Ivan Ryabkin’s journey to the NHL has taken another step. After being drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes at the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the forward has signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Hurricanes.
Hurricanes Sign Ryabkin
Inked
The #Canes have signed forward Ivan Ryabkin to a three-year, entry-level contract.
Details » https://t.co/Lb9KvizjmQ pic.twitter.com/jTKv4UkEtC
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) August 27, 2025
After joining the Muskegon Lumberjacks on New Year’s Eve last season, Ryabkin posted 19 goals and 30 points in 27 games. This made him one of the team’s most productive players. His production continued in the postseason, finishing second on the team and in the USHL with 16 points as the Lumberjacks won the Clark Cup.
Boom-Or-Bust Prospect
While there is hope Ryabkin can evolve into a strong NHL player, there is also the risk that he may not be able to perform at the NHL level. He is not a strong skater, and questions about his work ethic have been questioned in the past. Furthermore, he got into disciplinary trouble in the past, such as being suspended for leaving his team’s bench during an altercation.
At 18 years old, Ryabkin is still maturing, which could be a reason for these past antics.
Future With the Canes
Ryabkin could be on the Hurricanes’ training camp roster, although that is not a guaranteed thing. If he were put on the roster, he would gain his first exposure to the NHL world. Furthermore, he would be involved in an organization who have Stanley Cup aspirations. Last season, the team came within three wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Even if he does participate in training camp, he is unlikely to make the NHL roster. Regardless, that experience could prove valuable to his maturity and development.
There is definitely risk with this move by the Hurricanes. However, there is a lot of upside. The Hurricanes are choosing to invest in that upside in the hopes Ryabkin can become a productive NHL player.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee- Imagn Images
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