FlamesNation’s 2025 summer prospect rankings are underway! Kirill Zarubin, Yan Kuznetsov and Ethan Wyttenbach have claimed spots 18 to 20, respectively, to start things off.

Ilya Solovyov is one of just a few names in this year’s prospect rankings to have seen NHL action. In fact, of everyone on this list, Solovyov has the most NHL experience. Coming off a career season with the Calgary Wranglers, and with the hope and expectation of potentially locking down an NHL roster spot this year, the 17th spot in the 2025 FlamesNation prospect rankings belongs to the Belarusian defenceman.

Ilya Solovyov

Defenceman, shoots left
Born July 20, 2000 (age 25) in Mogilev, Belarus
6’3″, 208 pounds
Drafted in the seventh round (205th overall) by Calgary in the 2020 NHL Draft

Solovyov appeared on six of the nine ballots among FlamesNation staffers, ranging from 13th to 19th. Settling at the 17th position seems fitting for the 25-year-old who is entering his fifth year with the organization.

Solovyov barely held onto rookie eligibility heading into this season. According to NHL rules, rookie eligibility is defined as: “To be considered a rookie, a player must not have played in more than 25 NHL games in any preceding seasons, nor in six or more NHL games in each of any two preceding seasons. Any player at least 26 years of age (by Sept. 15th of that season) is not considered a rookie.”

Solovyov narrowly qualifies on all counts. Over the past two years, the defenceman has played in 15 NHL games — 10 in 2023-24 and five in 2024-25. One more game last year and Solovyov would not be on this list. Having just turned 25, he will also age out of rookie eligibility after this upcoming season.

Solovyov was a steady presence on the Wranglers’ blue line last season and put together the best campaign of his career. In 59 games, he scored six goals and recorded 22 assists for 28 points. His play earned him top ice time for the Wranglers, and he was used in all situations. Solovyov was usually the first name to come mind when the Flames needed a defensive call-up.

It took until February for Solovyov to see NHL action last season. Considered a contender for the opening-night roster out of training camp, the fact he played only five NHL games fell short of expectations — and not through any fault of his own. He recorded a lone assist against the Washington Capitals, marking his only NHL point of the season.

We asked FlamesNation’s own Paige Stewart, who sees a lot of Wranglers hockey, for her thoughts on Solovyov:

“Ilya Solovyov couldn’t have had a better reaction to his assignment to the Wranglers early in the season. He solidified a spot at the top of the defensive pairings and moulded his game to fit the situation he was put in. His most regular d-partner was Jonathan Aspirot and with Aspirot’s speed and hockey IQ mixed with Solovyov’s composure and confidence, they were a deadly combination. Solovyov carried the ice time on the blue line and earned himself a career year out of it. His confidence improvement at the end of the season makes me think he’ll be much closer to a regular NHL spot than we may think.”

Expectations for 2025-26

Without a doubt, Solovyov will be looking for a personal redemption tour this training camp. After failing to make the team last season, securing a spot on the opening-night roster will be his top priority as the new campaign approaches.

That being said, Solovyov is entering the final year of his contract with the Flames, which happens to be a one-way deal. If he fails to make the opening-night roster, there’s a good chance the Flames could lose him on waivers — something they surely want to avoid.

With a backlog of defencemen trying to make the team — such as Zayne Parekh and Hunter Brzustewicz — and a veteran many believe may be taking up a roster spot in Rasmus Andersson, competition on the blue line will be stiff. If the Flames can’t find room for Solovyov on the NHL roster, they may be motivated to use him as a trade chip in order to get a return rather than lose him for nothing.

If he does spend the season in the AHL, Solovyov should reclaim his spot as a top defender on the Wranglers and carry the brunt of the ice time. There’s no reason to think he isn’t capable of matching, if not surpassing, his numbers from last year for another career season.

Solovyov should see NHL ice time this year. His play in the AHL has shown he deserves a more thorough look. On the Flames, he likely fits best as a third-pair shutdown defenceman but could find himself on the second pairing if the situation is right. His offensive production probably wouldn’t match what he’s done in the AHL, but he should still contribute from time to time. Solovyov will be an interesting name to watch this season.