Penguins' 2023 fifth-round pick Mikhail Ilyin is turning heads in the KHL

Kyle Dubas' Inaugural draft Pick Is Making Waives In The KHL

In Kyle Dubas' inaugural draft with the Penguins, he made a selection in the fifth round that is turning heads in the KHL.

Mikhail Ilyin was drafted 142 overall in 2023 and has been putting up some productive numbers for the KHL Severstal.

Penguins' 2023 fifth-round pick Mikhail Ilyin had 4 assists in 5 KHL playoff games with Severstal.

29 points in 65 regular-season KHL games.

He turned 19 last month. pic.twitter.com/QdLdBKQNb2� Danny Shirey (@DannyShireyPGH) March 15, 2024

The key to that X post is, that he is only 19 years old. Ilyin is 6 foot and 180lbs likening himself as a playmaker. Four assists in 5 playoff games seems to speak to that.

At the time of the draft, Ilyin was a long shot to make it to the NHL. Now, according to Breakdowns and Breakaways, his point per game percentage is higher than Daniil But, who was selected 12th overall in that same draft.

In fact, statistician Chace McCallum of EP Rinkside, gives Ilyin the highest chance of to establish an NHL career among forwards from his draft class.

🚨 Mikhail Ilyin, 9 goals 15 assists in 48 games. pic.twitter.com/ThnWMHx01o� PensProspect (@pensprospects_) January 7, 2024

Penguins Prospect Finishes Season Strong in KHL

The Penguins prospect finished off his 2023-24 season with a total of 12 goals and 17 assists in 65 games played.

Looks like Kyle Dubas may have found himself a piece of the youth infusion that he is looking to bring into the organization over the next couple of years.