2026 NHL DRAFT PROFILES: VIKTOR FYODOROV

Viktor Fyodorov is emerging as one of the most intriguing Russian forwards in the 2026 NHL Draft class. Here is why he should be a top 10 pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

Center
5’10/176
Left
Chaika Nizhny Novgorod/MHL

Viktor Fyodorov is a skilled, speedy center with a powerful shot and high-end playmaking instincts. He gained recognition at the U17s for his “skilled play,” “muscle in his shot,” and “burner” speed. His ability to win body positioning against bigger players, smart two-way play, and scoring versatility—from net-front to mid-range. Fyodorov got good speed and is a good athlete. He tracks and wins inside body positioning against bigger players and has a good stick. He’s a smart player on and off the puck, offensively and defensively. He goes to the net and stays around but can also score from mid-range and make plays out wide.” He’s a good playmaker, but he puts a ton of muscle into his shot, too. Fyodorov isn’t big, but he’s got the speed and the hands to be a burner.” Described as “tremendously quick,” “strong,” and “a stick-handling wizard.” Russian prospect watchers rank him #1 among Russian players born 2006–2011, calling him “tremendously quick,” “strong,” and “a stick-handling wizard”.

Size/Strength Average
Skating Great
Shot/Scoring Excellent
Puckhandling Excellent
Physical Play Average
Offensive Play Excellent
Defensive Below Average
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent

Strengths

1. Fyodorov is a cerebral distributor with excellent vision and timing. He can thread passes through tight seams and create offense off the rush.
2. Described as a “burner” by scouts, Fyodorov has explosive acceleration and top-end speed that allows him to separate from defenders.
3. Smart on and off the puck, Fyodorov consistently finds soft ice and supports play in all zones. Tracks well in transition, wins body positioning battles against larger opponents, and shows commitment to backchecking.

Weakness

1. Has a modest frame, not physically imposing.
2. Lapses in defensive zone coverage and puck support.
3. Fyodorov’s creativity can sometimes lead to high-risk plays, especially when pressured in transition or forced wide.

Scouting Report

Fyodorov is a cerebral distributor with excellent vision and timing. He can thread passes through tight seams and create offense off the rush. Despite his modest frame, he generates impressive power in his shot. His release is quick and deceptive, making him a threat from mid-range and net-front. Fyodorov has excellent Hands, he’s an elite stickhandler with the ability to maneuver in traffic and break down defenders one-on-one. Described as a “burner” by scouts, Fyodorov has explosive acceleration and top-end speed that allows him to separate from defenders. Fyodorov is agile and elusive, he uses sharp cuts and lateral movement to open up space and evade checks. Viktor Fyodorov is smart on and off the puck, and consistently finds soft ice and supports play in all zones. Defensive Awareness is great, he tracks well in transition, wins body positioning battles against larger opponents, and shows commitment to backchecking. Though not physically imposing, he plays with tenacity and isn’t afraid to drive the net or engage in puck battles. He’s a high-energy player who maintains pace throughout shifts and shows leadership qualities on the ice. At 5’10”, Fyodorov isn’t undersized by modern standards, but he can struggle against larger, more physical defenders—especially in board battles and net-front scrums. While he shows flashes of two-way awareness, scouts note occasional lapses in defensive zone coverage and puck support. Fyodorov’s creativity can sometimes lead to high-risk plays, especially when pressured in transition or forced wide.
Fyodorov is in no means a can’t miss pick; he needs to add muscle and refine leverage techniques to thrive in the NHL’s heavier traffic zones and tighten his off-puck reads and improve his stick positioning to become a reliable 200-foot center. He blends Kaprizov-like edgework, Datsyuk-level puck control, and Barbashev-style net-front grit. Shows “leadership and confidence” and carries the weight of his name (evoking Sergei Fedorov) with poise.
If his MHL and international trajectory continues, he’s a strong candidate for the top 10 in 2026.

Skill: Dynamic offensive forward with elite hands, deceptive speed, and a high hockey IQ.

NHL Comparable: Sergei Fedorov

NHL Potential: Top 6 Center

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2024-25	Chaika Nizhny Novgorod	MHL	45	13	30
	Russia U17	International-Jr	5	2	9
2025-26	Chaika Nizhny Novgorod	MHL	3	0	2