Yegor Surin is a two-time KHL champion with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl.
The 19-year-old scored two goals in game six of the KHL playoffs, helping Yaroslavl win its second-straight Gagarin Cup. He ended the postseason with a career-high eight points (3g, 5a) in 22 games. Surin was drafted by the Nashville Predators 22nd overall in 2024.
After staying off the scoresheet in the series' first five contests, Surin scored twice in game six to give Yaroslavl a commanding 2-0 lead. Lokomotiv made it 3-0 in the third. A late-game rally from Ak Bars wasn't enough as Lokomotiv won the league title.
The win is certaintly a talking point for Preds fans as one of its top prospects continues to show promise at the professional level, ringing in championships here and there.
Surin adding to his resume before NHL start
Surin has one year left on his KHL contract following this season, meaning he won't be able to join the Predators until the 2027-28 season. In the 98 regular season games Surin's played with Lokomotiv, he's racked up 22 goals and 44 assists, some of the highest totals among its players. Considering he's doing all of this at 19 years old, we can only imagine what his NHL totals will be.
Surin's been regarded as Nashville's second-best center prospect, just behind Brady Martin, but that may soon change. A down year for Martin on the OHL level (point-per-game this season compared to 1.26 last season), Surin's number swing the rankings.
He has the making to be a top two-way center in the NHL. Scott Wheeler of The Athletic noted that Surin's on-ice presence was a key factor to Lokomotiv's elite defensive game, calling it "excellent two-way usage" whenever he's on the ice.
Here's what Wheeler had to say about Surin:
"Surin is a good skater who plays with plenty of pace and tempo to hunt and win pucks or push play down ice. He excels on the flank on the power play because of his plus vision and a dangerously quick release from midrange. He’s very physical and plays with a real chip on his shoulder."Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
The only real worry with Surin's development is his lack of discipline. He holds the second most penalty minutes on Lokomotiv with 43. According to Wheeler, "He can frustrate with his lack of discipline at times, attempting unnecessary one-on-one plays, or by taking careless penalties." Things like that don't fly in the NHL. If Surin wants to secure a permanent spot in the Preds lineup, he must lock in and stay composed.
Besides that, Surin's development with Lokomotiv has been nothing short of impressive. He's got a bright future ahead and Preds fans should be excited when he arrives to North America.
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