[Sandman]

Draft Thoughts (Goalie Edition, Vol. 9):

LHG Mikhail Yegorov, 6'5",179lbs

Omaha (USHL): 43gp, 8-25-3, 3.86 GAA, .892 SV%

In the latest installment of Central Scouting's rankings, the #1 North American Goaltender was Omaha Lancers' Mikhail Yegorov. The stats don't nearly tell the whole story, as Omaha was by far the worst team in the USHL this past season, with a minus-110 goal differential over 62 games, and finishing with a measly 35 points, so Yegorov hasn't had any support. The next worst teams had a minus-51 goal differential, and 49 points. Yegorov played in 43 of 62 games, which was third-most in the league, and he was top-15 in SV%. Most of his games were played in the second half, as he had taken over the #1 spot by then. He was named to the All-USHL Second Rookie Team, as this is his first year in North America, having played back home in Russia in 2022-23. Yegorov was drafted 88th overall in the 6th round of the 2023 USHL Entry Draft, and plans to attend Boston University in the 2025-26 season.

Yegorov (no apparent relation to Flames' goaltending prospect, Yegor Yegorov) plays a sound technical game with structure, staying square to shooters and keeping good angles while not giving much net to look at. He's positionally sound, and slides smoothly and quickly while down in the butterfly. They say he's smart, stays focused, and doesn't get rattled, which says something about him- considering the volume of shots he faces on a regular basis. He moves quite well, especially for a big goalie, and takes smart routes around the crease to keep his net covered as much as possible, and he displays athleticism when doing so. He uses his size and reach well, and his game is tailor-made for a bigger netminder. The best quality he has right now is how hard he battles- he never gives up on a play, and he's never down and out, even though he gets little help on a bad team. When needed, he can make diving, acrobatic saves when his technique isn't enough. He usually maintains an upright stance deep in the net, but he will telescope out to challenge shooters from far out. He can see over screens in front of the net, and will battle with opponents who encroach on his crease for positioning.

Yegorov's rebound control is inconsistent, but it seems to be getting better; still, he can leave loose pucks sitting in dangerous areas around the net a little too often. When the puck goes behind the net, Yegorov loses sight of it, because he simply doesn't shoulder-check well enough. He has some issues in tracking the play through traffic, and sometimes doesn't close up holes in his body fast enough. His hands are in need of further development, particularly his blocker side. Yegorov has all of the tools, but needs further seasoning, which he'll get in coming years at BU- he's far more potential than finished product, but many scouts think he has enormous upside. This kid might be a big steal, and we could possibly see a future superstar in a few years. There just might be a few teams that will look at him in the second round, but I think he could go anywhere from the second to the fourth round.