Yuri Ivanov was the youngest goaltender selected in the 2026 NHL Draft — eligible by roughly four days — when the Boston Bruins took him in the second round, 56th overall. The 17-year-old, born in Moscow, stands 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds and catches left.
Ivanov split his draft season between MHK Spartak-MAH Moskva and MHK Spartak Moskva in Russia’s junior MHL, finishing with a .924 save percentage and 2.62 GAA in 17 regular-season games for the senior squad, backed by a 13-3-1 record. He was even better in the playoffs, posting a 2.15 GAA and .928 save percentage across 16 games with six wins and a shutout.
His path into that postseason role is part of the story. Ivanov stepped in for an injured starter during the playoffs and carried Spartak Moscow’s junior team all the way to the Kharlamov Cup Final — the MHL’s championship — making Spartak the only team in the playoffs that postseason to rely on three different goaltenders along the way.
NHL Central Scouting ranked Ivanov 10th among European goaltenders heading into the draft, and scouts point to his footwork and athleticism as standout traits, along with consistently strong positioning — both getting square to shooters and staying there through the play.
Ivanov developed through Dynamo Moskva’s youth system before joining Spartak, and his numbers improved steadily at every age level — from a 2.32 GAA at U16 down to 1.83 by U18 — before his breakout playoff run as a 17-year-old earned him a spot in the 2026 draft class.
Stats and info via EliteProspects.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Yuri Ivanov?
Yuri Ivanov was selected by the Boston Bruins in the second round, 56th overall, in the 2026 NHL Draft.
How old is Yuri Ivanov?
Ivanov was the youngest goaltender drafted in 2026, turning eligible for the draft by only about four days.
What team did Yuri Ivanov play for before the draft?
He played for MHK Spartak Moskva in Russia’s junior MHL, where he helped the team reach the Kharlamov Cup Final.
Where is Yuri Ivanov from?
Ivanov was born in Moscow, Russia, and developed through the Dynamo Moskva youth system.
How tall is Yuri Ivanov?
He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 165 pounds, and catches left-handed.
