After getting drafted in the sixth round, the expectation was for Gorbunov to play in the MHL this year. However, the huling 6-5 forward shattered all expectations and played at the VHL level for almost the entire season. There, he scored at an incredible rate for an 18-year-old with 11 goals and 25 points in 48 games versus men. Gorbunov was second in scoring among his age group in the VHL and proved to be one of the more valuable assets on his team. With incredible hands, Gorbunov plays akin to Tage Thompson, minus the barn-burning shot, and projects as a playmaker at the NHL level. With his size, the puck protection skills are a massive plus. Expect another year where Gorbunov builds on his prior season, either near or above a point-per-game pace in the VHL or at the KHL level.

Heading into this year, the expectation for Gorbunov would be for him to stay in the MHL and be one of the best players on his team. Gorbunov proved that he was ready for a larger challenge as he has spent the majority of the year in the VHL and has been one of the better players on his team. Standing at six-foot-five, Gorbunov has a frame that could fit in any NHL lineup. However, he needs to learn how to use his body better as he is still not bringing the physicality needed for the NHL. Despite this, he is quite skilled and generates offense off the rush, a major part of the modern NHL. The runway for Gorbunov is longer than any other prospect in the Panthers’ system and it could allow him to develop into a great KHL scorer before coming over to North America. He is a long-term project but the early returns are quite exciting all things considered. mes Connelly

Gorbunov started his season off hot in the MHL, with Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk playing over 20 minutes a night in the first six games. His play earned him his first professional call-up playing in the VHL. While held scoreless, Gorbunov got his first taste of higher competition. It did something because he scored four goals and eight points in two games when he was sent to the MHL. He dominated puck possession in these games and displayed a high-end puck protection ability. Gorbunov stayed hot when he was back in the VHL, going on a six-game point streak against professional competition and scoring seven points in his last seven VHL games. The offense is starting to come together for Gorbunov, and he will become an integral member of his club’s KHL team one day. He looks much more confident and is making the right strides. If Gorbunov can stay hot, he may earn an NHL contract next summer when his contract in Russia expires.

Gorbunov’s draft year numbers may look subpar, but there is more to the story than just what they show. Standing at 6-5, Gorbunov has an NHL frame and is one of the youngest players from the 2024 draft class, less than a week away from being eligible for the 2025 draft. He split time between being a forward and defenseman and being an all-around utility player for Belye Medvedi Chelyabinsk. He skates decently for his size and will need to make that a strong point in his game if he wants to stick at the highest level, but with such a raw player, there is loads of intrigue about what is to come for him.