With the No. 173 overall pick of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Russian forward Ilya Pautov from Krasnaya Armiya Moskva of the MHL — Russia’s top junior league.
Pautov, 18, appeared in 46 games last season, logging 15 goals and 45 points. He ranked second on the team in scoring behind only Alexei Churkin.
Pautov is notably small. At just 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, he’ll need to add considerable weight before even sniffing an NHL lineup. Despite his diminutive size, though, he plays an exciting game thanks to his high-end skill.
Pautov was ranked the 73rd best European skater in the draft by NHL Central Scouting. FCHockey, meanwhile, ranked Pautov as the draft’s 90th best player.
Here’s Elite Prospects’ take on Pautov:
“His handling skill is strong, tons of attacks to the inside, and that ability to make defenders look silly.”
Pautov is the first Russian prospect the Flyers have selected in the 2024 draft. Given their seemingly improved relationship with the KHL, evidenced by the early arrival of Matvei Michkov and the acquisition of Ivan Fedotov, fans should not be too concerned about Pautov being able to come to North America one day — assuming he proves capable of playing in the NHL.
Barring trades, the Flyers have one draft pick remaining — No. 205 overall in the seventh round.
