Arizona Coyotes Select Dimitri Simashev 6th Overall.

In a move that stunned many, the Coyotes take the first “reach” of the draft in selecting the 6’4” mobile defenseman out of Russia.

Reasons for optimism

Simashev immediately steps into the role of Coyotes top defensive prospect. The only guy they have with top-pair upside was definitely a position of need. Arguably the highest upside at the position in the draft, with both his size and skating, has some great potential. Good defensive instincts.

Reasons for caution

Lack of production at both the MHL and KHL levels leaves worries about his future offensive ceiling and to be a true top pair guy playing top minutes, you can’t be a negative on that end. Was going a defenseman the best route with some of the elite forward talent still available? Russian contract for at least two seasons and Russian teams don’t care as much about development, especially of players that they know will go overseas. There will always be a question mark on any Russian player coming over.

Overall

Simashev is a very high-risk/high-reward swing. If he hits, the Coyotes will have a top-pairing defenseman or defensive anchor of a second pair. If he misses, there will always be questions about why they passed on some of the forward talent taken in that range.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Brady Martin 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Brady Martin

The Scouting Report: Brady Martin of the Soo Greyhounds is a very intriguing prospect in this year’s draft, and recently has been climbing the rankings at a quick pace. Many teams in the front half of the first round are showing interest in the forward, who scored 72 points in 57 games played. Martin is […]

Read More
LJ Mooney 2025 Draft Profile

2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: L.J. Mooney

L.J. Mooney is an 18-year-old right-shooting center and right-wing from West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. He spent the 2024-25 season playing with the U18 U.S. National Team and the USNDTP Juniors, as well as appearing in the 2025 U18 World Junior Championships. He is projected to be selected early in the second round of the 2025 NHL […]

Read More

2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Class Announced

The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame Class has been announced. The class will be inducted on Monday, November 10, 2025.

Read More