Dima Zhilkin

Scouting Notes

Nice game by Zhilkin here, coming up with 2 goals on 4 shots (and a potential 3rd that was disallowed) and being a factor all over the ice. The high end skill mixed with high-intensity effort really popped here, and this is the combination that makes him so appealing as a prospect. His hands, especially in tight spaces, showed to be excellent, and he showed some make-miss ability throughout this game, beating guys regularly with the puck. His skating looked more shifty/agile than just straight ahead speed, and he used this agility quite effectively to change pace and direction to create time and space for himself. He displayed instances of creative playmaking, but was also guilty of trying to force a couple plays that led to turnovers. He was not afraid to shoot it, with 9 shot attempts, and he has more of a quick shot than an overpowering one. That said, he can beat goalies clean at this level and is absolutely a shooting threat at the next level - he can get it off in a hurry. His puck handling at top speed was excellent, and this looks to be one of his most dangerous assets. Despite being slightly undersized, he isn't afraid of the dirty areas and was often initiating the play physically. He has some pest/grease to his game that shows up most viewings, including this one, and he definitely plays with an edge. A strong viewing from one of the most exciting prospects from the 2027 Draft.