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Kurban Limatov, Dynamo Moscow (Photo credit: HC Dynamo Moscow)

Kurban Limatov – 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers
By Alessandro Seren Rosso | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Kurban Limatov

2024-25 team: MHK Dynamo Moscow (MHL)
Date of Birth: Mar. 20, 2007
Place of Birth: Moscow, Russia
Ht: 6-foot-3 Wt: 198 pounds
Shoots: Left
Position: Defenseman
NHL Draft Eligibility: 2025 first-year eligible

Rankings

A solid two-way defenseman with good skating abilities and an intriguing frame, Kurban Limatov made good progress this season, even lining up for his first Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) game in the regular season, albeit in a limited role. He ate up a lot of minutes in the last part of the season in the juniors, showing excellent conditioning and finding his name on the scoresheet more and more often. He is not afraid to play the puck and pick up forwards in the neutral zone – he developed good positioning abilities.

Overall, Limatov seems to be an interesting prospect with an intriguing package considering his frame and his skills on all 200 feet. His strong parts are his strength, positioning skills and anticipation, but he can improve on his shot and overall defensive coverage. Sometimes he’s been short-tempered, and that is something that could get some work in the future.

His progress this season, along with his foundational skills and strong conditioning, makes him a player to watch, as he has the potential to develop into a complete defenseman capable of playing a solid role in the NHL. If his offensive abilities won’t pan out as projected, he still has enough strength and size to win a significant portion of puck battles – that can be Limatov’s Plan B to make it to the big league.

Other THW Draft Profiles

Kurban Limatov – NHL Draft Projection

He doesn’t have the sure-fire potential to be considered as a solid first-round projection, so most likely his name will be heard between the second and third rounds. He’s a good candidate for a surprise selection, but most likely not in the first round.

Quotables

“Limatov is a prototypical modern two-way defenseman. He has the size, reach, and strength to excel in battles, winning many along the boards and in the net-front area, which is crucial. His skating allows him to keep up with the pace of the game and, based on this viewing, potentially even push the pace when he has the puck on his stick.” – Samuel Tirpak, Future Considerations

“His pace and fluidity are just awesome for the frame he has.” – Dylan Griffing, Elite Prospects

Strengths

Under Construction- Improvements to Make

NHL Potential

Limatov’s skating and size are equal to any other high-level NHL prospect – if not better. He has all it takes to become a top-four defenseman in the NHL and can bring solid two-way play, mobility, and a certain eye for creating plays to any franchise. However, he is more poised to have a more defensive role in the league in the future.

Risk-Reward Analysis

Risk: 2/5 Reward: 4/5

Fantasy Hockey Potential

Offense: 4/10 Defense: 8/10