The Blackhawks have convinced acclaimed Russian prospect Roman Kantserov to make the leap over to North America.
Kantserov’s Russian club, Magnitogorsk Metallurg, confirmed Friday that they and Kantserov have terminated his contract in the KHL (Russia’s top pro league) so he can sign his NHL entry-level contract with the Hawks.
The 2023 second-round pick has exploded into a star over the last two seasons, leading the KHL with 36 goals in 63 games this season.
He’s a likely bet to star in the Hawks’ top six next season, shortly after turning 22 in September. He could conceivably slot in on Connor Bedard’s wing if Anton Frondell remains at center.
Kantserov is only 5-9, but he overcomes that lack of height with a lot of strength, a low center of gravity and a relentless drive.
“He has the skill but also the bulldog mentality where he’s going to battle,” Hawks assistant general manager Mark Eaton said in December. “He’s got a high motor. He’s not afraid to go to the tough areas and get to the front of the net. He does a great job getting his shot off and getting his shot through. He can get it off quickly. He’s had a decent amount of tip-in goals, as well.”
“The tough areas…get even tougher when you get over to the NHL. The netfront areas, the walls, the corners — those will be a step up for him. But he’s proven all along he learns to adjust and find a way. I wouldn’t expect anything different at the NHL level.”
This story will be updated.
Related Posts:
- Michael Carrick told he ‘can’t move forward’ with Man Utd star despite new contract Sports Carrick has put his faith in Maguire since his arrival in the dugout (Picture: Getty) Former Manchester United star Paul Parker claims his old club ‘cannot move forward’ with Harry Maguire in the team. Maguire has just signed a new contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of…
- Breaking down Blackhawks' odds entering NHL draft lottery: Shot at Gavin McKenna, Ivar Stenberg on the line News By this point, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has probably memorized the NHL draft-lottery odds for the 31st-place team. This marks the third consecutive year the Hawks have finished in that spot, and therefore also marks the third consecutive year they've entered the lottery — Tuesday at 6 p.m. CT…
- Blackhawks fall to No. 4 pick in NHL Draft Lottery as Maple Leafs, Sharks jump over them News The worst-case scenario, albeit also the most likely one, unfolded for the Blackhawks on Tuesday in the NHL Draft Lottery. The Hawks, who again finished 31st in the NHL this season, fell to the fourth overall pick in next month’s draft, their lowest slot in four years. They had 13.5%…
- Royal Navy has been monitoring Russian warship off UK coast for an entire month News The Admiral Grigorovich has been tracked off the UK coast for a month (Picture: PA) A Russian warship has been continuously monitored in UK waters by the Royal Navy for an entire month. The frigate Admiral Grigorovich was watched by patrol ships HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn as it sailed to…
- U.S. Buying 37% More Russian Fertilizer, “Shameful” Says Ex US Ambassador to Russia News Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul is criticizing the Trump administration for buying 37 percent more fertilizer from Russia this year than last. McFaul responded to a report issued by NEXTA, which noted: “In March, the United States imported more than $240 million worth of Russian fertilizers — the…
(Visited 1 times, 1 visits today)