The Montreal Canadiens appear to have struck gold in Russia once again, and there is an ongoing debate online over when they will be able to cash in on their investment.
In the second round of the 2025 draft – a year after drafting Russian rookie sensation Ivan Demidov – the Canadiens selected Alexander Zharovsky, an 18-year-old fresh off his first season in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league. In 202-25, Zharovsky led Tolpar Ufa in scoring with 50 points (24 goals, 26 assists) in 45 games, and he was named the MHL Rookie of the Year.
Now playing for Ufa Salavat Yulaev in the KHL, Zharovsky has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 11 games and is turning heads as an emerging star in Europe’s top league. In his past three games, Zharovsky scored a pair of goals and generated 13 shots on goal while garnering 16 minutes, 9 seconds of ice time per game, earning KHL Rookie of the Week honors.
“With every game I feel better and better,” Zharovsky said in an exclusive interview with RG.org. “There’s less fear and hesitation now. Of course, there are moments where I need to calm my game down. There’s always room to grow and improve, especially when it comes to finishing chances.”
But how soon will those chances come wearing a Montreal Canadiens sweater?
Online Claim Suggests Russian Prospect Alexander Zharovsky Will Join Montreal ‘Soon’
In a Sunday afternoon post on X (formerly Twitter), HFTV Sports – a Montreal-based sports media outlet that blends fan-driven content with insider analysis – amplified its “secret insider” who claims that Zharovsky “wants to be in Canada soon,” possibly after the Olympics break. Touting this insider as the person “who correctly reported that Demidov was coming last year,” HFTV Sports noted that Zharovsky is signed with the KHL through 2027, but suggested that Geoff Molson, owner, president, and chief executive officer of the Canadiens, would not be “intimidated by a little KHL contract.”
The claim spurred a response from Dan Milstein of Gold Star Hockey, the agency that represents Zharovsky, who cited the current contract and decried the claim from HFTV Sports as “fake news and self-promotion.” But not everyone was convinced.
“Right, because contracts in ruzzia are more than just a toilet paper. Lol,” one respondent stated.
“A russian player never terminated his contract earlier to play in the NHL, right fellas ???” another agreed.
Alexander Zharovsky Will Bring Exciting Offensive Skills to Montreal
When Zharovsky does make the move to North America, the Canadiens will be adding what The Hockey Writers called “another draft gem” to their roster.
Zharovsky’s playing style is characterized by his deceptive skating, puck-handling skills, and high hockey IQ, making him a formidable offensive threat. He has the potential to be a top-six forward in the NHL, provided he continues to refine his game and adapt to the North American style. His ability to play both wing and center adds versatility, which is invaluable for the Canadiens as they look to bolster their forward depth.
“He has every chance not only to reach the NHL but to become a leader there,” Milstein said in an interview with RG.org.
Whenever that may be.
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