Canadiens Prospect Alexander Zharovsky Turning Heads in the KHL
The Montreal Canadiens may have struck gold with their top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Alexander Zharovsky, the 34th overall selection, is already making noise overseas-and not just as a promising prospect, but as a legitimate force in one of the world’s top professional leagues.
The 18-year-old forward is logging his first full season with Salavat Yulaev Ufa in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and to say he’s holding his own would be an understatement. With 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) in 44 games, Zharovsky isn’t just fitting in-he’s leading his team in scoring. And he’s doing it with the kind of poise and consistency that rarely shows up this early in a player’s pro career.
“I understand that I need to score points in every game, and I want to do that,” Zharovsky said in a recent interview. “I try to score and make plays every game.”
That mindset is already paying dividends.
A Coach’s Confidence: “He Has Real Potential”
Zharovsky plays under head coach Viktor Kozlov, a former NHL veteran with nearly 900 games under his belt. Kozlov sees a player with elite puck control, a high hockey IQ, and the willingness to learn-three traits that set the foundation for long-term success.
“Puck control is Sasha’s strongest quality,” Kozlov said. “He’s a smart player. He understands what we ask of him and what we explain.”
Physically, Zharovsky is still developing. At 18, he’s going up against grown men in one of the toughest leagues outside the NHL.
Kozlov acknowledges that the teenager isn’t quite there yet in terms of strength, but he’s not concerned. Zharovsky is putting in the work in the gym and learning from seasoned teammates.
“He knows he’s still young,” Kozlov said. “He works in the gym, lifts weights, trains with experienced players. He needs time to build strength and muscle.”
As with many young players, there’s still some risk-taking in Zharovsky’s game-creative decisions that don’t always pan out. But Kozlov sees that as part of the process, not a flaw.
“He has the right to make mistakes because he has real potential,” Kozlov added. “He can create something with the puck, for himself or for a teammate.”
Center Ice: A New Challenge
Zharovsky came into the season as a winger, but injuries forced Ufa’s coaching staff to shuffle the lineup. That opened the door for Zharovsky to get reps at center-a position that demands more responsibility, both with and without the puck.
“Playing on the wing is probably easier, but I feel comfortable in both roles,” Zharovsky said. “Center is more demanding: faceoffs, puck control, a lot goes through you. Puck possession is very important now.”
He’s adjusted well, even if the transition is still a work in progress. Kozlov doesn’t view the experiment as a failure-far from it. In fact, he sees it as a valuable part of Zharovsky’s development and a potential asset for the team.
“We have several players who can play center, and he is one of them,” Kozlov said. “That gives more options offensively.”
The biggest area for growth? Defensive play. Faceoffs are part of the equation, but Kozlov is more focused on Zharovsky’s overall positioning and awareness in his own zone.
As for Zharovsky’s one-timer-an area he admits needs work-Kozlov offers some perspective.
“If you compare it to Alexander Ovechkin, then of course, he has a lot of work to do,” he said with a smile. “But compared to players his age, his one-timer is quite good.”
Eyes on the NHL-Eventually
Zharovsky is under contract with Salavat Yulaev through 2027, and while there’s no set timeline for his move to North America, the door is open. Club GM Rinat Bashirov has said the team won’t stand in Zharovsky’s way if he’s ready for the NHL by the 2027-28 season. For now, though, Zharovsky isn’t rushing anything.
“We haven’t talked about it yet,” he said. “I don’t know what will happen.”
He’s focused on the present-and that includes a strong candidacy for KHL Rookie of the Year, an honor his friend and fellow Canadiens prospect Ivan Demidov took home last season. The two have known each other since childhood and still keep in touch.
Kuznetsov’s Influence: A Veteran Voice in the Room
One of the most intriguing developments in Zharovsky’s season has been the arrival of Evgeny Kuznetsov. The former Capitals and Hurricanes forward joined Salavat Yulaev before the trade deadline and has quickly become a mentor to the young forward.
“Zhenya gives a lot of advice, both on and off the ice,” Zharovsky said. “He’s a great guy. It’s easy to play with him-he sees the ice well, makes great passes, and I understand him.”
The chemistry was immediate. In their first two games together, the line clicked. Zharovsky credits Kuznetsov not just for his hockey sense, but for making the game more fun.
He even called Kuznetsov the funniest teammate he’s ever had.
Off the Ice: Building a Following
Zharovsky is also starting to make waves off the ice. At the suggestion of his agents, he launched a Telegram channel-one of Russia’s most popular social media platforms-and quickly racked up 17,000 subscribers.
“I wasn’t very interested at first, but I went along with it,” he said. “People seem to like it, and that’s nice.”
He’s still getting used to the idea of sharing his life with fans, but he’s not trying to copy anyone. That said, he did give a nod to fellow KHL forward Arseny Gritsyuk, who uses smart glasses to film his vlogs.
All-Star Recognition and a Childhood Idol
Capping off his breakout season, Zharovsky earned a spot in the KHL All-Star Game, suiting up for the U23 Stars team in Yekaterinburg. There, he had a chance to meet one of his hockey idols-Alexander Radulov.
“Alexander is a player who was always at a high level,” Zharovsky said. “He’s great both as a hockey player and as a personality. He also played in Ufa, so fans were happy to see him.”
It’s been a whirlwind season for the Canadiens’ young prospect. Between leading his KHL team in scoring, learning new positions, soaking up wisdom from NHL veterans, and building a fanbase, Zharovsky is checking all the right boxes.
If his development stays on this trajectory, Montreal fans may not have to wait long to see him in a Habs sweater-and when that time comes, he might be more than ready.