The Canes take another center in the second round.
In a few years, let’s look back at Ivan Ryabkin as another Carolina Hurricanes second-round steal.
Russian center Ivan Ryabkin was selected 49th overall by Carolina in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Before moving to North America, Ryabkin was tagged as one of the best international future prospects.
During the 2023-24 season as a 16-year-old, Ryabkin was tied for the team lead in points with Dynamo Moskva in the Russian Junior Hockey League, known as the MHL. He was six points behind the league lead and just two behind budding NHL youngster Ivan Demidov.
Last season, Ryabkin struggled in his transition to the KHL, but rebounded with 12 points in 15 games with his old squad in the MHL.
When he moved to the USA, Rybakin joined the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. Despite joining the team on New Year’s Eve, he finished seventh in points, tallying 19 goals and 11 assists.
Rybakin’s ranking is wide, from a mid-first rounder to an early third round pick. There is consensus around his heavy shot, passing ability, and willingness to hit. The question marks are around his defense.