The Pittsburgh Penguins should have several high-end defensemen available with their first round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft.

While one or two of the top defensive prospects will probably be taken before the Pittsburgh Penguins make their first round selection, they should feel confident about the players that will be available at pick 14. Provided the team doesn’t trade their first round choice, the Penguins will be selecting a blue chip prospect. One of those players is Russian defensive prospect Dmitri Simashev, who is up next on Inside the Penguins’ draft profiles.

Essentials:

2022-23 team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (Russia)

Position: Defense

Shoots: Left

Height and Weight: 6’4, 200 pounds

NHL Central Scouting: 19th (among European skaters)

Elite Prospects: 10th

TSN (Bob McKenzie): 35th

2022-23 Stats: MHL 33 GP, 1 G, 11 A, 12 P

Player Breakdown:

Dmitri Simashev is going to surprise many. His ranking amongst scouts is all over the place, perhaps a residual effect from Russia’s absence from international junior play, but his talent and NHL fit is evident.

What stands out first about Simashev is his size and strength. He’s a physically mature player, looks ready for the NHL level right now, and he’s unafraid to use his body. While he doesn’t seek out physical contact, when the game calls for it he has a punishing body check. He blocks shots and is strong in front of his own net.

But what also stands out about his game is his skating. He has speed, impressive edgework, and a shiftiness that you rarely see with prospects his height. Skating is by far his biggest asset, on both sides of the puck. While his offensive output hasn’t quite translated, he excels as a part of the breakout and can be the puck carrier or support.

His hands will also surprise you. Every so often, he’ll deploy a deceptive shoulder fake or deliver a crisp pass that leaves you wondering when more offensive creativity will show up.

What Needs to Improve:

Offensive ability is the biggest area of improvement surrounding Simashev. His passing is his best asset in the offensive zone, but in order to be more dangerous he will need to develop his shot. He has an ability to find open lanes, but his shot isn't dynamic or powerful enough to be a true weapon.

The other issue that stands out is his risk management. Due to his elite skating, he can be a little flashy and take unnecessary risks thinking he can skate himself out of any problem. Because of this, he’s prone to turnovers in the neutral zone and defensive end. With time and proper coaching at the next levels, both of these areas should see improvement.

NHL Player Comparison: Jaccob Slavin

NHL ETA: 2026-27

Simashev isn’t as long-term of a project as some scouts believe. While the Slavin comparison is a bit extreme, Simashev’s rare combination of size, skating, and defensive aptitude give off very apparent Slavin vibes. He needs to improve and develop for a few more seasons, but he will be a top six defenseman on a NHL team by the 2026-27 season. Could he be more? That is the biggest question mark for the young defender. For the Penguins, they could solidify their future left side defense with Owen Pickering and Simashev as their top defensive prospects. 

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