Egor Surin: A Rising Star in the NHL
Egor Surin, a promising forward drafted 22nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2024 NHL Draft, recently participated in the Future Stars Game and is experiencing notable physical growth. Surin, now standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 197 pounds—having gained an inch and five pounds since his selection—expressed surprise when asked about his noticeable size increase. In his own words, he remarked,
“I was small; you didn’t see the Russian players,”
emphasizing his perspective on the comparative physicality of his peers.
Development Camp Highlights
During official development camp activities, Surin’s skills shined, particularly evident in a match where he achieved a goal and an assist, marking his contributions as pivotal in the game’s early moments. His agility and strength allowed him to effectively maneuver on the ice, utilizing his physicality to ward off opponents, even in the compact format of a 3-on-3 tournament where he consistently maintained puck possession and generated scoring opportunities.
Reflecting on his experience at camp, Surin expressed enjoyment in forming connections with players from diverse backgrounds, stating,
“I like my new friends, Swedish, American and Canadian guys. Everybody is so good, and I think that shows for friends and for our coaches good skills.”
His commitment to improvement stems from a rigorous training schedule that followed his draft, as he continued to enhance his game first in Florida, then with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv in the KHL. Here, he had an impressive start, amassing 14 points in 41 games and contributing to his team’s success by lifting the Gagarin Cup as an 18-year-old.
Training and Future Aspirations
Although Surin has experienced high-level competition, he acknowledges the relentless nature of his training regime, stating that he has been consistently practicing without significant breaks since the season’s conclusion. He is set to continue this stretch until his KHL training camp resumes at the end of July 2026, indicating there will be no resting on his part.
Surin’s journey to the NHL is also informed by conversations with former Predators player Alexander Radulov, who shared insights about playing in Nashville and the attributes needed to succeed in the league. Surin conveyed that Radulov’s experiences and guidance helped him understand the expectations and the competitive nature of the NHL, as Radulov emphasized the importance of speed, strength, and readiness for the next level.
As Surin moves forward, anticipation surrounds his eventual arrival in Nashville or Milwaukee, although that might not materialize until the 2026-27 season, given the remaining year on his current KHL contract which ends in May 2026. The focus remains on his athletic development as he prepares for the challenges ahead.
