It’s September, friends, and the Calgary Flames are just about set to open their prospects training camp – a precursor to main camp next week.

But as they prepare for their camps, several of their prospects in Russia have already started their 2025-26 regular seasons.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how they’re faring so far.

Drafted in his second year of eligibility, Matveiko is starting his third season with CSKA Moskva’s junior team, Krasnaya Armiya Moskva, in the under-20 MHL.

Matveiko has played three games thus far, and has two assists and has won 45% of his face-offs so far. He’s listed with Danila Poroshkov and Nazar Privalot on his team’s second line, but he actually leads his team in overall ice time among forwards because of his special teams usage.

Zarubin is entering his fourth season with the AKM Tula organization, and third season with their senior academy team in the under-20 MHL.

So far, Zarubin’s had a bumpy first two games. Teammate Viktor Levchenko started in the season-opener against Loko Yaroslavl… and was pulled after allowing three goals. Zarubin allowed four goals on 26 shots in relief in a 7-1 loss. Zarubin got the start in the rematch… and made 34 saves in a 2-1 overtime loss. So far, Zarubin seems to be doing what he can, but his team needs to provide more run support.

Yegorov has bounced around a bit since being drafted, landing with Spartak Moskva midway through last season. After spending the pre-season with Khimik Voskresensk in the minor-league VHL, he began this season with MHK Spartak-MAX, Spartak’s second-tier junior team in the MHL.

In the season-opener, Yegorov made 22 saves to give Spartak-MAX their first-ever win! And then he was scratched in MAX’s second game (likely due to a goalie rotation) and moved up to the KHL, where he’s currently listed as Spartak’s third goaltender. We’ll see where he ends up next.

While the Russians are already up and running, it’s Sweden’s turn to get their regular season going this coming weekend. A pair of 2025 draft choices get going on Sat., Sept. 13 in Sweden’s top junior league, the J20 Nationell. Second-rounder Theo Stockselius and Djurgårdens IF face Luleå HF, while seventh-rounder Jakob Leander and HV71 face Södertälje SK.

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