I watched some more Ivan Ryabkin tape recently, to check how he looks in the USHL There are still flashes of puck skill, offensive sense and a physical/pest element. However, his skating and pace are major concerns. For me, the 1st round would be too high for him Some clips:
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Ivan Ryabkin may be a risk worth taking for the Flames at the 2025 NHL Draft
Photo credit: courtesy USHL
By Liam Mabley
May 31, 2025, 16:00 EDTUpdated: May 31, 2025, 10:52 EDT
The Calgary Flames might have to get crafty in their pursuit of a centreman in this year’s NHL Draft.
Barring a move up the board, they won’t be on the clock until the 18th selection, and won’t have the opportunity to select any of the ‘elite’ draw takers.
Enter Ivan Ryabkin, a Russian-born centreman who prior to this season was held in similar regard to Matvei Michkov and Ivan Demidov, the elite Russian playmakers of past draft classes. However, Ryabkin’s underwhelming draft-eligible campaign has muddied the waters in terms of his projection as an NHL player.
Scouting report
Daily Faceoff’s Steven Ellis ranked Ryabkin 27th in his most recent draft rankings and had this to say.
“Ryabkin is one of the most divisive players in this draft because he started out as a potential top-five pick but looked distant back in Russia and needed a change of scenery. He’s been productive since his move to Muskegon, though, playing at a 40-goal pace in a full season. We’ve also seen him flesh out his physical and playmaking games, with his passing and hockey sense being two of his best traits. A boost of confidence in the USHL seems to have really helped Ryabkin’s stock after falling out of the first round in the eyes of many at the halfway point of the season.”
As Ellis outlined, it’s possible Ryabkin suffered a loss of confidence this season, possibly as a result of a premature call-up to Russia’s top league, the KHL.
Nick Orr of Dobber Prospects had this take on Ryabkin.
“Simply put, Ryabkin is one of the most polarizing prospects in this class. He has the skill and creativity to justify a high pick, but some flaws may cause Ryabkin to slip into the draft’s second day. He is one of the most effective players in this class, with the puck on his stick. He has magic hands and can make a play out of almost any situation. This allows him to be a threat at any spot in the offensive zone, especially when paired with his physical stature and willingness to play in the dirty areas. However, Ryabkin struggles to make plays at a high speed and often does not play with pace. This leads to gaps in his transition defence that could lead to a one-dimensional game at higher levels.”
Here’s a brief look at Ryabkin (#10) playing for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL this season.
The numbers
Ryabkin was hailed for his unmatched ability to create offence when he broke Matvei Michkov’s MHL record for points by a U17 player, registering 58 points in 44 games with Moscow Dynamo Jr.
His 5’11”, 200-pound frame and physical nature also gave him a leg up on his Russian predecessors. All signs pointed to Ryabkin being a marquee prospect in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but again a disappointing year has somewhat derailed his draft stock.
After an outstanding rookie season in the MHL, Ryabkin actually debuted in the KHL in September, but quickly looked out of place and lasted just two games before being sent back to the MHL. Upon his return, he struggled to maintain the scoring pace he set the previous year, logging just one goal and 12 points in 15 games.
Seeking change, Ryabkin then made the move to North America when he joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. He registered 19 goals and 30 points in 27 games, along with 16 points in 14 playoff games en route to Muskegon’s first USHL championship (Clark Cup).
Availability and fit
It’s almost certain Ryabkin will be available with the Flames’ 18th overall selection, but this may be too much of a reach for a high-upside, low-floor player of his nature. Craig Conroy and co may opt to take him with the latter of their first-round selections, either 31st or 32nd, as that’s more of the range he’s expected to be picked.
There is an outside chance that the “power play-maker” is available with Calgary’s second-round pick at 54th overall, but that would be incredible value and the Flames would likely have to move up in that round to select him.
In terms of fit, Ryabkin checks two boxes that Calgary is looking for, can score, check, can play centre, maybe check?
Like many prospects, though he’s played down the middle for most of his career, it’s still to be determined whether or not Ryabkin can be a reliable centreman at the highest level. Even if a move to the wing is what’s best for him, Ryabkin will still be able to put the puck in the net in the pros and that’s of the highest priority for this Flames team.
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