Alexander Zharovsky’s summer in Montreal gave the Canadiens prospect more than just ice time. It gave him a real look at the standard he’ll eventually be asked to meet.
The Russian forward spent extended time in the city this summer, taking part in Living Sisu and skating alongside several Canadiens regulars. He also joined a group of Montreal players in the professional three-on-three summer hockey league, a setting that put him against established NHL talent instead of junior or developmental competition.
That kind of run matters. For a young player, facing legitimate NHL players can accelerate the learning curve, and Zharovsky got that chance firsthand. The pace, the open ice and the offensive freedom of the three-on-three format also fit his game well, giving him a stage to show his skill.
He wasn’t the only one in those sessions. Zachary Bolduc, Alexandre Carrier, Ivan Demidov, Jake Evans and Jayden Struble all skated with him.
The Demidov connection already stands out. The two Russian countrymen have spent time together, and Demidov appears to be taking the youngster under his wing.
For Zharovsky, the summer wasn’t only about testing himself. It was also about getting comfortable around the people he may one day call teammates. He’s learning the organization’s expectations before officially making the move to North America.
He’ll head back to the KHL this season, but he leaves Montreal with more than just memories. The summer gave him valuable experience, a clearer sense of NHL standards and a few important relationships that should help as his development continues.
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