Maksim Sokolovskii -- RW
Selected: 1st Round, 27th overall
Listed Height: 6-foot-7
Listed Weight: 240 pounds
Shoots: Left
2025-26 team: London Knights (OHL)
2025-26 RS stats: 44 GP, 2 G, 6 A, 8 PTS, 49 PIM, +10
2026 PO Stats: 5 GP, 0 PTS, 4 PIM
The skinny:
Standing more than 6-foot-7 (6' 7.25"), Kazakh defenseman Maksim Sokolovskii debuted in the Ontario Hockey League for Dale Hunter's London Knights. Despite his massive frame, Sokolovskii is an above-average skater. He brings an imposing physical presence and is excellent along the walls. He also improved by leaps and bounds positionally as the past season progressed.
During the playoffs, London matched Sokolovskii head to head with the Soo Greyhounds' Brady Martin (drafted 5th overall in 2025 by the Nashville Predators).
Sokolovskii sometimes surprises with his mobility when he gets the boots moving up ice. He can even skate the puck out of trouble and closes gaps with his long, agile strides.
The player's game with the puck on his stick needs improvement as he gains experience. Specifically, he presently needs to limit himself to short-range, safe passes. Sokolovskii's shot is not a threat at present; he struggles to get shots on net and needs work on his shot mechanics.
There is absolutely no rush with Sokolovskii. He will play one more OHL season and then head to the NCAA (Maine) in 2027-28.
2025-26 review:
Sokolovskii played a supporting role in the London lineup early in the season as he got his feet wet in the Ontario League. His initial gains were modest. However, by midseason, he figured out what worked for him. His role expanded continuously to where he became a key player in the lineup.
Usage Pattern:
Sokolovskii struggled early with pacing and decision-making. However, as he gained confidence, his usage increased. He turned a corner in the second half of the season. Sokolovskii finished very strong and became a mainstay down the stretch and into the OHL playoffs.
Game strengths:
Size and strength, physicality, surprising mobility, board work. Rides his check off the puck well.
Opportunities for improvement: Ice vision, breakouts, shooting. His skating footwork is not bad but has room to refine his lateral movement and first-stride acceleration.
Notable:
London selected Sokolovskii from US AAA hockey in the Import Draft. The 2025-26 campaign was Sokolovskii’s first year playing higher level junior hockey.
Danny Briere on Sokolovskii:
"There were a few tiers in front of us that got wiped out (before the 21st pick). We felt (Sokolovskii) was a guy we could get if we moved back. There was a little bit of a risk that he could be taken, but we felt it was worth it.”
“We don’t know what pairing he’ll be (in the NHL), but we hope he can be top-four level.”
