However, there is such a thing as being too big when it comes to goalies. While it\u2019s very uncommon for NHL goalies to be 6-feet or shorter, it is roughly as rare to see a 6-foot-7+ goaltender as well. Rybkin\u2019s massive legs means there\u2019s a ton of space at the five-hole that closes a lot slower than it does for a 6-foot-2 goalie.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yegor Rybkin \u2013 NHL Draft Projection<\/p>\n
Goaltenders are impossible to predict in the NHL Draft, though even in years like this with no clear high-end goaltending prospects, many goalies end up being selected in the first 50 or so picks. I think the earliest Rybkin would be in play is likely the late second round and I wouldn\u2019t be shocked if he slid down around the 5th or 6th rounds. His potential is massive, but there are tons of questions, mainly surrounding why he didn\u2019t get a ton of games this year in Russia\u2019s top junior league.<\/p>\n
Quotables<\/p>\n
\u201cHis best assets are his intimidating size in the crease, rebound control and competitiveness.\u201d \u2013 Mike Morreale, NHL.com<\/a><\/p>\n Strengths<\/p>\n Massive frame<\/p>\n Athletic build for a young goalie<\/p>\n Seals posts well<\/p>\n Under Construction- Improvements to Make<\/p>\n Hasn\u2019t been able to hold the net (few games played)<\/p>\n Massive window through the five-hole<\/p>\n Gets beat on fakes too easily<\/p>\n NHL Potential<\/p>\n Rybkin\u2019s athleticism, paired with his mammoth frame gives him a ton of NHL potential, and a similar projection as recent high draft picks like Sebastian Cossa<\/a>. However, Cossa had a much stronger resume as a draft eligible prospect and is also one of the least \u201csure-thing\u201d goaltenders to go in the first round recently so maybe that\u2019s not the model to copy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Risk- Reward Analysis<\/p>\n Risk- 4\/5, Reward 4\/5<\/p>\n Yegor Rybkin Stats<\/p>\n Free Newsletter<\/p>\n \n Get NHL Entry Draft coverage delivered to your inbox <\/p>\n In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.<\/p>\n