The NY Islanders select Artyom Matyuk with pick No. 173 of the 2026 NHL Draft

Taking their first forward of the 2026 NHL Draft, the NY Islanders have selected Artyom Matyuk with pick No. 173.

Matyuk has spent the last two seasons playing for Chaika Nizhny Novgorod of the MHL. In his first MHL season, Matyuk registered 26 points (8 G, 18 A) in 26 games. He improved his production during his second season, finishing the campaign with 39 points (13 G, 26 A).

Standing 6'0", Matyuk's playmaking skills are his most relied upon in the offensive end. He uses his hands and feet to weave through defenders, but weighing just 160 lbs, he'll need to put on some more muscle to prevent being knocked off the puck as he reaches higher levels. “He's an above-average skater, using smooth edges and tight turns to outplay defenders as he keeps his head up for options,” says Eastern Europe regional scout Dylan Griffing of Elite Prospects.

As with any Russian prospect, you run the risk of the player remaining in his homeland rather than transitioning to North America. The Islanders seem willing to take that risk with Matyuk, and as a sixth-round pick, it seems worth it for a player they believe can help them in the future.

Corey Pronman had Mayuk being selected with pick No. 172, so this seems like it's around the right time to select a player that comes with some risk.

Matyuk will likely remain in Russia for some time until he believes he's ready (if he is) to make the jump.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Schedule