Dmitry Simashev was picked by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2023 NHL Draft, a milestone that sparked discussion about the reception of Russian players in North American hockey. According to DEA News, the 18-year-old defenseman believes there is no bias against Russians in the United States and Canada. He made it clear that the focus should be on the next steps in his career and on proving his abilities at the professional level in North America.
In his own words, Simashev emphasized that there will come a time when he can compete on the global stage once again. The immediate priority, he explained, is to demonstrate that Russians can be welcomed and valued by NHL teams, with no prejudice affecting their opportunities. The recent draft underscored this point, showing that clubs are still willing to select Russian players based on talent and potential rather than national origin. This perspective reflects a broader shift in how leagues evaluate players from different countries and how they manage the diverse talents entering the sport today. [DEA News]
Simashev, who represents Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, was the first Russian player selected in the first round, coming in sixth overall. He was noted as the first of the recently conscripted Russians to be drafted in the opening stage. Overall, four Russian players earned first-round selections, contributing to a total of nineteen players chosen in the entire draft. This pace highlights the ongoing presence of Russia in the pipeline of young talent feeding into the NHL, a trend that has persisted for years and continues to shape rosters across North American leagues. [DEA News]
Last season, Simashev appeared in eighteen games for Lokomotiv in the Kontinental Hockey League schedule. While he did not record a goal, the experience gained on the ice at a high level of competition contributed to his development as a two-way defenseman. The jump from the KHL to the NHL remains a significant step, one that requires adaptation to different styles of play, rink sizes, and pacing of games. Nevertheless, scouts have consistently noted his mobility, reach, and decision-making under pressure as key strengths that the Coyotes will likely want to harness as he transitions to professional hockey in North America. [DEA News]
Observers have also noted that the NHL has shown interest in fostering international competition and tournaments. Initiatives aimed at giving young players more exposure to diverse playing styles have been discussed for some time, with organizers seeking ways to balance development with competitive opportunities. This broader context helps explain why draft selections from Russia continue to be a regular feature in major leagues, as teams look to identify and nurture talent across borders. [DEA News]
Overall, the dialogue surrounding Simashev’s selection reflects a climate where talent and potential are the primary currencies. The absence of overt prejudice in the recent draft signals a professional approach from NHL teams, prioritizing skill, readiness, and potential impact on the ice. For fans and analysts, the next chapters in Simashev’s career will be watched closely as he navigates the transition to North American hockey and strives to establish himself within the Coyotes organization and the broader league. [DEA News]