Top Penguins Prospect Signs Extension Overseas: Will Not Play in NHL Next Season

The Pittsburgh Penguins may not have any genuine stars coming through their organization, but they do have many intriguing names that have been acquired over the past few years.

One of those names is Mikhail Ilyin, who was a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, with many in the organization believing that the Russian winger could be a genuine difference maker at the next level.

Over the last two seasons in the KHL, the 20-year old has tallied 19 goals and 59 points in 129 games played, and after another solid campaign in 2024/25, the belief was that he could be headed to North America.

Unfortunately for those Penguins fans eager to see him either in the AHL or the NHL, a report has now revealed that he will be staying in the KHL for now, as he has signed a new deal with Severstal Cherepovets in the KHL, as he will remain there for at least one more year.

Reportedly, the Penguins made him an offer to come to North America, but thus far he has declined, and while there's still optimism he'll be arriving in the next few years, it won't be for the 2025/26 campaign.

The 6-foot-0, 180 pound winger has plenty of talent, with many praising his IQ as being ready for the NHL, but after next season he'll be 21-years of age, and if he can take a step forward in the KHL next year, don't be shocked to see him get a chance in the NHL very soon after that.