2027 NHL Draft Diary: Dimian Zhilkin

Dimian Zhilkin of Saginaw in the Ontario Hockey League will file a draft diary for NHL.com this season leading up to the 2027 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old right wing (5-foot-11, 195 pounds), who was born in Moscow, Russia, is a projected first-round pick in the 2027 Draft. Zhilkin, Saginaw's captain, has 12 points (seven goals, five assists) and 25 shots on goal through six games. He had 75 points (36 goals, 39 assists) in 59 games during a breakout 2025-26 season and is committed to attend the University of Michigan in 2027-28.

Hey hockey fans:

I'm going to be filing a diary for NHL.com each month throughout my draft season, giving you a little look into my season, my life and everything that comes with being a draft-eligible player.

I think the start to the season has been really good so far. I’ve been working hard every day and trying to improve in all areas of my game. I’m really focused on being consistent, competing hard and helping my team win as many games as possible.

Outside of hockey, my personal goals are to become more independent and keep building good habits for my future. I want to make the most of every opportunity I get this year while also having fun, because there's only one draft year and I can't wait to see what it holds for me.

Growing up in Russia, I fell in love with hockey by watching my brother, Danil Zhilkin, shoot pucks in the garage. I remember my dad giving me a left-handed stick, but I kept grabbing it the opposite way. I was always going to be a right-handed shot, unlike my brother. Playing mini-sticks with him also got me hooked. Being able to play hockey in your living room, your garage and on the ice was so cool to me.

I remember when I was first put on skates -- I hated it. I hated not being able to skate and falling over again and again. But over time I became obsessed. There was nothing better than learning how to go fast, learning how to stick-handle and finally learning how to raise the puck for the first time.

I played organized hockey in Russia for more than three years, two of which I had to spend without the support of my mom, Anna, my brother and my sister, Alice. I remember my brother getting invited to a summer hockey camp in Toronto. My parents didn't think much of it and planned a trip, but little did we know it was going to change our lives.

While at camp, my brother was recruited to play on a winter team in Canada. My parents thought this would be best for my brother's future and decided to make the move to help us pursue our dreams. My dad and I had to stay back in Russia for 2 1/2 years because we couldn't get our visas. Being across the world from your family and only being able to see them through video calls was super tough. But we all knew it would be worth it in the end.

When my dad and I were finally approved to come to Canada, I was added to a team midseason. I had no idea what to expect, and it was very challenging because I didn't know how to speak English, not even a little bit. At the end of the day, though, you're playing the sport that you love, and that's the most important thing. Over time, being around my teammates and friends helped me catch on and understand more. Before I knew it, I was comfortable speaking with the people around me.

Seeing my brother get drafted to the OHL (Guelph, No. 14, 2019) was awesome. I remember watching it at the kitchen table and wondering, 'When will this be me?' A few years later, I was fortunate enough to join him at the 2022 NHL Draft when he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets (No. 77). That was such an awesome experience, and I can't wait to have him alongside me at the draft next summer.

When I was drafted by Saginaw in the 2024 OHL Draft (No. 19), I was super excited to begin the next chapter of my hockey career. Getting used to the town, my future teammates and seeing what they were doing every day and how it led to their success was such a great experience.

From my awesome billets to the fans, management and coaching staff, there's no shortage of unbelievable people here in Saginaw.

A week before the start of my rookie season in 2024-25, I got injured in practice and had to miss the first 13 games. It was super challenging for me mentally while also being a grind physically to recover from the injury.

Looking back on my injury now, I learned that with patience and a commitment to trusting the process, setbacks can become opportunities to grow.

Entering 2025-26, my second season in the OHL, being used to everything that you'll encounter during a season made a big difference. Playing with more confidence every game was super fun. It almost feels like you can do whatever you want on the ice while helping your team win.

Last season came with a lot of exciting moments, but the one that really stood out was being named captain of the Spirit at 17.

I'm excited to have another big opportunity this season. I was recently named to the Team CHL roster for the 2026 CHL USA Hockey Prospects Challenge, which will be Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. It's a huge honor to be recognized as one of the earliest players announced for the team.

Thanks for reading this month’s diary, and happy spooky season!