NHL teams have learned to be patient with Russian prospects. Usually, the players drafted from that part of the world prefer to develop in their home country, as opposed to playing in the AHL. Which is the path Sergei Ivanov has chosen. But after four years, he finally has the jump to North America within his sights.
The top prospects list was compiled by a collective ranking from all of the writers at Union and Blue: Matthew Duffey, Mike Stump, Weston Motz, Struan McNevan, and Curtis Deem. We only include players 24 years and under, with fewer than 25 NHL games. Stats are from the previous season, in the league where each player spent the most time. Projections are based on top-end upside.
Top prospect #3: G Sergei Ivanov
How we ranked him: Curtis (3), Matthew (3), Mike (3), Weston (2), Struan (3). Ivanov was ranked #7 on this list last summer.
The Blue Jackets drafted Ivanov in the 5th round (pick #138 overall) at the 2022 NHL Draft. That selection came after a strong junior season played within the SKA St Petersburg system. He backstopped his team to an MHL championship that season, winning 12 of 15 starts in the playoffs.
He posted a sparkling .931% save percentage and 2.10 goals against average, earning 2 shutouts along the way. That was after posting similar numbers (.928%, 2.17GAA, 14-7-4 record, 4 shutouts) during the regular season.
Looking back, I have to wonder how so many teams passed on such a talented young netminder in that draft. Of course, the first thing people will point to is his size. Ivanov is listed at just 6'0", and around 160 pounds. There is also the "Russian factor". But, that doesn't matter as much for goaltenders. Typically you wait 4-5 years for them to fully develop, anyhow.
Who cares if that development is happening in Russia?
In hindsight, I have to think he would have gone much, much higher. He was the 8th goaltender taken in the draft, and only three of the guys taken ahead of him have played any NHL games to this point-Dennis Hildeby having the most (26gp).
Would I take any of them over Ivanov? At this point, I don't believe I would. Ivanov has done nothing but prove the doubters wrong, quietly fine-tuning his game in Russia. He spent most of his D+1 season in their second tier league (the VHL), but has played almost exclusively in the KHL for the last three years.
Two of those years were on loan due to the depth of goaltending with his main club, however this past season, he finally got his chance with SKA. He went 13-11-2, posting a .928% save percentage, 2.50GAA, and 3 shutouts. He also got into a couple of playoff games.
Of course, the KHL is a league where scoring is traditionally lower. But, those numbers were posted against grown men, in one of the best leagues in hockey. All of that is to say: this guy is pretty much NHL ready.
Ivanov makes up for his lack of size by being extremely quick and agile in the crease. He has strong lateral movement, deftly taking away time and space from shooters even when it seems like he's out of the play. He simply never stops competing, which can result in highlight-reel saves.
Pros: quickness, agility, reflexes
Cons: size, will have to make the adjustment to the NA game
Projection: 1A/1B goaltender in the NHL
At his highest end, I think Ivanov could be a starting goaltender in the NHL. If he were 2 inches taller, he might be touted as the top prospect playing at his position outside of North America.
But, that's not the case. Instead, all we have is another Jet Greaves type of prospect on our hands. Oh darn. I think Sergei could capably serve in split duty with Jet as early as this season, but the team has opted to let Elvis Merzlikins play out the last year of his contract here.
Ideally, Ivanov would have come over and starred for the Cleveland Monsters. But, who can blame him for staying in Russia? He'll get much easier travel and better accommodations than a bus around the Midwest. Contract in hand, he will be in North America in the fall of 2027. I expect him to be a difference maker for the Blue Jackets right away.
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