St. Louis Blues’ Budding Gem: Matvei Korotky Dominates Early KHL Season

On September 23, Matvei Korotky electrified SKA St. Petersburg fans with a clutch third-period goal against Avangard Omsk, tying the game at 2-2 after a 2-0 deficit. The 19-year-old forward’s slick deke and pinpoint wrist shot showcased the poise of a veteran, not a seventh-round NHL draft pick. 

Selected 211th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2024, Korotky is turning heads in the KHL with a scorching start to the 2025-26 season: 3 goals, 3 assists, and a +5 rating in just 7 games. For Blues fans and prospect watchers, this teenager’s blend of offensive flair and two-way grit is proof he could be a draft steal with legitimate NHL upside.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Korotky’s early stats are eye-catching, especially given his modest average ice time hovering around 12:23 per game. With six points (three goals, three assists) on only eight shots, he’s shown remarkable efficiency. His versatility shines through, shifting seamlessly between fourth-line center (4C), first-line left wing (LW1), and second-line center (2C) for SKA St. Petersburg, finding a majority of his starts as the teams second-line center. 

His season kicked off on September 6 against Kunlun Red Star, where he played 4C and, despite a -2 rating, threw 5 hits and blocked a shot in 13:06. Two days later against Torpedo, he earned a top-line role as LW1, dishing an assist, finishing +1, and logging 18:26, including 2:51 on the penalty kill. His faceoff abilities stood out throughout the game, winning 62.5% of draws.

The breakout came on September 11 versus Traktor Chelyabinsk. As 2C, Korotky erupted for two points (one goal, one assist) in just 10:26, posting a +2. On September 14, he added an assist and +2 rating as LW2. After a quieter September 19, he dazzled on September 21 against Lada Togliatti with a solo-effort goal—deking defenders before roofing it—while adding 3:25 of PK time and a +1. On September 23, back as 4C, he scored his third goal with 3 shots and a +1, going 55.6% on faceoffs.

Korotky’s two-way game is equally impressive. He’s racked up 12 hits, 2 blocks, and just 2 penalty minutes, with a ~55% faceoff average. His penalty-kill work (averaging ~1:45 per game) has bolstered SKA’s special teams, showing flashes of maturity beyond his years in one of hockey’s toughest leagues.

From Long Shot to Legit Prospect

Korotky’s rise is a classic underdog story. Drafted 211th overall in 2024, he was a raw talent with upside. In 2023-24, he starred in Russia’s MHL (junior league), posting 38 points in 51 games for SKA-1946 St. Petersburg, plus 14 points in 18 postseason games. That earned him KHL and VHL looks, setting the stage for a breakout 2024-25 season.

Last year, Korotky tallied 41 points in 59 games across the MHL, VHL, and KHL, adding 19 playoff points. He earned a KHL Rookie of the Week honors after a two-goal game and nabbed Rookie of the Month for February with six points in eight games. Briefly playing alongside stars like Ivan Demidov, he flashed top-six potential with a quick release and smart positioning.

There’s no doubt, Korotky’s stock is rising fast and its rising fast. At this point in his career and showing, he’s got the skill and grit to be a third-line winger with power-play upside. For a seventh-rounder, that’s high praise. He could end up taking the paths of other late-round Russian gems who’ve cracked the NHL.

What’s Next: The Road to St. Louis

Korotky’s KHL contract runs through 2027, meaning his immediate future is in Russia. But his hot start suggests the Blues might push for an earlier jump. He projects as a versatile two-way forward: his faceoff reliability and 12 hits fit a checking-line role with upside, while his 3 goals on 8 shots hint at offensive pop. Korotky is one fans will want to keep an eye on.