As is often the case with Russian players, RG.org published an exclusive interview with the Montreal Canadiens’ first pick at the last draft, Alexander Zharovsky. As we’ve already reported, the 18-year-old is a childhood friend of Habs rookie Ivan Demidov, and he won’t be attending development camp. Still, it’s never too early to learn a little bit more about a Canadiens' prospect.
In the interview with RG’s Tuboltseva, the youngster gave some details about the whirlwind that was his last few days. He returned to Russia on Sunday after spending time in Florida, where he participated in the Gold Star showcase. This is an event put on by his agency that showcases its players. The youngsters trained and played scrimmages while scouts and executives observed. In the afternoon, they had the opportunity to speak with the team’s representative.
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Zharovsky met with the Canadiens at the showcase, but it wasn’t the only time he spoke to them. He had multiple interviews, and after the meeting at the showcase, they called again to ask more in-depth questions, which is when he thought things were getting serious.
The youngster was frank; he had hoped to be picked in the first round, but he’s happy he was picked early in the second round, and by a team as storied as the Canadiens. His last season was a great success in the MHL, where he was named Rookie of the Year following a 50-point (including 24 goals) output in 45 games. He was happy to make his KHL debut under former NHLer and current coach Viktor Kozlov.
The 6-foot-1 and 163-pound right winger knows what he needs to focus on this Summer; he plans on getting bigger, stronger, and faster. His debut in the KHL likely contributed to that realization, as he described the highest league in Russia as faster and more challenging than the junior league in which he spent his last season.
After being drafted by the Canadiens, he received a call from Nick Bobrov, Montreal’s co-director of scouting, who told him the team believes in him and his counting on him. Don’t expect Zharovsky to come over to North America soon though, he has a valid contract with his Russian team until the end of the 2026-2027 season, meaning Canadiens fans might have to wait two whole seasons before he makes his debut in the Habs organization, but judging by the highlights, he will be worth the wait. If you thought you were done chasing KHL highlights now that Demidov has a contract with the Habs, think again; you’ll want to see what Zharovsky is up to.
Photo credit: MHL Website
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