The Pittsburgh Penguins added forward depth Saturday by signing Russian left wing Mikhail Ilyin to a three-year entry-level contract, the club announced.
Ilyin was drafted in the fifth round by the Penguins in 2023. His contract will begin in the 2025-26 season and run through 2027-28.
He is known for his exceptional playmaking abilities, creating scoring chances for his linemates. Ilyin appeared in 64 regular-season games, recording seven goals and 23 assists for the Severstal Cherepovets of the KHL.
Ilyin played in 150 career games across three seasons, tallying 19 goals and 42 assists for 61 points. He also notched five assists in 10 career KHL playoff games.
The 6-foot, 181-pound forward is known to exhibit a strong two-way game, engaging in defensive responsibilities and supporting his teammates in all zones, according to Pens Prospects.
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Before joining the Cherepovets, Ilyin spent parts of the last four seasons with the Almaz Cherepovets of the MHL, Russia’s top junior league. He amassed eight goals and 32 assists in 55 regular-season games.
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