NY Islanders Daniil Prokhorov named VHL Rookie of the Month in Russia

At just 18 years old, this summer was a substantial time period for Daniil Prokhorov. After being selected in the second-round, 42nd overall by the NY Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft, the towering 6'6" forward was named to the opening night roster for Dynamo Moskva of the KHL.

Preparing to play in one of the toughest leagues in the world, the start of the season went nowhere near what Prokhorov would have expected. Seeing his name left off the team sheet for multiple games, riding the bench as the 13th forward, or often seeing fewer than one minute of ice time per night, Prokhorov simply wasn't playing much.

Prokhorov was often bounced between the KHL and the MHL (Russian juniors), seeing much more success within his age range. Dynamo Moskva eventually sent the big winger to Dynamo St. Petersburg of the VHL (Russia's version of the AHL), playing against more experienced and physical players than in the MHL.

Here, Prohorov has really found his groove. He was named the VHL Rookie of the Month for January, recording seven goals and six assists in 10 games. Despite playing half the games as many of his teammates, Prokhorov is among the leading point producers for St. Petersburg, totalling 18 points (9 G, 9 A) in 22 games.

In December, while riding the bench in Moscow, Prokhorov was listed as a player whose stock was falling by Elite Prospects due to his lack of playing time. One month later, he is listed as a player whose stock is rising,

"The production has been incredible at this stage of his career, especially as a player with little nuance to his game," Dylan Griffing of Elite Prospects says. "Everything is black and white with Prokhorov: if he has the puck, he is sprinting straight for the net; if he doesn’t, he will do whatever it takes to throw a huge hit. Overall, this is easily one of the most entertaining prospects out there right now and the top U23 player in the VHL."

Prokhorov signed his entry-level contract with the Islanders over the summer, meaning he can be called upon to join the organization in North America. Still a very raw player, he could remain in Russia for another season as he continues his development. A player of Prokhorov's size and skill is rare, and the Islanders won't want to rush him until they feel he can contribute in the faster, more physical North American game.