David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesDaria Tuboltseva of RG.org has cited sources claiming that defenseman Nikolai Makarov, who was selected in the 5th round of the 2021 NHL Draft, will sign a two-year entry-level contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets that will begin next season.
Per Tuboltseva, “Makarov split the 2024–25 season between CSKA and its VHL affiliate, Zvezda. He appeared in 11 KHL regular-season games, finishing with a plus-1 rating but no points. In the VHL, he played a larger role, registering 12 points (4 goals, 8 assists) across 41 games. He added two assists in seven playoff appearances, though Zvezda failed to advance past the first round.”
Tuboltseva says about Makarov, "A left-shot defenseman with solid vision, physicality, and strong gap control, Makarov is seen as a potential bottom-pairing option at the NHL level, particularly on the penalty kill."
Nikolai Makarov is a 6-foot-1, 194lb left shot defenseman from Perm, Russia.
People have been waiting for this young prospect to finally come to North America. Might we see him sooner rather than later?
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