Kol was traded to Dynamo Moscow in the KHL, where he might sneak in a game or two at the KHL level, but will more than likely play consistently with the VHL and MHL teams. The left-handed defenseman split time last season between the SKA KHL roster, playing in 11 games, and the MHL roster, where he was named the best defenseman of the MHL final. This trade to the Dynamo Moscow system should prove invaluable for his development, as he proved he was more than ready for a higher level of hockey than the MHL this past season, and Dynamo Moscow has the means to make that happen.

Kol was selected 168th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes.

A big Russian defenseman who plays a simple brand of hockey, Kol leverages his reach, physicality, and mobility to suffocate opponents of space in the defensive zone. He stood out most in his games at the VHL level against second-tier professional competition. As the season progressed, he even flashed some on-puck skill and passing proficiency: diversity in his impact which, with added consistency and improved mechanics and confidence, could unlock #4 defenseman upside. If he settles as a meat-and-potatoes defender with decent tools and improving reds on both sides of the puck, he could still develop into a reliable bottom-pairing presence. (Final Ranking: 116)

DRAFTPRO 2024 NHL DRAFT HOT TAKES

“The best defenseman from the draft will get picked outside the first round – There are heavy expectations on the defenseman going early in the first round and it can be expected that there will be several more taken after the first batch comes off the board. However, there are several defensemen that have a sneaky chance at being the best in the class when we look back years from now. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Timur Kol, Alfons Freij, Colton Roberts are all high upside defenders that could figure into a top three role. Possible fallers such as Kiviharju, Hutson, Mews could develop into high caliber players as well.” – Colin Johnson

DRAFTPRO – 2024 7-ROUND CONTRIBUTOR MOCK DRAFT

81. St. Louis Blues – Timur Kol, D, Omskie Krylia (VHL)

SUMMARY: The Blues reach a bit to make sure they select this relatively unknown prospect out of the Russian tier 2 Pro league. His game has size at 6’3” and skating that keeps up with the pro game already. A reliable defender as well as a knack for the offensive side in spurts. He still needs time to grow but offers some of the highest upside in the Draft. The Blues take a risk and swing hard on the young defender hoping that he can put it all together and fortify the left side of the Blueline for years to come. – Colin Johnson