The Montreal Canadiens started the second day of the draft the same way as day one did, with a trade. The Canadiens acquired the 34th and 189th picks from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the 41st and 49th picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. With the 34th pick, the Canadiens selected Alexander Zharovsky, a highly skilled Russian winger who played last season with the Tolpar Ufa in the MHL.
Les Canadiens font l'acquisition des 34e et 189e choix au total des Hurricanes de la Caroline en retour des 41e et 49e choix au total du Repêchage 2025 de la LNH
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 28, 2025
The Canadiens have acquired the 34th and 189th overall picks from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for the 41st… pic.twitter.com/szER2bz91V
Zharovsky could have gone higher in the draft, but might have fallen because he is under contract with Salavat Ufa until 2027. Zharovsky had a productive season with Tolpar Ufa last year, recording 24 goals and 50 points in the Russian junior hockey league. His standout MHL season earned him a KHL playoff call-up with Salavat Yulaev Ufa, where he recorded one point in seven games. The numbers are not flashy, but being called upon to play in the playoffs in a men's league as a teenager shows the potential this kid has.
Two minutes of Alexander Zharovsky's offensive highlights from the past season.
— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) June 10, 2025
High-end puckhandling, creative problem-solving under pressure, sniping pucks past goalies from mid-range, manipulative playmaking. #2025NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Uv0pHsLn5u
Zharovsky's claim to fame is his puck-handling and playmaking ability. However, sometimes, that could be to his detriment, as he tends to over-stick-handle at times. His biggest knock appears to be his skating ability. Some scouts believe he needs to work on having a more explosive first step, but he makes up for it with his top-end speed, which he uses to create separation. Zharovsky also appears to be light in the trunk, listed at 6'1" and just under 165 pounds. He will have to put on some extra weight if he wants to be an effective player in the NHL.
Zharovsky started the season as an unranked prospect but continued to improve throughout the season, which saw him rise to the 5th-ranked European skater available in this draft. If that gives any indication about his work ethic, Montreal may have gotten a steal with their second-round pick, who already possesses game-breaking offensive ability. Time will tell, but Zharovsky looks like an exciting prospect that Habs fans will have to keep an eye out for to see how he progresses in the future.