Danil Zhilkin
Danil Zhilkin is a Russian ice hockey player who currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets. Zhilkin made his NHL debut on January 8, 2026.
Early life and junior career
Zhilkin was born in Moscow, Russia and later moved to Canada to pursue his hockey development. He was selected in the first round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection draft. He played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm and Kitchener Rangers, tallying 96 points in 151 games for the Storm and 17 goals in 35 games for the Rangers. Zhilkin was named an alternate captain for Guelph in 2022-23. He was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the third round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Zhilkin won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2021 U18 World Championship, and represented Team Canada at the U17 tournament as well. He has chosen to represent Canada internationally, despite being born and raised in Russia. Zhilkin played for Team Ontario at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, earning a silver medal after losing to Quebec in the finals.
Professional career
After signing with the Winnipeg Jets organization, Zhilkin spent time developing with their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. During the 2025–26 season, he posted a career-best line with 14 points in 30 games before his recall to the NHL. On January 8, 2026, Zhilkin made his NHL debut with the Winnipeg Jets in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. He was loaned back to the Moose after playing 4 games with the Jets, and scored the game-tying goal against the Grand Rapids Griffins in his second game back from his stint in the NHL.
Personal life
Zhilkin is in a public relationship with his long-time girlfriend, Lauren Shoss. Shoss is a doctoral student studying clinical and school psychology at James Madison University and works for the Toronto Blue Jays as a mental performance specialist in amateur scouting. The two run a non-profit organization, Zhilkin's Vision, which raises awareness about mental health in sport. Danny Zhilkin's younger brother, Dima Zhilkin, is a winger for the OHL's Saginaw Spirit and is projected to be a high NHL draft pick in 2027.