The Scouting Report:
Ivan Ryabkin is a Russian forward who came overseas this past season, playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. An interesting prospect in this year’s draft, Ryabkin scored 30 points in 27 games and followed that up with 16 points in 14 playoff games.
Draft Projections
Ranked #27 by Conrad Jack of Inside the Rink
Ranked #24 by TSN/Craig Button
Ranked #35 by Daily Faceoff
Ranked #59 by Dobber Prospects
Diving Deeper:
Playmaking
Ryabkin is a very interesting center and often executes difficult passes with ease. Ryabkin has great offensive instincts and vision, which leads to him creating many high-danger chances. Combined with a deceptive shot, Ryabkin is an offensive threat with a lot of potential.
“Ryabkin’s got a quick release. I like his instincts off the puck offensively to get open and jump into gaps in coverage. He’s got soft hands and makes a lot of plays off his backhand. He sees the ice well when there are plays to be made and has the finesse and touch to execute difficult passes.”
Scott Wheeler – The Athletic – June 2nd:
Physicality
Ryabkin also has some snarl in his game. While not necessarily a power forward, he doesn’t shy away from contact and plays hard along the boards. Ryabkin is not bullied around often, and as a 5’11” forward, engages physically, while blending that with his offensive skills.
Creativity and Hockey IQ
Similar to his playmaking ability is Ryabkin’s creativity and hockey IQ. He is a dynamic player who understands the ice well in the offensive zone. He creates chances for himself and others with great vision and anticipation. Whether slipping a pass through traffic or delaying to open up a higher-danger play, Ryabkin seems to process the game at a level that makes higher-skilled plays look like a routine.
Prospect Potential:
Ivan Ryabkin is a promising offensive talent, but his skating and speed need work. There is some concern about his commitment to doing what it takes off the ice, but if he trains hard, and his skating and commitment in the defensive zone improves, he could become a solid top-9 or even top-6 player in the NHL. Ryabkin could be compared to another Russian forward who had a relatively successful career in the NHL, Evgeny Kuznetsov. Both players have great offensive skills and creativity. Ryabkin may be a risk depending on where he is drafted, but he has the tools to be a risk worth taking.
Stats via Elite Prospects
ITR 47: Then There Was Nothing – Inside The Rink
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