Canadiens: The Next Right-Winger Could Come from Russia
We’re now 48 hours away from the NHL amateur draft, and I think this is the perfect time to remind everyone that we have far more questions than answers when it comes to the future of the prospects whose rights are held by the Canadiens.
Why did Michael Hage actually decide to play a third season in the NCAA? Is he a center or a winger? Were we ready to trade him?
Will Alexander Zharovsky be able to come over and finish the upcoming season in North America, much like Ivan Demidov did just over a year ago? Does he have what it takes to play in the NHL as soon as he arrives in Canada?
What is Bogdan Konyushkov’s true level of play? And will he really try his luck on this side of the Atlantic? If he ever does, that is…
Will Aatos Koivu soon decide to come to North America to continue his development, even though it’s clear he’ll have to earn his stripes in Laval before he can dream of playing in Montreal?
The Canadiens’ management has several arguments in its favor, but has no real power over the decisions of its young prospects. As long as they haven’t signed a contract with the organization…
Bogdan Konyushkov intrigues me
Konyushkov is the best example of the uncertainty and lack of control facing the Habs: drafted in the fourth round in 2023, he’s a right-handed defenseman we’d love to see in action at (actual) training camp. However, he hasn’t participated in any rookie camp or (real) training camp since being drafted.
He was seen only briefly last summer at the CH’s summer development camp.
The CH is looking for a right-handed defenseman (to play alongside Lane Hutson, in particular), and Konyushkov’s stats are interesting enough to make us want to test him out with the organization’s other pros. Especially since Ivan Demidov could show him the ropes in Montreal.
