Kent Hughes and the Canadiens may have added a prospect with a stronger overall case than Alexander Zharovsky, at least if the NHL’s official ranking is any indication.
That’s the twist in the latest Montreal Canadiens prospect list on NHL.com: Gleb Pugachyov is placed ahead of Zharovsky.
Pugachyov, who was drafted 26th overall in June, brings a rare power-forward look. He’s a big winger who likes to play physically and throw his weight around. That kind of profile has obvious appeal, especially for a team looking for more size and edge in its pipeline.
Still, the ranking raised eyebrows because many evaluators see a different ceiling conversation. Pugachyov is not generally viewed as having the same offensive upside as Michael Hage or Alex Zharovsky, both of whom are considered more dangerous with the puck on their sticks.
That’s what makes NHL.com’s order stand out.
The site has David Reinbacher at No. 1 among Canadiens prospects, with Pugachyov coming in fourth and Zharovsky fifth. In other words, Pugachyov is ranked one spot ahead of Zharovsky despite being the less proven offensive player.
That surprise is even bigger when you look at what Zharovsky has already done. He’s a year older and is coming off a massive KHL season with around 42 points, while Pugachyov has yet to really establish himself in that league.
The difference, it seems, comes down to more than raw production. Pugachyov’s game offers elements that don’t always show up in the box score, and NHL.com likely sees him as the safer bet.
So yes, the official ranking suggests the Canadiens may have come away with a better prospect than Zharovsky when they drafted Pugachyov.
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