Flyers Select RW Ilya Pautov in the 6th Round of the 2024 NHL Draft

In the 6th round of the 2024 NHL Draft, with the 173rd pick, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Ilya Pautov out of the MHL in Russia.

The right winger stands at 5 foot 10, 165 pounds and owns a left-handed shot. Born in Novosibirsk, Russia, the 18-year-old recorded 15 goals and 30 assists in 46 games played in the MHL. His contract expires in 2025-26 and although he has a smaller frame he likes to attack on the inside a lot according to EliteProspects.

“His handling skill is strong, tons of attacks to the inside, and that ability to make defenders look silly.” – EliteProspects 2024 NHL Draft Guide

This was the second right winger selected by the Flyers after they took Noah Powell out of the USHL at pick #148. It was an offense-heavy draft for the Flyers as only two defenseman were selected in Spencer Gill (59th overall) and Austin Moline (205th overall)

The selection of Pautov in the later rounds is obviously an upside pick. He’s a quick winger with some good playmaking abilities.

Petrich Alexander, writer for the Junior Hockey League website, sat down with Pautov in April of 2024 where he was asked if assisting on a goal was more enjoyable for him than scoring one, where he responded:

“Yes, dishing a nice pass for my teammate to bury is more enjoyable for me than scoring myself. My first coach, Vladimir Nikolaevich Golts, always taught me to prize an assist more than a goal.”

Here’s to hoping Pautov’s playmaking and unselfishness help him rise in the ranks of the Flyers’ prospect pool.