Canadiens Prospect Report: Zharovsky Clear Elite Upside
It helps an awful lot having boots on the ground when scouting the next potential Russian star, such as Montreal Canadiens prospect Alexander Zharovsky.
The Canadiens’ secret weapon, Co-Director Of European Scouting Nick Bobrov, can lean on his father Sergei, who is a longtime scout for SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. This has already paid off to a certain extent, as former KHL star Ivan Demidov has already completed a very encouraging season with the Canadiens, which saw him finish as the runner-up for the 2026 Calder Trophy.
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(Editor’s Note: This is an article written by special contributor Tyler Major- McNicol. You can follow him on X by clicking here.)
Alexander Zharovsky Exciting Potential
Bobrov was once again tasked with providing a crucial opinion, as the Canadiens prepared for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Seeing as team had traded a pair of first-round picks to acquire defenceman Noah Dobson, their first selection of the draft would only take place in the second round. Consequently, selecting the right player would take on even more importance as usual.
Zharovsky’s potential was put into the limelight by Bobrov, not to mention Demidov, as he had spent time playing alongside his countryman throughout their junior hockey careers.
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With the crucial information in hand, the Canadiens moved up to pick Zharovsky with the 34th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
Zharovsky’s offensive acumen, hockey IQ, and high upside have featured in a litany of highlight videos across every social media platform. Then came his arrival to North America for development camp, when fans got a live glimpse of the silky smooth six-foot-two wingers elite puck skills.
Some have questioned his physical tools, as Zharovsky stands at 6’2″, but weighs just 176lb. Fortunately, he is able to battle through checks and has the awareness of how to use his frame to create time and space for himself and his linemates in the offensive zone.
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He’s also very eager to improve his overall potential, as evidenced by the fact that he spent a significant portion of his summer in Montreal, working with Demidov and Adam Nicholas, the Canadiens Director of Player Development.
Fresh off a KHL Rookie of the Year win, the same award secured by Demidov the previous year, Zharovsky is in a perfect position to improve his production. He scored 16 goals and 42 assists as a rookie, which is already incredibly impressive, and yet, his role within the Salavat Yulaev lineup has yet to be confirmed in a permanent fashion.
Like many young players, he still has a lot to learn. His lack of goals at 5v5 is a red flag, and his work rate can leave something to be desired.
But unlike most of his countrymen in the KHL, Zharovsky possesses the type of elite talent that leads to an endless stream of chaos in the offensive zone. He makes life quite difficult on defenders and goaltenders alike, by stringing together a deceptive display of puck-handling skills.
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Zharovsky has the type of skill set that simply cannot be taught.
Zharovsky’s killer instinct and elite talent level all but ensure a bright future ahead.
Or at the very least, it places him on a path that is conducive to success.
An NHL career is never guaranteed, but if talent and skill can create a beautiful marriage with his work ethic, a top-six role with the Canadiens could become a reality in due time.
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