Dmitry Simashev on NHL Interest and Draft Journey

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Yaroslavl Lokomotiv Defenseman Dmitry Simashev Shares Insights From NHL Interest

In a candid conversation, Dmitry Simashev, a defenseman with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv, opened up about the questions he faced during interviews conducted with clubs across the National Hockey League. The exchanges were relayed by Match TV in Russia, giving fans a window into how a young Russian prospect navigates international interest.

Simashev recalled that about 25 teams expressed interest in him. Some teams canceled the interviews, others scheduled additional conversations, and he estimated speaking with around 20 organizations in total. The process highlighted the varying approaches clubs take when evaluating international talent for the upcoming seasons.

Many of the topics covered in these discussions were similar across clubs. Yet three questions stood out as outliers from the rest of the session. The questions asked were not aimed at hockey performance but at personal or lighthearted topics: whether he had ever faced legal trouble, which animal he would choose if he could be one, and a playful preference between macaroni and potatoes. These moments illustrated how teams attempt to gauge character, resilience, and humor under the pressure of a high-stakes draft environment.

Despite the breadth of interviews, Simashev did most of the talking in English. He noted that he prepared to speak for himself rather than rely on translators, adding that the teams may have chosen to keep the conversation focused on his on-ice potential and personal composure rather than placing a heavy linguistic burden on him during the process.

From a draft perspective, the results resonated with observers in Canada and the United States. In the opening round, Dmitry Simashev secured the 6th overall pick and Daniil But went 12th, with the Arizona Coyotes landing both players. The Philadelphia Flyers selected Matvey Michkov with the 7th pick, while the Colorado Avalanche added another talent, as noted by Mikhail Gulyaev. These selections reflected the broad interest in high-skill Russian prospects and the strategic plans of NHL organizations to bolster their defensive depth and future potential.

Looking back at his most recent season in the Kontinental Hockey League, Simashev participated in 18 games. He helped his team maintain a clean slate in his appearances, contributing to a reputation for strong defensive awareness and reliable play at the professional level. Canadian and American scouts weighing potential fit in the NHL would consider this experience alongside his international exposure, noting how a shutout streak or strong defensive reads translate to the pace and physicality of North American hockey.

As Simashev moves through this stage of his career, the looming question remains how a young defenseman will adapt to the NHL’s speed, structure, and playoff intensity. He indicated no expectation of immediate star status, instead signaling a readiness to grow into a sustained contributor for whichever organization offers him an opportunity. Coaches and executives in North America will weigh his mobility, reach, and decision-making under pressure when projecting his ceiling within the league’s defensive corps.

Ultimately, Simashev’s experiences across interviews and a high-stakes draft highlight the due diligence teams perform when scouting foreign players. For fans in North America, these narratives provide a closer look at the human side of the draft, where a player’s personality, language comfort, and quick adaptability can be as telling as on-ice metrics. The path from a strong junior showings to a sustained NHL role is multifaceted, and Simashev’s journey underscores the careful balance clubs seek between potential upside and immediate contribution. This evolving story continues to unfold as teams refine their rosters for the seasons ahead and as Simashev weighs the next steps in his hockey career. [Source: NHL draft coverage and team reports].

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