Wild select skilled Russian Danila Yurov with No. 24 pick
The Minnesota Wild selected Danila Yurov with the 24th overall pick of the 2022 NHL Draft.
Danila Yurov
Position: Right wing
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 179 pounds
Age: 18
Club: Magnitogorsk (MHL)
Nationality: Russian
| GP | G | A | P |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 13 | 23 | 36 |
(Stats source: EliteProspects.com)
Yurov tore up Russia's junior league, but he didn't enjoy the same success in the KHL, failing to register a point in 21 regular-season games and 19 playoff contests. In his defense, he barely received any ice time while in the KHL, but that should change next season.
He's produced on the international stage, though. Yurov helped Russia win silver at the 2021 U18s by tallying 11 points in seven games, and he likely would've been a key cog in their U18 squad this year had the nation not been barred from IIHF competition.
Yurov is considered one of the biggest wild cards in the draft, but he has massive upside thanks to his incredible puck skills. He has arguably the best hands in the draft and isn't afraid to take on defenders one-on-one as a left shot coming down the right wing.
Yurov is signed in Russia through 2022-23, but he could potentially come to North America after next season.
What they're saying
The Athletic's senior prospect writer Corey Pronman listed Yurov as his No. 10 prospect and used Anaheim Ducks winger Troy Terry as a player comparable.
"Yurov’s skill stands out when you watch him," Pronman wrote. "His stick skills and overall creativity with the puck are high-end. He’s a good skater and shows excellent ability to beat defenders with speed or with dekes. He also shows great skill in tight spaces to maintain possession. Yurov can make plays but I wouldn’t call his playmaking as dynamic as his stickhandling. He’s not overly physical but Yurov works hard to create turnovers and can kill penalties."
Pronman also ranked Yurov No. 8 in overall upside and No. 2 in puck skills behind Logan Cooley.
Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino listed Yurov No. 15 in his final rankings.
"He has an extra gear when he sees space to attack off the rush," Cosentino wrote. "Really good puck touch and vision. From the perimeter, or below the goal line on the power play, he makes plays. Not shy about driving to the crease with and without the puck. There's room for more strength but he's already plenty strong."
Tap here to watch some of Yurov's highlights.