Did the Canadiens Draft the KHL's Next Star Forward?

After trading away both of their first-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft, Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens made a bold move early in the second round. The Canadiens packaged picks No. 41 and No. 49 to move up to No. 34, where they selected Russian winger Alexander Zharovsky.

The 18-year-old from Klin, Russia, had recently turned heads during an unexpected appearance in the KHL Playoffs. Called up to Salavat Yulaev Ufa after an injury, Zharovsky impressed head coach Viktor Kozlov enough to earn a serious look for the 2025 season roster.

Can one of the Canadiens' youngest prospects take advantage of this new opportunity and become the KHL's next young phenom?

Alexander Zharovsky Praised by KHL Head Coach

When Zharovsky was brought up to Kozlov's Ufa team, he wasn’t expected to see much ice time. But his instincts and work ethic quickly changed that.

“We brought Zharovsky up for the playoffs because one of our under-21 players got injured,” Kozlov told RG Media, according to Canadiens insider Marco D'Amico.

“When he stepped on the ice, I noticed he didn’t seem nervous. I liked that. I liked how he always had a clear plan when he had the puck. He either passed it directly to a teammate, took a shot, or made a move himself—he wasn’t just getting rid of it.” Kozlov explained, praising Zharovsky's poise with the puck.

Montreal's scouting staff clearly saw something similar. Zharovsky’s composure and vision with the puck stood out, quickly earning Kozlov’s trust. These same attributes convinced the Canadiens to trade up and make him their first pick of the 2025 draft.

“It’s obvious that, playing like that, he can create scoring chances. That’s why I gave him ice time. He earned every minute he got—no favors from me.” Kozlov said, underscoring the fact that the Canadiens' prospect has earned every opportunity that has come his way.

The Sky is the Limit for Zharovsky

Zharovsky still has work to do before solidifying a spot with Kozlov’s team, but the door is open, and his play in the 2025 playoffs is what got his skate in the door.

“That will depend entirely on him,” Kozlov said. “He’ll definitely get his chance, and he’ll have room to make mistakes."

Zharovsky is coming off a strong season with Tolpar Ufa of the MHL, where he recorded 50 points over 45 games. His raw talent was certainly showcased in the MHL, but talent won't be nearly enough for an eighteen-year-old searching for an opportunity in the KHL. Fortunately for Zharovsky, his first playoff stint showed he brings a strong work ethic and maturity to match.

Zharovsky is widely expected to suit up for Ufa in 2025, a key step in what could be a long and successful hockey career. The teenager could be primed for a breakout season with a few KHL playoff games already under his belt.

Before the draft, Elite Prospects called him the most skillful puck handler outside North America, similar to what was said about Ivan Demidov as a prospect out of Russia. Despite his relatively lean frame at 6-foot-1, Zharovsky possesses dazzling puck skills and elite playmaking skills while playing with apparent, but quiet confidence.

If he continues to develop, Zharovsky has the tools to become the KHL’s next young star, much like Demidov, who won the KHL's rookie of the year award before signing an entry-level deal to begin his career with the Canadiens. While Zharovsky’s journey inside the Canadiens organization has merely just begun, there is no rush to bring him to North America.

“So let Montreal come visit us, think about how they’d like to see Zharovsky develop, and when the time comes, we’ll think about whether we’ll let them (the Canadiens) have him (laughs),” Kozlov said, making it clear that Zharovsky’s development path still runs through Russia, for now.

The Canadiens are playing the long game with Zharovsky, a high-upside winger who could become something special. Before any NHL dreams take shape, he must earn a full-time KHL role under Kozlov. If he does, Zharovsky could emerge as one of the league’s next breakout stars.

For Montreal, he represents another key piece in a prospect pool that’s quickly rising among the NHL’s best. With each draft class, the Canadiens aren’t just stockpiling talent; they are building a future that fans cannot help but get excited about.