A prospect is being tabbed as one of the best players in the minors.

On Thursday, the American Hockey League announced the rosters for the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic. Among the names set to represent their respective clubs, Abbotsford Canucks defenceman Kirill Kudryavtsev has been named to the Pacific Division roster.

Kudryavtsev is the lone member of the Abby Canucks competing in the event and has been one of the team’s best players in a rebuilding season. So far in his second year in Abbotsford, the 21-year-old has scored a goal and recorded 12 assists for 13 points, tied with Sawyer Mynio for the team lead in defensive scoring and tied for third overall in points.

The Yaroslavl, Russia native is one of 43 first-time AHL All-Stars, and one of many who have already seen time in the NHL. He appeared in a couple of games with the Vancouver Canucks in April of last season, but didn’t register a point while averaging just over 14 minutes of ice time per game.

Kudryavtsev was a key part of Abbotsford’s run to the Calder Cup last spring. After posting an exceptional 26 points in 65 regular-season games, he notched 10 points in the postseason, leading the Canucks with a plus/minus of +18. He delivered three assists in the final against the Charlotte Checkers, as well.

In 93 career games in Abbotsford, Kudryavtsev has scored six goals and 33 assists for 39 points.

Kudryavtsev joins a laundry list of fellow prospects who have represented the Canucks at the AHL’s premier in-season event. Last season, defenceman Elias Pettersson was named an All-Star, but did not attend as he was with the big club in Vancouver. Ty Mueller filled his spot, while forward Arshdeep Bains represented Abbotsford in 2024. Christian Wolanin was the franchise’s first representative in the 2023 event.

The All-Star Classic is set to take place at the BMO Harris Bank Center, home of the Rockford Ice Hogs. The festivities begin on Feb. 10 with the skills competition. The four divisions competing in the All-Star Challenge on Feb. 11 feature eight-minute 3-on-3 games, with the two best teams from the round-robin facing off in the championship game.