The Florida Panthers selected defenseman Vladislav Lukashevich in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft after taking forward Mackie Samoskevich in the first round and blueliner Evan Nause in the second.
During his draft season, Lukashevich appeared in 36 games for Loko Yaroslavl, a junior team in Russia’s MHL. He produced three goals and 19 points while serving as the club’s assistant captain.
Lukashevich would play two more seasons in the MHL before making his way to North America, joining the Tri-City Storm for the 2023-24 USHL season.
In his one season with the Storm, he ranked third in points (43) and fourth in goals (11) and assists (32) among league blueliners during the regular season, earning Second-Team All-USHL honors.
Sporting number 40, he attended Florida’s 2024 Development Camp and changed his NCAA commitment from Northern Michigan to Michigan State.
Lukashevich skated in 29 games, averaging 11:43 of ice time, in his first collegiate season with the Spartans. He finished his freshman year with a goal and six assists. His only goal of the campaign came on January 4, in the outdoor Winter Classic against Wisconsin at Wrigley Field. After struggling to stay healthy and produce points, Lukashevich collected assists in each of the games of the final series of the season at Notre Dame.
Seeking more playing time and an expanded role, Lukashevich made the decision to leave Michigan State after just one season, entering the transfer portal to make a move to the Miami RedHawks of the NCHC.
A smooth skating defenseman who specializes in the transition game and moving the puck up ice, Lukashevich has all the tools needed to shake off his subpar freshman season and eventually become an NHL player. He needs to marinate at the college level for a few more years before turning pro. The Panthers hold his rights until 2028, so there is no rush.