June 28, 2025 - With the 134th overall pick in round 5 of the 2025 NHL Draft the Seattle Kraken have selected Maxim Agafonov, an 18-year-old defenseman from Moscow, Russia. He captained the U16 team in 2022–23, moved up to U17 and U18 squads, and posted a +13 in the U18 finals. At 6'2", 195 pounds, he played for Krasnaya Armiya in 2023–24 (1G, 7A in 36 games) and for Tolpar Ufa in 2024–25 (6G, 8A in 35 games), where he’s expected to return next season.
Agafonov is ranked in the top 80 by several outlets:
- #33 – NHL Central Scouting (EU)
- #38 – Recruit Scouting
- #43 – Inside The Rink
- #78 – TSN/Craig Button
- #79 – TSN/Bob McKenzie
- #99 – Elite Prospects
A strong, shutdown defenseman, Agafonov excels in positioning, puck retrieval, and disrupting plays. His offensive game is raw, but his size and hockey sense make him a potential sleeper pick.
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Photo Credit: HC Salavat Yulaev