6-foot-3 center Yaroslav Bryzgalov committed to Merrimack on Wednesday.
Originally from Belarus, the 2007-born Bryzgalov was a rookie in teh USHL this season for the Des Moines Buccaneers. He has appeared in 46 games and has 15 points (9g-6a). Bryzgalov is a prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Bryzgalov has played internationally for Team Belarus at the U16 and U17 level. Last season in Belarus’ junior league, he had 69 points (21g-48a) in 52 games.
Bryzgalov’s metrics in the USHL are very strong. He’s in the 66th percentile overall defensively and in the 71st percentile overall offensively in 5v5 data derived at a per 60-minute rate.
Bryzgalov’s best-rated categories include shooting (89), expected goals (83), in-slot shots (93), passes (85), and puck battles (78).
Translation: I’d expect a big jump in his offensive totals next season if he gets more ice time because he ranks in the top-30 percent of the league in most categories at per-60 rates.
