Prospect Update: Yegor Sidorov

By Thomas Harrington

The Anaheim Ducks drafted forward Yegor Sidorov in the third round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, 85th overall. For the second year in a row, he spent the entire season playing for the San Diego Gulls.

Despite playing in more games, Sidorov’s sophomore season saw his numbers stumble from his rookie campaign. After scoring 17 goals and 34 points in 59 games as a rookie, he scored 15 goals and 29 points in 68 games this past season. He finished tied for ninth on the team in scoring and tied for sixth in goals. Sidorov actually had a strong start to the season, with eight points in his first nine games. However, his offense really dried up in the second half of the year, with only three points in his final 13 games. He was scratched for both of San Diego’s playoff games.

Sidorov is one of the most skilled forwards that San Diego had in their lineup this past season, but he never really carved out a permanent spot on the roster. He played up and down the lineup, with a majority of that time spent in a bottom six role, though he did receive some time on the powerplay. His four goals with the man advantage were good for sixth on the team. San Diego had more consistent lines overall this past season, but Sidorov was often the odd man out, jumping from line to line and lining up with several different centers throughout the year.

I had three expectations for Sidorov last summer, and he was able to meet one and get partial credit on one, but missed entirely on the other. First, after 17 goals as a rookie, I was hoping to see him hit the 20 goal mark, something he absolutely has the ability to do. Instead, his goal production dropped by two. Second, I wanted him to play in over 60 AHL games. He was a healthy scratch at times in his first season, and I was hoping better play from him would lead to more time in the lineup. He was able to do that with 68 games, missing only four games all season. Finally, I wanted him to score more powerplay goals. Instead, his four powerplay goals matched what he did as a rookie.

Sidorov should be back in the AHL this coming season. Hopefully he’ll be given more time in the team’s top six, possibly next to rookie Roger McQueen. I have three expectations for him this season. First, for him to hit the 20 goal mark with the Gulls. Second, for him to play a more consistent role in San Diego’s top two forward lines. Finally, for him to be more dangerous on the man advantage.

I thought there was a chance Sidorov would get called up and make his NHL debut this past season. And with how well he was playing early in the year, that felt even more likely. However, with his offensive numbers taking a noticeable dip in the second half of the season, that became more and more unlikely. This coming season, if Sidorov can get off to a good start to the season and maintain that kind of play throughout the year, then he will once again have a chance to make his NHL debut. With Troy Terry missing the beginning of the season, a strong start for Sidorov could make him a possibility to help fill that hole in Anaheim’s lineup. However, I think other wingers in San Diego are more likely to get the call. But if Sidorov can step up and become one of San Diego’s offensive leaders, then he’ll have a decent chance to do so.

Sidorov has one year remaining on his entry-level deal, and he’ll be a restricted free agent next summer. As long as he shows improvement over this past season, I’m confident he’ll be extended a year from now. It will almost certainly be on a two-way contract, likely for one to two years. If he can really step his game up and make it to the NHL, he could get a one-way deal. He could also get a contract that starts two-way and then becomes one-way partway through it, similar to what Sam Colangelo signed last summer. However, if his play stagnates or regresses even further, the Ducks may not qualify him and let him leave as a free agent.

The next prospect update will be on defenseman Noah Warren.

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August 1st, 2026