Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas has spent more than a year working to build back up the team’s prospect pool, there was some hope that one budding young player would be joining the organization next season.
Unfortunately, that won’t be the case.
Russian forward prospect Mikhail Ilyin – selected by the Penguins in the fifth round (142nd overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft – signed an extension to remain with the Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL next season.
The Penguins made an offer to Ilyin, but he declined it.
Ilyin, 20, has spent the majority of the past three seasons with Severstal, amassing seven goals and 30 points in 64 games last season.
The 6-foot, 180-pound winger is known for his smarts and details, and his playmaking and passing skills are also strengths in his game. While his skating needs a little bit of work, his vision pretty much makes up for that deficiency.
Many expected Ilyin to being playing in North America next season, but given the success he’s seen on the top line for Severstal in his third season with the team – playing with and against the highest competition in Russia, nonetheless – it’s understandable why he may want to develop more with Severstal.
Across parts of three seasons with the Cherepovets, Ilyin has registered 19 goals and 61 points in 150 games.
Bookmark THN – Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!
Read the full article here
