Miami RedHawks' centerman Ilia Morozov is rapidly gaining attention from NHL scouts, solidifying his position as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 17-year-old freshman at Miami University (Ohio) has become a key player for the RedHawks, significantly impacting their performance in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).

Morozov's journey to the top of the draft boards has been impressive. Before joining Miami, the Moscow native played for the Windy City Storm 15U AAA program, amassing 74 points in 49 games during the 2023-24 season. Miami head coach Anthony Noreen recognized his talent early on, tendering him while coaching the Tri-City Storm in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In the 2024-25 season with Tri-City, Morozov contributed 22 points.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 197 pounds, Morozov's combination of size and skill has made him a standout player. As one of the youngest players in NCAA Division I men's ice hockey, he has quickly adapted to the college level, currently tied for the team lead in goals (6) and second in points (11) in 10 games. His performance is a major reason for Miami's turnaround, contributing to their 12-8-2 record, a stark contrast to their 3-28-3 record the previous season. The team has won their first NCHC game in 658 days.

NHL Central Scouting has taken notice of Morozov's rapid development. Initially, he received a 'B' rating, projecting him as a second- or third-round pick. However, his stellar play led to a significant upgrade to an 'A' rating in the November update, indicating a potential first-round selection. As of January 12, 2026, he was ranked eighth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's Midterm Rankings.

Coach Noreen believes Morozov has a very high floor, even compared to Kyle Connor, Matthew Knies, and Shane Pinto, whom he coached in the USHL. Noreen noted Morozov's dedication to skill development, emphasizing his focus on skating and puck-handling drills.

While Morozov acknowledges the attention given to fellow top prospects like Gavin McKenna (Penn State) and Keaton Verhoeff (North Dakota), he remains focused on his own goals and development. He graduated early from high school to start his college career at 17 and is studying Finance at the Farmer School of Business.

Several scouting reports highlight Morozov's strengths, describing him as a player with a mature, two-way game. He is praised for his hockey sense, puck skills, and ability to support his teammates effectively. Some scouts believe he could be the second-best center in the 2026 NHL Draft.

With the 2026 NHL Draft scheduled to be held in Buffalo in June, Morozov has ample opportunity to further elevate his game and solidify his status as a top prospect. His performance in the remaining college season and any potential international tournaments will be closely scrutinized by NHL teams.