Dmitri Borichev entered the 2026 NHL Draft as the top-ranked European goaltender on NHL Central Scouting’s board — one of two prospects, alongside Czech goalie Tobiáš Trejbal, in serious contention to be the first goalie picked overall. The Nashville Predators ultimately selected the 6-foot-3, 198-pound Russian netminder in the third round, 70th overall.
Borichev’s draft season with Loko-76 Yaroslavl’s junior team in Russia’s MHL was excellent across the board: a 12-8-3 record with a .929 save percentage and 2.25 GAA over 24 games, good enough to tie for 15th in save percentage league-wide and rank third among all U18 goaltenders in the league. He also represented Russia in international competition at the U18 level.
What separates Borichev from most goalies his age, according to scouts, is his skating. His edgework is considered among the best in the entire draft class, allowing him to make extremely fast micro-adjustments — stopping and redirecting on a dime rather than committing early to a direction. He doesn’t rely heavily on the full butterfly split, but his extensions are noted for their smoothness and control; he’s able to keep his upper body up and track the puck with his hands even while stretched out and moving.
Borichev’s numbers have been strong at every level coming up — he posted a .974 save percentage in a small early sample at the MHL level as a U17, and his overall trajectory through Lokomotiv Vologda’s system has been one of the steadier development arcs in this draft class.
Stats and info via EliteProspects.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Dmitri Borichev?
Dmitri Borichev was selected by the Nashville Predators in the third round, 70th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Was Dmitri Borichev the top-ranked goalie in the 2026 draft?
He was ranked No. 1 among European goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting, making him one of the top two goalies in the entire class alongside Czech goaltender Tobiáš Trejbal.
What team did Dmitri Borichev play for before the draft?
He played for Loko-76 Yaroslavl’s junior team in Russia’s MHL, where he posted a .929 save percentage and 2.25 GAA.
How tall is Dmitri Borichev?
He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 198 pounds, and catches left-handed.
What stands out about Dmitri Borichev’s game?
Scouts highlight his elite skating and edgework, which lets him make fast micro-adjustments in the crease rather than committing early to a direction.
