Dima Zhilkin Commits To University Of Michigan

The University of Michigan Wolverines are adding another top prospect to the program. According to Scott Wheeler of The Athletic, and later confirmed by Jeff Marek of The Sheet, the Wolverines have received a commitment from forward Dima Zhilkin.

Zhilkin, 17, has spent the last two years with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit. Although he has committed to the University of Michigan, Wheeler added in his report that Zhilkin won’t join the Wolverines until the 2027-28 campaign, meaning he will spend the 2026-27 season with the Spirit. He already has a strong connection to the program, as Zhilkin’s head coach for the past two years, Chris Lazary, has joined the Wolverines as an Associate Coach.

Although they will have to wait another season to see Zhilkin join the team, Michigan has added considerable talent. Assuming he doesn’t have a dramatic fall-off in performance, Zhilkin is expected to be a top-10 selection for the 2027 NHL Draft.

In his first season with the Spirit, during the 2024-25 season, Zhilkin registered 16 goals and 43 points in 54 games with a +15 rating. He clearly has some leadership capabilities, as the Spirit named him captain ahead of the 2025-26 season. He performed well, especially considering he hasn’t turned 18 yet, scoring 36 goals and 75 points in 59 games, with a +11 rating. He tied for 16th in the league in scoring.

Remaining with the Spirit for the 2026-27 season, Zhilkin will look to round out his abilities for the NCAA. If he continues playing well, he will likely earn a spot on Canada’s U20 team for the 2026-27 World Junior Championships.