Gashilov: NHL Prospect with Middle-Six Upside

0:00It's April 25th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is NHL News today, AI-powered updates on your squad. Lava Gashilov, the 18-year-old Russian center, born September 23rd, 2007, in Perm, stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 1, 170 pounds. He's left-handed and playing for after Yekaterinburg in the MHL this coming season. Eligible for the 2026 NHL draft, he's ranked 36th among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting's final list, hovering around 38-52 in other top prospect rankings. He's dominated scoring in Russia's top junior league over the last two seasons, hitting point per game last year and leading this one, but pro-exposure has been slim. Just three continental hockey league games and two in the second tier VHL this year. Yekaterinburg runs a veteran heavy lineup, limiting his ice time despite his talent. Scouts love his creativity, smooth hands, and Chris passes that spark offense.

1:03Can't dissipates plays well, creates chances for linemates, and cares the puck effectively. That production has teams eyeing him as a skilled project, especially after Ottawa grabbed his linemate Dmitry Isaya last year. On the flip side, he lacks straight line speed, which might push him to the wing and pros, and his defensive effort needs work when the puck's not his. At his height, bulking up his key, but those are cultural traits as he develops. Gashi-Lavs got middle six NHL upside as a secondary score if he boosts skating in intensity. Risk is moderate, reward solid, watch him climb if he gets more pro reps next year.