Edmonton Oilers Reportedly Nearing Contract Signing With Young Defenseman

Nikita Yevseyev, a 2022 NHL Draft sixth-round pick (190th overall), has been developing in Russia since he was drafted.

Nikita Yevseyev has already played in 100 games in Russia's KHL

The 20-year-old spent the 2024-25 campaign sharing time between VHL and KHL, playing 38 games with Ak Bars Kazan and earning his 100th game in the KHL.

Unsigned at this very moment, he's considered a real NHL prospect with a good two-way foundation. With excellent skating, mobility, and agility, Yevseyev edges the puck and is not afraid to get physical.

Positioning and defensive instincts are already advanced for his age, and he has the potential to become a puck-mover blueliner with an underrated shot. Offensively, his ceiling is still a project, but the tools are there.

Measuring 6'1' and 187 pounds, Yevseyev is a left-handed winger born on May 10, 2004. If the Oilers can sign him, he may be part of their AHL pipeline as early as this season.

Should he be able to showcase his talents in the AHL, a recall to the NHL would be possible, although the Oilers depth chart is pretty full at the moment.