(Photo credit: Jake Ferraro / Black N’ Gold Productions LLC)

By: Jake Ferraro | Follow me on Twitter/X @18Jxxx18

The Boston Bruins began day two of the 2026 National Hockey League Draft by selecting Russian goaltender Yuri Ivanov with the 56th overall pick in the second round, then selecting Swedish forward Nils Bartholdsson with the 88th overall pick in the third round. Entering the fourth round of the draft, the Bruins held three picks, the first of which was acquired in the Andre Gasseau trade with the San Jose Sharks, where the Florida Panthers originally owned the fourth-round draft pick

With the 104th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Bruins selected Russian forward Matvei Kotkov. Two of the first three selections made by general manager Don Sweeney were from Russia.

At 17 years old, Kotkov spent the entire 2025-26 season in the MHL in Russia. As a member of the Loko Yaroslavl, Kotkov recorded 31 points in 36 games, which included 14 goals. In the 2026 playoffs for Yaroslavl, Kotkov’s 15 points were the third-most during the entire playoffs. Kotkov’s nine goals during the 2026 playoffs were tied for the second-most in the entire league. Kotkov played one game in the MHL for Loko-76 Yaroslavl but recorded no points. At 6’0″, 183 lbs, Kotkov brings good size and skill to a lineup, with the ability to have a good shot.