Saginaw Spirit forward and 2027 NHL Draft-eligible Dima Zhilkin had high expectations coming into the 2026-27 season after recording 36 goals and 75 points in 59 games during his D-1 season in the OHL. That stat line tied him for second in points by a D-1 player over the past decade with former Saginaw Spirit Michael Misa.
Zhilkin did nothing to temper those expectations during the opening weekend of the OHL season, recording three goals, two assists and five points in two games.
Friday, Sept. 18 at Soo Greyhounds
Zhilkin’s first goal of the night came on the power play off a pass from fellow highly touted 2027 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Levi Harper. After receiving the puck near the faceoff dot, Zhilkin walked in and fired a wrist shot far side, beating the goaltender.
His second came after new teammate Braidy Wassilyn, who came over from the London Knights, drove hard to the net and sent a pass Zhilkin’s way. Despite having a defender hanging off his back, Zhilkin was able to redirect the puck into the net to tie the game late in the third period.
Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Flint Firebirds
Early in the first period, Zhilkin drew a penalty, giving Saginaw a two-man advantage. On the ensuing power play, Zhilkin unleashed a powerful one-timer from the high slot that gave the opposing goaltender all kinds of trouble, allowing Maple Leafs prospect Brody Pepoy to score on the rebound and tie the game 1-1.
Later in the first period, Zhilkin took advantage of an errant Flint pass that gave him a one-on-one opportunity from the top of the circle. He quickly settled the puck and ripped a shot five-hole before the defender could close the gap, giving Saginaw the lead.
Zhilkin’s second assist and third point of the night came on the power play. This time, instead of firing another one-timer after receiving a pass in the slot, he recognized that the Flint defenders were anticipating the shot and sent a perfect one-touch pass to Braidy Wassilyn for the goal.
While Zhilkin’s five-point opening weekend was impressive, it was not perfect. Saginaw lost both games, with Zhilkin on the ice for a number of goals against, including the overtime winner in the opening game against Soo. That is something to watch as the season progresses, particularly as he takes on a larger role with the Spirit.
Zhilkin also recorded 19 shot attempts through two games, which looks impressive on the surface, but the quality of those attempts was inconsistent. At even strength in particular, he often settled for shots from low-danger areas rather than working his way into more threatening positions. On the power play, however, Zhilkin was able to set up on the left wall or rotate up high with the defenceman to find open space, putting himself in position to unleash his dangerous one-timer and generate higher-quality scoring chances.
Overall, this was a great way for Zhilkin to start the season. He should put up some impressive offensive numbers this year and, if he continues producing at this level, hear his name called very early in the 2027 NHL Draft.