Canadiens Prospect Zharovsky Impresses at Development Camp

Fans got their first glimpse of Alexander Zharovsky at the Montreal Canadiens’ development camp since his selection in the 2025 draft, and the excitement was palpable. The young forward showcased impressive skill and finesse on the ice, leaving spectators buzzing about his potential NHL career. Just a few days later, he further captivated the crowd at the Make Your Move event, where he demonstrated his remarkable hands during a shootout tournament.

Kevin Dube of Le Journal de Montreal caught up with former Buffalo Sabres first-round pick Mikhail Grigorenko, who had high praise for Zharovsky. Grigorenko, with a solid NHL background spanning 249 games as well as eight seasons in the KHL, highlighted the young prospect’s capabilities. “He’s excellent, he’s a very, very good player,” Grigorenko noted. While he anticipates Zharovsky will spend another year in Russia, he believes the forward has the potential to be a top-six player in the NHL.

Grigorenko elaborated on why Zharovsky was drafted later than expected, attributing this to his KHL status. “If he didn’t play in the KHL, he would have been drafted in the first round. It’s hard for people to know just how good he can be because they can’t see him in the Junior World Championship or similar events and compare him to other young players. That was a steal for the Canadiens,” he added.

At 32, Grigorenko has come to terms with his NHL career likely being behind him, finding contentment in his current role in the KHL, where he enjoys a more significant impact and financial stability. As for Zharovsky, the transition to North American play will be closely watched. The KHL season runs from September 5 to March 20, with playoffs extending to May 11, 2027. Zharovsky is expected to return to Ufa Salavat Yulayev, a team not projected to contend for the Gagarin Cup. This situation raises questions about his availability for the Canadiens if his KHL season concludes while the NHL playoffs are still underway.

Last season, Zharovsky was named rookie of the year in the KHL, racking up 42 points and 16 goals in 59 games. At the development camp, he expressed his commitment to becoming a responsible forward at both ends of the ice, further solidifying the Canadiens’ excitement about his future.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.