“Shilov was one of the QMJHL’s most proficient offensive generators this year. The Tigres finished second last in the West and were ultimately bounced in four games in the playoffs. But Shilov finished the season with 32 goals and 82 points while showing instant chemistry with fellow Russian draft prospect Alexei Vlasov (80 points). 

Nobody else came close to even reaching 50, so Shilov was exceptionally important. He dominates the puck game, and he’s as skilled as you’ll find in the CHL. There’s no lack of talent here – but he can get caught watching the puck far too often and simply lacks the pace to thrive at the next level. That’ll be a big sticking point for scouts this year.”

“This player is somewhat reminiscent of Matvei Gridin (Calgary 28th overall in 2024) in that they have taken a similar path. Gridin was drafted out of USHL Muskegon before going to Shawinigan in his draft plus-one campaign. Shilov played is draft minus-one year in the USHL and torched the QMJHL this year with 32 goals and 82 points. 

In both cases, the skill stands out way over the will from these players but, just two years after the Flames drafted Gridin, he scored 19 points in 35 NHL games. It will be worth watching to see if Shilov’s skill can rise to NHL levels two years from now, and after he gets some experience in college play next season.”

“A Boston University commit, Shilov is a playmaker with first-round talent who will likely go in the second round because of a lack of pace/compete. He has work to do to round out his game defensively, but his instincts on both sides of the puck are there, and Victoriaville used him in all situations, including on the penalty kill. 

He’s also decent in the faceoff circle. He’s highly skilled, with a great shot off balance (he really whips it) and a nasty release off the middle of his blade. He has a superb first touch, even in traffic, and can place pucks up under the bar from in tight with a little chip shot he loves to use around the slot. His skating can look a little unconventional, and he has work to do on his fitness, but the offensive-zone gifts, position and average size place him in this fourth tier and make him appealing in the 30s of this class to me.”