Credit: Toutsurlehockey
Danila Yurov could be a playmaking winger for the LA Kings if he falls to the 19th overall pick. The Russian forward spent last season split between Stalnye Lisy Magnitogorsk of the MHL and Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.
In the MHL, Yurov racked up 13 goals and 23 assists for 36 points in only 23 games. He also chipped in a goal in two playoff games. In the KHL, he failed to post any points in 21 games. However, he averaged less than five minutes TOI per game, so it was difficult for Yurov to do much of anything.
In international play, the Chelyabinsk, Russia native tallied a goal in two games of the abbreviated 2022 World Juniors prior to the shutdown. The year prior, he exploded at the U18 Worlds, tallying four goals and seven assists for 11 points in seven games.
Yurov is one of the best stick-handlers in this draft class. He can dangle through traffic, making defenders look silly en route to lighting the lamp.
Utilized on the power-play, Yurov features a terrific snipe. A left-handed shot, he aligns on his off-wing. On this particular play, Yurov (#22) feeds the puck up to the point from the right dot for a one-timer.
The puck deflects off to the left, and Yurov’s teammate sends a cross-ice pass and he does the rest. With that shot and from that location, Yurov resembles Leon Draisaitl.
Other draft profiles
Vitals
- D.O.B – December 22, 2003
- Age – 18
- Place of Birth – Chelyabinsk, Russia
- Draft Eligibility – 2022
- Height – 6-foot-1
- Weight – 179 lbs
- Position – Right Wing
- Shoots – Left
Production
Rankings
- Ranked #8 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
- Ranked #23 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
- Ranked #6 by FCHOCKEY
- Ranked #8 by TSN/BOB McKENZIE
- Ranked #5 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
- Ranked #11 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
- Ranked #7 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
- Ranked #12 by SPORTSNET
- Ranked #7 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
- Ranked #13 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
- Ranked #8 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
- Ranked #24 by SMAHT SCOUTING
- Ranked #9 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
Quotables
“Yurov is a very smart two-way player, who reads the game a couple of steps ahead of his opponents. His best tool is his brain and he is always scanning the ice, making sure he is in proper position to provide his team success. Another good tool for Yurov is his motor – it always seems to be on high, consistently providing help all over the ice. He combines his motor with strong straight-line speed to help his team in the transition game. He also plays very physically, not afraid to battle in the corners. His physicality is a reason why he is playing in the KHL because he can keep up with the physical aspect of playing against men. Danila Yurov is someone to keep your eye on throughout this season as he has a good chance to sneak into the top-five of this draft.” Zack Szweras, Dobber Prospects
“Yurov is an expert puckhandler with strong skating ability in any direction. Whether he’s leading the attack with straight-line speed or spearheading the cycle while utilizing his edges, Yurov is the kind of player any coach would entrust with puck-carrying duty. He has a quick first step and a powerful stride, but Yurov’s anticipation towards the puck always seems quicker than anyone else on the ice. He can lead the breakout from deep inside his own end and remain close to the puck after he delivers crisp, accurate passes over either long or short distances.” Steve Kournianos, The Draft Analyst
“He is an up-tempo player who also knows when to settle things down and make smart and safe decisions. He can play through the slot effectively and work the perimeter and be a threat. That said, it’s difficult to defend Yurov effectively, as he can play you in several different ways. On top of his difficult style to defend, Yurov has a high hockey IQ and good vision, both with and without the puck. He finds soft spots in coverages to be open for teammates, and he can spot openings rather quickly, which helps him exploit the opposition’s mistakes.”