Dmitri Ivchenko, a 17-year-old goaltender from Novotroitsk, Russia, was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round, 78th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 179-pound netminder was ranked fourth among European goaltenders by NHL Central Scouting heading into draft weekend.
Ivchenko’s draft season was split between Russia’s junior ranks and a developmental tie to Avangard Omsk of the KHL — Russia’s top professional league. At the MHL level with Omskie Yastreby, he posted a strong .922 save percentage and 1.91 GAA across 19 games, with four shutouts and an 11-5-1 record. He was even better the year before, going 29-4-0 with a .940 save percentage at the U17 level.
Scouts point to his calmness as his defining trait. Unlike many of his peers in this draft class, Ivchenko is described as a disciplined goaltender who consistently stays square to shooters, with strong depth control and efficient positioning routes that keep him in good spots without overextending.
While Ivchenko hasn’t yet appeared in a KHL game, his affiliation with Avangard Omsk places him inside one of Russian hockey’s stronger professional pipelines as he continues to develop heading into his post-draft seasons.
Stats and info via EliteProspects.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Dmitri Ivchenko?
Dmitri Ivchenko was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the third round, 78th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
What team did Dmitri Ivchenko play for before the draft?
He played for Omskie Yastreby in Russia’s junior MHL, posting a .922 save percentage and 1.91 GAA over 19 games.
How was Dmitri Ivchenko ranked heading into the draft?
NHL Central Scouting ranked him fourth among European goaltenders in the 2026 class.
What’s Dmitri Ivchenko’s playing style?
Scouts describe him as exceptionally calm and disciplined in the crease, with strong depth control and efficient positioning rather than relying on athleticism alone.
How tall is Dmitri Ivchenko?
He stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 179 pounds, and catches left-handed.
