Ranked #151 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #106 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #30 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Ranked #74 by SPORTSNET/BUKALA
Ranked #96 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #85 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
With the 161st pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected Russian right-shot defenseman Yaroslav Fedoseyev out of Chelyabinsk.
Fedoseyev excels at the box out, extending out to the flanks to pin and stall threats on the outside. He’s disruptive, hunts physical opportunities on the rush, and his mean streak persisted throughout our team’s viewings.
It was nice getting to see him in some late-season KHL matches. He’s more about shutting you down and getting in the way physically than trying to do much with the puck. He likes to hurt people.
via McKeen’s Draft Book
Fedoseyev played a good chunk of his season at the professional level this year. Among draft-eligible Russian defensemen, he plays the most physical and mature game. It starts in the defensive zone, where Fedoseyev uses good footwork and lateral agility to shut down rushes by forcing attackers wide and finishing them into the boards. When battling in front of the net or along the boards, he can get a bit chippy at times, making sure he leaves a mark while boxing out opponents and fighting for positioning.
When the pace of the game picks up, however, Fedoseyev can occasionally get caught flat-footed or leave too much of a gap on the rushes he’s usually so effective at defending. In his own zone, his breakout game is inconsistent. His vision and ability to connect on transition passes are below average, leading to unnecessary turnovers and icings.
When the puck is in the offensive zone, though, Fedoseyev has shown flashes of skill. He plays a methodical game, carrying the puck into the zone with patience, slowing the pace, staying composed under pressure, and then finding a target in front. It’s an intriguing set of tools for a mid-round option.
