F Dimian Zhilkin - Saginaw Spirit, OHL (2027 Draft)

[BKarchitect]

The little brother of Jets 3rd round pick, Danny Zhilkin - "Dima" looks like he is showing an even more advanced offensive arsenal as a 16 year-old OHL rookie. Looks like he is spending most of his time on the 3rd line, alternating wing positions.

Saginaw is an offensive powerhouse but looks like Zhilkin is doing his damage away from the likes of Misa and Willis. His PPG pace ranks 4th in the OHL among rookies - although his he's missed some game. Looks like he has 7 points in his last 5 games and through his first 11 OHL games, is 4+4 for 8 Pts and +7.

Given his brother's pedigree as a drafted prospect and the early returns from his OHL career, I think it's safe to say the younger Zhilkin will be one worth following...and because he is a late '08, he's not even draft eligible until 2027.

OHL watchers - any thoughts?

Dimian Zhilkin - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

 

[Dack]

I'm not a long time OHL watcher so I'm not entirely sure on what the baseline is for a young 16 year old in their first OHL season but I've watched almost every Spirit game in the last month (Watching for Parekh and Misa).

I think he's played really well. Even before he started producing he was playing well, just seemed snakebitten. He has good hands and a great shot. Seems to be playing with a lot of confidence in the past few games, carrying the puck and trying to make plays more often.

 

[BKarchitect]

Any more thoughts on the younger Zhilkin? He's played a few less games, but his production rate is third among 2008's in the OHL - and he's a late 2008...just barely trailing Wassilyn and Belchetz. 10 in his last 10, 8 points in his last 5. Loaded team so not sure how much he is benefitting from great linemates or lesser matchups but still pretty good stuff. Listed at 5'-9" on EP but big brother is 6'-1" so it's likely size will not be an issue.

 

[frontsfan67]

Have watched him about a handful of times this year including 2 games in person. Kid is gross. Going to be a real star I think and early on so far looking like he could be in contention to be a first round pick in ‘27.

35 pts in 45 games as one of the youngest rookies in the OHL and is very fast- first thing you notice is his skating and compete. Next year will have a breakout year I am certain especially after he put on some more weight. At 5’9 and 161 right now. Brother is 6’1 probably realistic he grows 2 inches and puts on 15/20lbs before next season. With forwards such as Mangone/Chernyshov and potentially Miss leaving OHL he should get a role in the top 6, probably top line and with Parekh likely being back they’ll still have a good powerplay and be able to score some goals.

Fully expect next year a ppg+ and year after is his draft year so he prob takes another leap.

 

[Kingpin794]

Finished with 16 goals, 43 pts in 54 games. Strong second half of the season when most 16 year olds slow down. 3rd highest scoring 2008 born in the OHL. Second best PPG 2008. Will be fun to see what he does with top line minutes over the next few years.