2024 NHL Draft Spotlight, Brought to You by Upper Deck: Yegor Surin

Yegor Surin quickly endeared himself to Nashville Predators fans with just a few words after the team selected him at No. 22 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas:

“I like make hit… and, for me, also no problem if I fight.”

His affinity for the physical game became all the more evident when he arrived in Nashville for his first Predators Development Camp and one of the first questions he asked development coach Mark Borowiecki was, "When do I get to hit?"

However, the Predators see the 17-year-old Russian center as more than just a bottom-six bruiser. At 6'1" and 192 pounds, Surin profiles as a strong, two-way power forward with high offensive upside and above-average puck protection skills. He has garnered praise from scouts around the league for playing a fearless game and being a disruptive force for his opponents.

Related: In 1st-Round Pick Yegor Surin, Predators Believe They Got a Steal

“I say now, ‘I like big hits,’” Surin said during Development Camp. “Also, I like a smart game. I like to give smart passes.”

Surin didn't waste any time showcasing his offensive skill in the 2024 Predators Future Stars Game at the conclusion of Development Camp, potting a goal less than four minutes into the game. He also added two assists on tallies by fellow prospects Nolan Burke and Kasper Kulonummi.

“You watch him today and (you see) he has the skill and the work ethic,” Predators' 2023 second-round pick Kalan Lind said of Surin after the game. “He’s going to be a really good player in this league. He’s dumping pucks, going and chasing as hard as he can, running guys all over the ice and putting the puck in the net. He’s a very good hockey player. I like his game.”

Surin put up 52 points (22 goals, 30 assists) in 42 games with Loko Yaroslavl of the Russian Junior Hockey League last season. Since his contract in Russia runs through the 2025-26 season and renders him unable to sign and entry-level contract with the Predators at this time, it's likely that we won't see him playing hockey in North America for at least two seasons. Still, the Predators believe he'll be an impact player once he arrives.

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