Penguins Bring Exciting Prospect from Russia to WBS; Sign 2 More

Mikhail Ilyin, a 2023 fifth-round pick, joins the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, while the team also signs two 2025 draft picks to amateur tryouts.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Pittsburgh Penguins have reassigned 21-year-old forward Mikhail Ilyin, their 2023 fifth-round draft pick, to their AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Ilyin, who had a strong season in the KHL, will get a chance to showcase his skills in North America. The team has also signed two of their 2025 draft picks, forward Ryan Miller and defenseman Quinn Beauchesne, to amateur tryout agreements with WBS.

Why it matters

The Penguins are looking to bolster their prospect pipeline, especially with skilled forwards like Ilyin who have shown promise overseas. Bringing in young talent on amateur tryouts also gives the organization a chance to evaluate them at the professional level before deciding on potential contract offers.

The details

Ilyin, a 6-foot, 181-pound Russian winger, scored 14 goals and 44 points in 68 KHL games for Cherepovets Severstal last season. He also had a strong playoff run, tallying 3 goals in 5 games. The Penguins are hoping the 21-year-old can translate his offensive skills to the North American game as he joins their AHL affiliate. Meanwhile, the team has also signed 2025 draft picks Ryan Miller and Quinn Beauchesne to amateur tryout deals with WBS. Miller, an 18-year-old forward, had career-highs of 30 goals and 75 points in the WHL last season. Beauchesne, a 19-year-old defenseman, set new personal bests with 7 goals and 35 points in the OHL while also winning gold medals with Team Canada.

  • The Penguins re-assigned Mikhail Ilyin to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Ilyin suffered through flight delays that cost him most of the Penguins' rookie camp last July.
  • The WBS Penguins have 5 games remaining in their regular season schedule, beginning Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • The WBS Penguins have already qualified for the playoffs.

The players

Mikhail Ilyin

A 21-year-old Russian forward who was the Penguins' fifth-round pick in 2023. He had 14 goals and 44 points in 68 KHL games last season.

Ryan Miller

An 18-year-old forward who was the Penguins' fifth-round pick in 2025. He had career-highs of 30 goals and 75 points in the WHL last season.

Quinn Beauchesne

A 19-year-old defenseman who was the Penguins' fifth-round pick in 2025. He had 7 goals and 35 points in the OHL last season and won gold medals with Team Canada.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The best part of my game is (hockey) IQ. I can see the plays. The (things) I've got to work on, that's definitely the starting speed.”

— Mikhail Ilyin

What’s next

The WBS Penguins have 5 games remaining in their regular season schedule, beginning Thursday, April 9, 2026. The team has already qualified for the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Penguins are continuing to bolster their prospect pipeline, bringing in skilled young players like Mikhail Ilyin, Ryan Miller, and Quinn Beauchesne to give them a chance to showcase their talents at the professional level. These signings demonstrate the organization's commitment to developing homegrown talent and building for the future.