Let’s be honest, Kent Hughes hit a home run with Alexander Zharovsky in the second round in 2025.
The 18-year-old is in the process of rewriting the KHL record book for a player his age.
With 13 goals and 36 points in 44 games this season, he is now just a few points away from breaking the historic mark set by his new teammate.
Zharovsky is considered a frontrunner for the KHL Rookie of the Year award, claimed last season by Ivan Demidov. The two have known each other since childhood and remain in contact.
“I understand that I need to score points in every game, and I want to do that. I try to score and make plays every game. I came to the team as a winger. Then our centers got injured, and the coaches had to move players around. It was a forced decision. Playing on the wing is probably easier, but I feel comfortable in both roles. Center is more demanding: faceoffs, puck control, a lot goes through you. Puck possession is very important now.”
– Alexander Zharovsky
The kid has magician-like hands — it’s unbelievable — he literally dances around Russian defensemen every night. His chemistry with Kuznetsov is already noticeable, as he picked up two assists on the veteran’s first goals.
We can agree that having Evgeny Kuznetsov as a mentor in Ufa is the school of life for a Canadiens prospect.
“Zhenya gives a lot of advice, both on and off the ice. He’s a great guy. It’s easy to play with him – he sees the ice well, makes great passes, and I understand him. In our first two games together, everything worked well. I liked it. In the last game we were put together again, and it went well too. We talk on the bench, and he tells me where and how to play certain moments.”
– Zharovsky
Zharovsky’s 163-pound frame still worries some experts, but his hockey IQ more than makes up for it. He physically dominates grown men by using his exceptional vision and quick transition game.
It’s major news for the rebuild: the Ufa club has even opened the door to an early departure to the NHL. If Zharovsky keeps lighting up the league, we could see him in Montreal sooner than expected.
A historic record within Zharovsky’s reach
The goal is clear: to erase the 40-point mark set by Kuznetsov during his U-19 season.
With the confidence given to him by head coach Viktor Kozlov, Zharovsky has become the undisputed offensive leader of his team.
Let’s be honest, seeing an 18-year-old prospect lead a professional team in Russia doesn’t happen every day.
Alexander Zharovsky often finishes his games with impressive ice time for a player his age.
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Alexander Zharovsky opens up on historic KHL run and Canadiens future
Will Zharovsky be more productive than Ivan Demidov when he arrives in the NHL?